They had some warning. And they live in a region that is used to dealing with tsunamis, so I imagine most people got to higher ground.
Luckily they had aerial notice and it was daylight....alarms were sent QUICK!
Unfortunately, the tsunami was upon them in 9 minutes. I'm not sure I could get my Bug Out Bag, Family, pets, and car out of the wide swath of danger in 9 minutes, even if the car was running when the shaking started. .....prayers for Japan.