Water shortage concerns in Kanto region

Water shortage concerns in Kanto region

MINAKAMI, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 10, 2012, shows Lake Okutone in the town of Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, the bed of which is exposed as the water level has dropped. Restrictions have been imposed on the water intake from feeder dams in the Kanto region on Sept. 11 amid growing fears of potential water shortages in the central Japan area due to low rainfall.

Water shortage concerns in Kanto region

Water shortage concerns in Kanto region

MINAKAMI, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 10, 2012, shows Lake Okutone in the town of Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, the bed of which is exposed as the water level has dropped. The Yagisawa Dam can be seen in the background. Restrictions have been imposed on the water intake from feeder dams in the Kanto region on Sept. 11 amid growing fears of potential water shortages in the central Japan area due to low rainfall.

Mt. Tanigawa opens to climbers

Mt. Tanigawa opens to climbers

MINAKAMI, Japan - The 1,977-meter Mt. Tanigawa in central Japan opens to climbers for this season July 6 in a ceremony held at the foot of the mountain in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture.

Tokyo, 5 prefectures cut water intake by 10%

Tokyo, 5 prefectures cut water intake by 10%

MINAKAMI, Japan - Photo taken Aug. 9 shows the Yagisawa Dam in Minakami, Gunma prefecture, where the water level has fallen due to recent hot, dry weather. The drop in water levels at the Yagisawa and seven other dams on the upper Tone River has forced Tokyo and five neighboring prefectures to start cutting their water intake by 10% on Aug. 10.