Tohoku firm on track for recovery

Tohoku firm on track for recovery

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Aki Murakami (L) and Akie Hoshi, who started work at Yagisawa Shoten after the March 2011 disaster, showcase products of the established maker and seller of soy sauce and miso at the company in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture on Jan. 31, 2013.

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.

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.

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.