Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

AKITA, Japan - Photo from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the swollen Yoneshiro River in Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture, on Aug. 9, 2013, after heavy rain hit areas of northeastern Japan.

Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

AKITA, Japan - Photo from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a road partially submerged by the swollen Yoneshiro River in Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture, on Aug. 9, 2013, after heavy rain hit areas of northeastern Japan.

Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

Heavy rain in northeastern Japan

AKITA, Japan - Photo from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the swollen Yoneshiro River in Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture, on Aug. 9, 2013, after heavy rain hit areas of northeastern Japan.

Elementary school boy found dead in Akita Pref.

Elementary school boy found dead in Akita Pref.

AKITA, Japan - A villager looks on as policemen check the banks Yoneshiro River in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, where an elementary school boy was found dead on May 18. Police suspect foul play in the death of Goken Yoneyama, 7, of Fujisato town in the prefecture.

Elementary school boy found dead in Akita Pref.

Elementary school boy found dead in Akita Pref.

AKITA, Japan - A villager looks on as policemen check the banks Yoneshiro River in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, where an elementary school boy was found dead on May 18. Police suspect foul play in the death of Goken Yoneyama, 7, of Fujisato town in the prefecture. (Kyodo)

Seal in northeastern Japan

Seal in northeastern Japan

A seal lies on a rock in the Yoneshiro River in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan on Jan. 17, 2018. The seal, about 70 centimeters in size, was found alone about 30 kilometers upstream from the river mouth, according to the city. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo