80% of Japan s 47 prefectures have problems with solar power plants
July 4, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
Solar panels cover an area of 82 hectares in the western Japan city of Akaiwa, Okayama Prefecture, in this photo taken from a Mainichi Shimbun helicopter on June 1, 2021. (Mainichi/Kenji Konoha) Solar energy, expected to replace nuclear power as a main source of electricity, has turned into a big headache across Japan, as solar power stations have proven to be eyesores and their impact on the environment destructive. A Mainichi Shimbun survey found that of all 47 prefectures in Japan, 80% have problems with solar power energy in one way or another.
Japan Photo Journal: Tokyo dep t store beer garden opens amid pandemic after 2 yrs away
July 3, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
(Mainichi/Ayane Matsuyama) People are seen out at a beer garden on the rooftop of the Matsuya Ginza department store in Tokyo s Chuo Ward for a June 28, 2021, press event. The beer garden will run until Sept. 26, and marks the first time in two years for it to open since the coronavirus pandemic kept it closed in 2020. To prevent infections, seating is reduced by 40% and non-alcoholic drinks are prepared. Food is served barbecue style, and meat, vegetables and other dishes normally provided on one large sharing plate are now served on small individual ones. In addition to asking that the masked meal method be observed, an all-you-can-drink soft drinks option has been introduced. As per quasi-emergency measures, alcohol is not served to groups of three or more. For the time being, the beer garden will be open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. o