HYOGO, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - A severe water shortage is spreading across Japan, triggering fears of a significant impact on this year’s rice harvest and prompting farmers and local governments to call for urgent conservation efforts. Some are warning that the current situation may rival or even exceed the infamous drought of 1994, known as the "Heisei Great Drought."
In Hyogo Prefecture’s Tamba City, the Mitaka Dam, which supplies household water to around 1,800 households, has seen its water level drop to just 35.0%—nearing the 33% record low from 12 years ago. The surrounding rivers have dried up completely, and even the dam bed is visible, strewn with the remains of dead shellfish.
Local farmers are already feeling the impact. One farmer near the dam noted, "Usually, our eggplants would be growing rapidly, but there’s no water, and they’re starting to wilt. Eventually, they just die." Tanks meant to store rainwater have been left completely dry, and vegetables have withered under the heat.
Rainfall in July was just a quarter of the average level, while temperatures reached a national record of 41.2°C. One resident lamented, "There’s usually at least an evening shower. Last year was a bit dry, but this year is especially harsh. Everyone’s been praying for rain."
The drought has affected even leisure facilities. A public pool, which would typically be full of children’s voices during summer break, was forced to close just three days after opening due to water restrictions. Tamba City is urging residents to conserve water, noting that water is needed not only for households but also for rice paddies, especially through the Obon holiday period. Officials say that unless it rains soon, there won’t be enough water to sustain rice cultivation.
The situation could worsen. If the drought continues, authorities may have to reduce household water pressure or even impose water rationing. Some dams across the country have already reported zero percent reservoir capacity.
Weather analyst Yohei Kataoka explained the conditions: "This year, the rainy season saw significantly less precipitation. The seasonal front rapidly jumped past the Kinki region to Hokkaido, skipping over areas that usually receive rain." He warned that the situation could become worse than the 1994 drought, especially along the Sea of Japan coast from northern Kyushu through Kinki to Hokuriku.
In Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture—one of the Kinki region’s top rice-producing areas—the cracked, dry earth stretches across parched paddies. Farmer Hira said, "There’s no water at all. The soil is rock hard." While Hira typically pumped water from a nearby river, now nearly dry, he is resorting to extracting residual moisture from the soil itself.
Toyooka endured 13 consecutive days of temperatures above 35°C last month. Rainfall was just 10% of the average. The combination of extreme heat and lack of water has turned rice stalks brown, with some plants appearing scorched. This period is when rice needs the most water, and if conditions persist, the harvest will be significantly reduced.
Hira added, "This isn’t just Toyooka. We’re hearing it’s affecting the entire Sea of Japan side, including major rice producers like Niigata. It could become a serious nationwide issue."
As the drought worsens, public concern is growing about how long it will last and what solutions are available. According to meteorologists, one or two typhoons may not be enough to restore water levels. "We need as much rainfall as we normally see during the heaviest parts of the rainy season," Kataoka said.
The 16-day weather forecast indicates some rain starting this Thursday, with the possibility of heavy rain, but it is expected to last only a few days. By mid-August, clear skies and intense heat are forecast to return. Experts believe the rain will not be enough to fully resolve the water shortage.
The issue has received little attention in national politics. Commentators point out that despite growing concerns about food security and the lingering effects of last year’s so-called "Reiwa Rice Panic," rice shortages and the plight of farmers have yet to become a focus in parliamentary debate.
Citizens are being encouraged to do their part in conserving water—such as turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes, limiting bathwater usage, and reusing water where possible. As one commentator noted, "We can’t control how much rain falls, but with each person’s effort, we can weather this together."
Source: KTV NEWS
