Japan's Pacific coast, particularly the Kanto region, is enduring a significant lack of rainfall described by the Meteorological Agency as a 'once in 30 years' event. This situation has triggered water shortages leading to nighttime water supply cuts across various municipalities. As the drought continues, the growth of vegetables is being adversely affected, raising concerns about food supply and farming practices.

At the Takihata Dam in Osaka Prefecture, which is among the largest in the region, aerial views reveal the dry lake bed where remnants of submerged villages and roads are now visible. This area, previously home to fields and thatched-roof houses, is experiencing its worst water storage levels since the dam's completion in 1981, with a current water storage rate of just 20.74%. Such limited water availability has led to an unprecedented 85% reduction in water supply for daily use.

The situation is further complicated as local authorities initiate water supply restrictions, with some areas facing complete nighttime water shutdowns. The dam management has noted that although portions of submerged structures have occasionally surfaced, witnessing the entirety of the lake bed exposed is a rare occurrence, underlining the severity of this environmental challenge. As farmers and residents await potential rainfall, the implications of this drought on agriculture and daily life are a growing concern for the affected communities.