Islands Fear Invasion Of International Tourists
From the Asahi Shinbun:
KAGOSHIMA–A village encompassing 12 tiny islands is preparing for an astronomical event–and an expected invasion of tourists.
On July 22, 2009, Toshima village will be the best place to observe Japan’s first total solar eclipse in 46 years.
The sun will be eclipsed by the moon for 6 minutes and 25 seconds from 10:53:06 a.m. on Akusekijima islet, which will be the world’s longest period of daytime darkness in the 21st century.
The village, with a population of less than 700, fears an unrestricted influx of space enthusiasts will cause confusion and disturb the quiet life on the southern remote islands.
A town in Egypt was inundated with 70,000 sightseers in 2006 when a total solar eclipse was observed, according to village officials.
The Toshima village government, which has been studying tour arrangements with a travel agency, plans to limit visitors to 1,300 during the eclipse period and charge about 300,000 yen per person.
