TOTTORI -- The Tottori Prefectural Government has drawn up a "starry sky preservation ordinance" to protect the stunning local star-scape from light pollution.

The draft outline is set to go to the floor of the prefectural assembly during a regular session starting in late November.

Tottori Prefecture has included stargazing in its tourism strategy, dubbing itself the "hoshitori-ken," or "star-grabbing prefecture." The region is already known for the tremendous visibility of its night sky, and the planned ordinance is designed to maintain those conditions far into the future.

The ordinance will ban aiming spotlights, lasers and other light sources into the sky, except in special circumstances such as in times of natural disaster or for research purposes. Furthermore, to promote economic revitalization of the prefecture's mountain communities, the ordinance will designate spots especially good for astronomical observation as "starry sky preservation areas" and impose even more stringent light use regulations. Specifically, all outdoor lights except for those on homes will be required to point downward, among other measures.

A starry sky is seen above the mountainous and forested landscape of Tottori Prefecture. (Photo courtesy of Tottori Prefecture)

The prefecture had initially considered making violations a criminal offence resulting in a fine, and which would remain on a person's criminal record. However, an expert committee charged with promoting Tottori's starry sky plans repeatedly urged restraint on this point. In the end, the prefecture decided to make ordinance violations an administrative offence punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 yen for repeat offenders who ignore official cease and desist orders.

Most respondents to a prefectural online survey were in favor of penalties for light ordinance violators, and Tottori Gov. Shinji Hirai told a Nov. 8 news conference, "I'd like to take up the greatest points of agreement among prefectural residents and move forward with proposing the ordinance."

The ordinance also includes provisions for education and public awareness about the night sky, in hopes of deepening people's enjoyment of stargazing through observation parties and the like.