Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures were pummeled by heavy rains related to Tropical Storm Etau on September 10. The Kinu River flooded, sweeping away buildings and causing landslides. At least 6,900 houses have been damaged, 22,000 residents have been affected, and 800,000 were evacuated. Travel disruptions and power outages have affected nearby areas.



Flood damage in the neighboring city of Kanuma

In light of the disaster, a Mobile Suit Gundam-themed bar, 0079, in the nearby but safe city of Utsunomiya opened its doors to the victims. Its owner tweeted that for that day any customers would get free drinks: "those affected by the disaster, those who can't go home, those who want to nap, those who weren't affected but are feeling down... sorry that this is the least we can do." He stated that the intention was "to make those hit by the disaster and related people feel better if they're in the area."

In later tweets, the bar's owner dismissed any praise for his actions, claiming that the cost of alcohol didn't matter and that his employees were at home anyway (and some couldn't leave). He then became flustered at the attention 0079 was getting, since the bar is unauthorized.

[Via Hachima Kikō; Images from Mainichi Shimbun and Gunosy]