A public briefing for a large solar power project in a Japanese town has been called off amid strong opposition from local residents. The local community raised concerns about the impact of the so-called "mega solar" project on the environment and their quality of life. The cancellation, a rare move in Japan's drive towards renewable energy, underscores the challenges faced by such projects in balancing environmental sustainability and local interests.

Japan has aggressively pursued renewable energy in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in 2011. However, large-scale infrastructure projects often face resistance from local communities, who are concerned about the environmental impact and disruption to daily life. The issue is a sensitive one in Japan, where public opinion often influences policy decisions.

Much like in the USA and EU, Japan is grappling with the tension between the need for renewable energy and the concerns of local communities. Similar to the debates over wind farms or fracking sites in the US and EU, the challenges faced by Japan in implementing solar power projects point to the delicate balance that must be struck between national goals and local interests.