Japan observes annular solar eclipse

TOKYO - An annular solar eclipse was observed across Japan on Monday morning, including Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

An annular solar eclipse is seen from a rooftop of the Roppongi Hills complex in Tokyo May 21, 2012. The sun and moon will align over the earth in a rare astronomical event on Sunday - an annular eclipse that will dim the skies over parts of Asia and North America, briefly turning the sun into a blazing ring of fire. [Photo/Agencies]

The annular solar eclipse, also named "a ring of fire" eclipse, was visible on the Pacific coast side of southwestern to northeastern Japan, and it continued for about four to five minutes.

A partial eclipse started at 6 am in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan, according to local media. The annular solar eclipse occurred at around 7:20 am and at around 7:32 am in Tokyo urban area.

The solar eclipse was first seen in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan in 1987.

The next annular solar eclipse visible will be observed in Hokkaido, Japan in 2030.