Researchers are expected to drill and collect samples off the prefectures of Akita and Yamagata in the north of the country and off Niigata prefecture to the south.
Potential methane hydrate deposits have already been identified in these areas in the past three years by the government-funded project.
The Kyodo news agency also reported that it is “highly likely” that methane hydrate deposits are located in the Pacific Ocean off the western prefecture of Wakayama.
The
