Eclipse in the spotlight

Japan's first 'ring of fire' solar eclipse in more than 170 years brought people onto the streets of Tokyo in their droves.

This kind of eclipse can only happen when the moon's orbit is at its furthest from Earth and closer to the much larger sun.

Japanese media estimated about 83 million turned out to get a first-hand glimpse of the big event.

SOUNDBITE: 9-YEAR-OLD SHUNPEI TAKASHI SAYING (Japanese):

It's amazing, I was able to see it clearly."

SOUNDBITE: 21-YEAR-OLD HIKARU CHIBA SAYING (Japanese):

"It's dazzling. I wish someone would give me a ring like that."

The perfect moment lasted just a fleeting five minutes.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan.

The phenomenon's not due to happen there again for another 300 years.

Paul Chapman, Reuters