Japan is preparing for Typhoon Dujuan, which is moving close to the Pacific Ocean coast on the country's east. It is expected to pass near the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, today (21 Sep). This has led to at least 275 flight cancellations, disruptions to transport systems, and government warnings of record-breaking heavy rain, flooding, and landslides.
On Monday, Japan is bracing for Typhoon Dujuan as it approaches the eastern Pacific coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned residents to be cautious of heavy rain, strong gusts, and landslides, while the storm is affecting travel and various activities across multiple areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that Typhoon Dujuan will pass near the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, from late afternoon to late evening on Monday (21 Sep). There is a risk of heavy rain from elongated rainbands forming over the Kanto-Koshin region in eastern Japan and the Tokai region in central Japan.
At 10:00 local time today, the typhoon was approximately 110 kilometers southwest of Hachijo-jima Island, moving northeast at 20 km/h. The central pressure was 960 hectopascals with maximum wind gusts reaching 198 km/h, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency's website.
This typhoon is the 25th to hit Japan this year and is moving into the country during a five-day holiday period, causing transportation disruptions including partial highway closures and cancellations of various events.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that accumulated rainfall by Tuesday may exceed the average for the entire month of September, possibly resulting in record-breaking heavy rain. Forecasted 24-hour rainfall totals by 06:00 Tuesday are up to 350 millimeters in the Tokai region, 300 millimeters in the Kanto region and Izu Islands, and 200 millimeters in the Tohoku region.
Authorities have warned of severe flooding risks in low-lying areas, including landslides particularly along coastal zones, and have urged residents to closely monitor emergency alerts.
Due to the typhoon, Japanese airlines and rail services have reduced or suspended operations. Japan Airlines canceled 120 domestic and 15 international flights, while All Nippon Airways canceled 140 domestic flights, totaling at least 275 canceled flights.
All Nippon Airways has also suspended flights to and from Hachijo-jima Island, south of Tokyo, which is experiencing heavy rain and strong winds. JR East has suspended some train services in Chiba Prefecture, home to Narita International Airport. Additionally, rail operators in Tokyo and nearby areas have halted some routes. Reports indicate over 4,000 households in Chiba are without electricity on Monday.
The severe weather has also impacted major events. The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world's largest video game exhibitions and innovation fairs that began on Thursday, canceled its final day due to the typhoon. Likewise, a large outdoor music festival in Chiba and scheduled baseball games on the same day were also canceled.
Meanwhile, organizers of the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city in central Japan said concerns over the typhoon’s impact may have contributed to lower attendance at the opening ceremony on Sunday, noting visibly empty seats in the 30,000-capacity stadium.
JR Central, operating the Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed rail line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, warned that afternoon services on Monday could face delays or cancellations due to weather conditions caused by the typhoon.
The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that heavy rain and strong winds may intensify before the storm reaches Japan's eastern coastal areas. They urged residents in vulnerable regions to prepare for severe weather and to continuously follow local authorities' guidance.
. KYODO NEWS/The Japan Times/ AFP