Typhoon Dujuan Triggers Flood and Landslide Alerts Across Japan

A powerful typhoon is bearing down on Japan’s eastern coastline, prompting authorities to issue critical warnings for floods and landslides while disrupting travel plans across the nation. Typhoon Dujuan, Japan’s twenty-fifth storm of the year, was recorded Monday morning with sustained winds reaching 144 kilometers (89 miles) per hour, lingering approximately 110 kilometers from Hachijojima, one of Tokyo’s most distant islands.

Japan’s heavy rainfall had already begun affecting the Izu Islands and Chiba Prefecture over the weekend. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has cautioned that conditions could deteriorate quickly. According to the agency, cumulative rainfall through Tuesday may surpass the average monthly total for September, potentially setting a new record for the month.

Officials are particularly concerned about the formation of linear rain bands over central Japan and the Kanto region, which encompasses Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. These bands can produce intense, torrential downpours in narrow corridors for several hours, significantly increasing the likelihood of flash floods and landslides.

The disruption has been widespread, with at least 275 flights canceled as the storm coincides with the beginning of the five-day “Silver Week” holiday period, which traditionally drives a surge in domestic tourism. Japan Airlines cancelled 120 domestic and 15 international routes, while All Nippon Airways grounded 140 domestic flights. Some railway services in the Tokyo metropolitan area were also suspended.

Other sectors have felt the impact as well. Over 4,000 households in Chiba lost power, and heavy flooding was reported on roads in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. In Aichi Prefecture, currently hosting the Asian Games, an equestrian eventing competition was delayed until Tuesday. Additionally, the Tokyo Game Show, a major global video game exhibition, closed ahead of schedule on Monday before its final day.