Typhoon Dujuan Closes In On Tokyo As More Than 1.6 Million People Urged To Evacuate And 275 Flights Cancelled

JD GLOBAL MEDIA | SOUTH AFRICA

Published: 21 September 2026

POWERFUL TYPHOON THREATENS EASTERN JAPAN

Japan is facing a major weather emergency as Typhoon Dujuan moves toward the country's heavily populated eastern region, bringing powerful winds, torrential rain, flooding and an elevated risk of landslides to Tokyo and surrounding prefectures.

The storm has already disrupted air travel, railway services, sporting events, public gatherings and electricity supplies, while authorities have urged more than 1.6 million people in and around the Tokyo metropolitan area to consider evacuation.

Japan's Meteorological Agency has warned that rainfall could become exceptionally heavy, with some areas potentially receiving more rain through Tuesday than they normally receive during the entire month of September.

The storm was producing winds of approximately 144 kilometres per hour as it moved toward the Kanto region on Monday.

Authorities have issued landslide and heavy-rain warnings for Tokyo and neighbouring areas including Chiba, Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures.

At least 275 flights operated by Japan's two largest airlines were cancelled, while some railway services were suspended.

More than 9,000 households near Tokyo were also without electricity as the storm intensified.

The weather emergency has affected not only transport and residential areas but also major international events taking place in Japan.

The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world's largest video-game trade fairs, was forced to close early on its final day, while an Asian Games equestrian event was postponed because of the approaching storm.

MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION PEOPLE UNDER EVACUATION ADVISORIES

Japanese authorities have issued evacuation advisories affecting more than 1.6 million residents across areas threatened by heavy rain, flooding and landslides.

The advisories do not mean that every person must immediately leave their home.

Instead, they are warnings for residents to assess the danger around them and move to safer locations where necessary.

The warnings are particularly important for people living near rivers, low-lying areas, steep slopes and places vulnerable to landslides.

Japan has an extensive disaster-management system because the country regularly experiences earthquakes, typhoons, floods and landslides.

However, the scale of the population in the Tokyo metropolitan area creates additional challenges.

Tokyo and surrounding prefectures contain millions of residents living across densely developed urban and suburban areas.

A major storm can therefore affect transport networks, electricity supplies, roads, airports, schools, businesses and emergency services simultaneously.

The authorities are attempting to move people away from the most dangerous areas before conditions become worse.

That becomes more difficult once roads begin flooding or winds become too strong for safe travel.

RECORD-BREAKING RAINFALL POSSIBLE

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the total rainfall associated with Dujuan could exceed the average monthly rainfall for September in some locations.

The agency has also warned that rainfall could reach record levels.

One of the most dangerous weather patterns is the possibility of concentrated bands of rain remaining over the same area for an extended period.

Such rainfall can rapidly overwhelm drainage systems.

Water can accumulate on roads and enter buildings.

Rivers can rise quickly.

Slopes saturated with water can become unstable.

The combination of heavy rain and steep terrain creates a particularly serious landslide risk.

For residents, the danger is not limited to the moment when the typhoon makes its closest approach.

Heavy rainfall can continue before and after the centre of the storm passes.

Authorities have therefore warned residents to remain alert even as the storm changes direction or begins moving away from particular areas.

TOKYO AND CHIBA ARE ALREADY EXPERIENCING DISRUPTION

The storm has already affected communities around Tokyo.

In Chiba Prefecture, located immediately east of Tokyo, thousands of households lost electricity.

Flooding has also been reported in several locations.

Roads have become difficult to use, and authorities have warned people against unnecessary travel.

The disruption is significant because Chiba is closely integrated with the Tokyo metropolitan economy.

Large numbers of people travel between Chiba and Tokyo every day for work, education and business.

When railway services are suspended and roads become flooded, the effects can quickly spread into the wider metropolitan area.

The storm is therefore not simply a weather event affecting coastal communities.

It is affecting one of the world's largest urban and economic regions.

275 FLIGHTS CANCELLED

Air travel has been heavily disrupted.

Japan Airlines cancelled 120 domestic flights and 15 international flights, while All Nippon Airways cancelled 140 domestic flights.

That brings the reported total to at least 275 cancelled flights.

The cancellations affect passengers travelling into and out of Tokyo and other parts of Japan.

Airlines often cancel flights in advance when severe weather threatens because aircraft cannot safely operate in conditions involving powerful winds, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.

The disruption also helps reduce the number of people who would otherwise become stranded at airports during the storm.

Passengers are being advised to check directly with their airlines before travelling to airports.

The cancellations are expected to have wider consequences because Tokyo is a major international aviation hub.

Flight disruptions can affect connecting passengers, business travel, tourism and cargo movements.

If the storm continues to affect airports for an extended period, airlines may also have to reposition aircraft and crews, creating further scheduling problems.

RAIL SERVICES ALSO SUSPENDED

Railway operators have suspended some services in Tokyo and surrounding regions.

Japan's railway system is among the most heavily used in the world, making weather-related interruptions particularly significant.

Rail services can be suspended when flooding threatens tracks, when winds exceed safe operating limits or when fallen trees and other debris create hazards.

The decision to suspend services can cause substantial disruption but is intended to prevent passengers and railway workers from being exposed to unnecessary risks.

For commuters, however, even temporary closures can create major difficulties.

People may be unable to reach workplaces or return home.

Passengers may also become stranded at stations if services stop after they have already begun their journeys.

Authorities therefore generally encourage residents to avoid unnecessary travel when severe weather warnings are in place.

POWER OUTAGES ADD TO THE PRESSURE

Thousands of households have already experienced electricity outages.

More than 9,000 households near Tokyo were reported to be without power as the storm approached.

Strong winds can damage power lines and electrical infrastructure.

Heavy rainfall can also create difficult conditions for repair crews.

The restoration of electricity may therefore take longer if crews cannot safely reach damaged infrastructure while the storm remains active.

Power outages can become particularly serious when combined with flooding.

Residents may lose access to lighting, communications equipment, refrigeration and other essential household systems.

Hospitals and other critical facilities have backup power systems, but prolonged outages can still place additional pressure on emergency infrastructure.

FLOODING HAS ALREADY APPEARED IN SOME AREAS

Images and reports from parts of eastern Japan have shown roads affected by rising water.

Flooding is a particular concern in urban areas because large quantities of concrete and asphalt reduce the amount of water that can naturally soak into the ground.

When rainfall exceeds drainage capacity, water can quickly accumulate on streets.

Low-lying underground areas can be particularly dangerous.

Authorities regularly warn people not to enter flooded roads or underground passages because the depth and movement of water can be difficult to judge.

Vehicles can also become trapped when drivers attempt to cross flooded roads.

Japanese local authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement as conditions deteriorate.

LANDSLIDE WARNINGS ACROSS MULTIPLE PREFECTURES

The risk of landslides has become one of the major concerns surrounding Dujuan.

Warnings have been issued for Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Shizuoka.

Landslides can occur when prolonged rainfall saturates soil on hillsides.

The resulting movement of earth and rocks can damage homes, roads and railway lines.

In severe cases, entire sections of hillside can collapse.

Residents living near slopes are therefore being encouraged to pay attention to evacuation information.

Signs of danger can include cracks appearing in the ground, unusual sounds from slopes, sudden changes in water flow or falling rocks.

However, residents should not wait for visible signs before evacuating when authorities have issued warnings for their area.

THE ASIAN GAMES HAVE ALSO BEEN AFFECTED

Japan is currently hosting the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, making the typhoon particularly disruptive for international sport.

The equestrian eventing competition has been postponed because of the weather.

The decision reflects the difficulty of conducting outdoor sporting events during extreme weather.

Equestrian events require safe conditions for both athletes and animals.

Strong winds and heavy rain can create dangerous conditions at competition venues.

Other sporting activities may also face scheduling changes depending on the storm's path.

The Asian Games involve athletes, officials, support staff and spectators from across Asia, meaning weather disruptions can affect people who are travelling between different locations.

TOKYO GAME SHOW FORCED TO CLOSE EARLY

One of the world's largest video-game exhibitions has also been affected.

The Tokyo Game Show, which began several days earlier, was forced to close on Monday, its scheduled final day.

The event attracts technology companies, game developers, publishers, journalists and visitors.

Its closure illustrates the breadth of the storm's economic impact.

A typhoon can disrupt not only emergency services and transportation but also conferences, exhibitions, entertainment events and tourism.

Companies that travel to international exhibitions may face additional costs when events are cancelled.

Visitors may also be unable to return home on schedule because of flight cancellations.

OTHER EVENTS CANCELLED

A major outdoor music festival and a baseball match in Chiba were also cancelled because of the approaching storm.

Outdoor events are particularly vulnerable to severe weather because large crowds can be exposed to wind, lightning, flooding and other hazards.

Cancelling events can create financial losses for organisers, performers, vendors and surrounding businesses.

However, organisers generally have to weigh those losses against public safety.

The cancellation of several events across eastern Japan shows the scale of the weather threat.

ONE PERSON INJURED AND HOUSES DAMAGED

The storm has already caused damage before its closest approach to the Tokyo metropolitan area.

At least one person was mildly injured, while nine houses were damaged, according to reports.

The figures could increase as the storm moves through more populated areas.

Damage assessments are often difficult during the peak of a storm because emergency crews cannot safely access every location.

Authorities generally begin detailed assessments once conditions improve.

The initial focus remains on saving lives, evacuating vulnerable residents and maintaining emergency services.

JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER DELAYS DEPARTURE FOR UN

The storm has also affected Japan's international diplomacy.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's departure for New York, where she is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly, was delayed by four hours because of the weather.

The Japanese government said her departure would take place later than originally planned.

The delay illustrates how the typhoon is affecting even high-level government activity.

Japan is simultaneously dealing with a domestic emergency and preparing to participate in an important international diplomatic gathering.

The prime minister's presence at the UN General Assembly is significant because Japan is one of the world's major economies and a key player in Asian diplomacy.

The weather disruption adds another logistical complication to an already busy international week.

WHY TYPHOONS ARE A MAJOR RISK FOR JAPAN

Japan is regularly exposed to tropical storms and typhoons, particularly during the late summer and early autumn.

The country has developed extensive systems for forecasting, evacuation and disaster response.

Buildings and infrastructure in many areas are designed with severe weather and other natural hazards in mind.

But even a well-prepared country can face serious disruption when a powerful storm approaches a densely populated region.

The concentration of people and infrastructure means that damage to a relatively small number of critical locations can have consequences far beyond the immediate area.

Airports, railway lines, highways and electricity networks are all interconnected.

When one part of the system fails, other parts can become overloaded.

TOKYO'S SIZE MAKES THE SITUATION MORE COMPLEX

The Tokyo metropolitan region is home to tens of millions of people when the wider urban area is considered.

Its economy depends heavily on continuous movement.

Millions of commuters rely on trains.

Businesses depend on deliveries.

Airports handle international and domestic passengers.

Hospitals depend on uninterrupted power.

Retailers rely on supply chains.

A severe weather event therefore affects many different systems simultaneously.

Authorities have to manage evacuation information while transport operators make decisions about services.

Emergency services must remain available for people who need assistance.

Power companies must prepare repair teams.

Hospitals must maintain operations.

The scale of the metropolitan region makes coordination essential.

WHY EVACUATION ADVISORIES MATTER

Evacuation advisories are issued to give people time to move before conditions become dangerous.

Once flooding begins or winds become extremely strong, moving people becomes more difficult.

Roads can become blocked.

Public transport may stop.

Emergency services can become stretched.

That is why authorities often urge vulnerable residents to act early.

People living in low-lying areas, near rivers or beneath unstable slopes may face greater danger.

Older people, people with disabilities and families with young children may also require additional time and assistance to relocate.

The current advisories are therefore intended to reduce the risk of people being trapped after conditions deteriorate.

THE DANGER MAY CONTINUE AFTER THE STORM

A common misunderstanding about typhoons is that the danger ends when the centre of the storm passes.

That is not necessarily the case.

Floodwaters can remain after rainfall stops.

Rivers may continue rising because water from upstream areas reaches lower areas later.

Landslides can occur after prolonged rainfall has weakened slopes.

Damaged buildings, fallen power lines and debris can create additional hazards.

Roads may remain unsafe.

For these reasons, authorities often maintain warnings after the worst winds have passed.

Residents are expected to follow official instructions until emergency agencies determine that conditions have improved.

EMERGENCY SERVICES PREPARE FOR A COMPLEX RESPONSE

Japanese emergency authorities are preparing for multiple types of incidents.

Flooding can require water rescues.

Landslides can block roads and isolate communities.

Power failures can require repair operations.

Transport disruptions can strand passengers.

Strong winds can damage buildings and infrastructure.

The simultaneous occurrence of these problems can make emergency response more difficult.

Authorities therefore rely on advance warnings and evacuation measures to reduce the number of people requiring emergency assistance.

The public is also encouraged to prepare essential supplies, charge communication devices and remain informed about local evacuation centres.

THE ECONOMIC COST COULD BE SIGNIFICANT

The immediate cost of the typhoon includes cancelled flights, suspended rail services, damaged buildings, power outages and cancelled events.

There are also indirect costs.

Businesses may lose working hours.

Factories may temporarily stop operations.

Hotels can experience cancellations.

Retailers may see reduced foot traffic.

Tourists can become stranded.

Transport companies face additional operating costs.

Repairing infrastructure can require significant public and private expenditure.

If damage is widespread, insurance claims can also rise.

The full economic impact will not be known until the storm has passed and authorities complete damage assessments.

SUPPLY CHAINS COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED

Japan is deeply integrated into global manufacturing and trade networks.

The country is a major producer of automobiles, electronics, machinery and other manufactured goods.

Factories depend on reliable deliveries of components.

Ports and airports connect Japanese companies with international markets.

Severe weather can temporarily interrupt those connections.

Even a short disruption may affect production schedules if companies operate with limited inventories.

The impact will depend on how long transport systems remain disrupted and how much physical damage occurs.

TOURISM IS ALSO BEING DISRUPTED

Japan remains a major international tourist destination.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other cities attract millions of visitors each year.

A major typhoon can disrupt tourism by closing attractions, cancelling flights and making rail travel difficult.

Visitors unfamiliar with local disaster procedures may also need additional assistance.

Authorities and hotels may provide guidance about evacuation centres and transport changes.

Tourists are generally advised to follow local warnings rather than attempting to continue sightseeing during severe weather.

THE STORM IS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED

Japan's Meteorological Agency is closely tracking Dujuan's movement.

Forecasting allows authorities to estimate when the storm will approach different regions and how severe conditions may become.

However, the exact impact can change as the storm moves.

Small differences in its path can determine which communities receive the strongest winds or heaviest rainfall.

Residents are therefore being encouraged to monitor updated forecasts rather than relying solely on earlier information.

A TEST FOR JAPAN'S DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The arrival of Dujuan provides another test of Japan's extensive disaster-management system.

The country has invested heavily in weather monitoring, public warning systems, flood-control infrastructure and emergency planning.

Its experience with previous disasters has contributed to detailed procedures for evacuations and emergency response.

The effectiveness of those systems depends partly on whether residents respond to warnings.

Early evacuation can dramatically reduce the risk of people becoming trapped in dangerous areas.

The current warnings therefore represent an important part of the overall response.

THE STORM'S INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Although Dujuan is affecting Japan directly, its consequences are international.

The storm is disrupting an international sporting event.

It is affecting global visitors and businesses.

Japan's prime minister's international travel has been delayed.

Air transport networks across the region are being disrupted.

The storm also demonstrates how extreme weather can affect international events and global supply chains.

As climate-related risks become more prominent, governments and businesses increasingly have to plan for weather disruptions alongside traditional economic and security risks.

WHAT RESIDENTS ARE BEING TOLD

Authorities are urging residents in threatened areas to remain alert to official warnings.

People in evacuation zones are being encouraged to move to designated safe locations when advised.

Residents are also being warned about rivers, flooding and landslides.

Travelling through flooded roads can be dangerous.

People are advised not to approach fallen electrical lines.

Those who remain at home are expected to secure objects that could become dangerous in strong winds and to keep emergency supplies available.

The most important message is to avoid unnecessary travel while conditions are deteriorating.

THE NEXT 24 HOURS WILL BE CRITICAL

The coming hours are expected to be particularly important as Dujuan approaches the Tokyo region.

Rainfall is expected to intensify.

Wind conditions could become stronger.

Flooding and landslide risks could increase.

Transport disruptions may expand.

The number of households without electricity could rise if additional infrastructure is damaged.

Authorities will be monitoring the situation closely while emergency services remain on standby.

The priority is to prevent loss of life while protecting critical infrastructure.

FINAL OUTLOOK

Japan is facing a major weather emergency as Typhoon Dujuan approaches the Tokyo metropolitan region, bringing powerful winds, torrential rainfall and a heightened threat of flooding and landslides.

More than 1.6 million people in and around Tokyo have been placed under evacuation advisories, while at least 275 flights have been cancelled by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

Rail services have also been suspended on some lines, while thousands of households have lost electricity.

The storm was producing winds of around 144 kilometres per hour as it approached eastern Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that rainfall through Tuesday could exceed the normal monthly September total in some locations and could potentially reach record levels.

The consequences are already being felt across daily life.

Flooding has affected roads.

Homes have been damaged.

A person has been mildly injured.

The Tokyo Game Show has been forced to close early.

An Asian Games equestrian event has been postponed.

A major outdoor festival and baseball match in Chiba have also been cancelled.

Japan's prime minister has had to delay her departure for New York, where she is due to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

The disruption demonstrates how quickly a powerful weather system can affect a modern economy.

Transport networks, electricity infrastructure, tourism, sporting events, businesses and government operations can all be affected simultaneously.

The immediate priority remains public safety.

Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation information, avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to changing weather conditions.

The risk will not necessarily disappear when the strongest winds move away.

Flooding can continue after rainfall ends.

Rivers can rise later as water moves downstream.

Saturated hillsides can remain unstable.

Damaged buildings and electrical infrastructure can create additional hazards.

The situation therefore requires continued monitoring even after the typhoon's centre has passed.

For Japan, the emergency is another demonstration of the importance of advance warning, disaster preparedness and public cooperation.

The country has extensive experience dealing with typhoons and other natural disasters, but the size and density of the Tokyo metropolitan region mean that a major storm can still create widespread disruption.

The coming hours will determine the full scale of Dujuan's impact.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the storm's movement while emergency services prepare for flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and possible rescues.

For millions of residents across eastern Japan, the message remains clear: the threat is active, conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and official warnings need to be taken seriously.

The full human and economic cost of Typhoon Dujuan will become clearer only after the storm moves away and emergency teams can safely assess the affected areas.