Typhoon Dujuan nears Tokyo with 198 km/h gusts and prompts over 275 flight cancellations

Storm path and coastal warnings

Typhoon Dujuan, the 25th storm of Japan's typhoon season, moved northeast toward the eastern coastline on Monday morning at a speed of 25 kilometres per hour. At 09:00 local time, the storm was positioned approximately 120 kilometres west-southwest of Hachijo Island, carrying sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour and peak gusts up to 198 kilometres per hour. The Japan Meteorological Agency projected that the storm center would pass near the Boso Peninsula in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, between Monday afternoon and evening. Coastal authorities issued the second-highest landslide alert level for the Izu Islands, advising residents near cliffs and waterways to evacuate to higher floors or designated shelters. Similar safety advisories were extended to specific districts across the Tokyo and Yokohama urban centers as rainfall intensified. In the city of Sakura, east of Tokyo, a hillside collapsed and damaged a residential home, though local officials confirmed that no injuries occurred.

Rainfall projections and flood risks

The approaching system follows heavy precipitation over the preceding weekend, during which parts of Chiba prefecture and the Izu Islands recorded over 300 millimetres of rain since Saturday. Meteorologists warned that the development of linear rain bands over the Kanto and central regions could produce sudden downpours over narrow areas within a matter of hours. The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that cumulative totals could surpass normal monthly averages for the region.

The total rainfall through Tuesday could exceed the average monthly rainfall for September, resulting in record-breaking heavy rain.

Agency forecasts projected up to 350 millimetres of rainfall in the Tokai region through 06:00 on Tuesday morning. The Kanto region, encompassing Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, alongside the Izu Islands, was forecast to receive up to 300 millimetres, while the northern Tohoku region faced up to 200 millimetres.

Disruption to transport and utilities

The storm generated widespread cancellations across regional transport networks at the start of Japan's five-day Silver Week holiday. Airlines grounded at least 275 flights scheduled for Monday, comprising at least 260 domestic and 15 international departures. Japan Airlines cancelled 120 domestic flights and 15 international services, while All Nippon Airways grounded 140 domestic flights, including all operations serving Hachijo Island. Rail operator JR East suspended operations on several train lines across Chiba prefecture, which houses Narita Airport, while municipal agencies restricted traffic through urban underpasses to prevent vehicle strandings. Electrical utility networks also experienced damage, leaving more than 4,000 households without electricity in Chiba prefecture as winds picked up along the coast.

Impact on public events and holidays

The adverse weather forced organizers to adjust schedules for several scheduled gatherings across central and eastern Japan. The 30th Tokyo Game Show concluded on Sunday, shutting down operations one day ahead of its scheduled Monday finale. Organizers of the Asian Games in central Japan's Aichi prefecture postponed the equestrian eventing competition from Monday until Tuesday due to localized rainfall and wind conditions. The weather also suppressed attendance at the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya on Sunday, leaving sections of the 30,000-seat stadium empty. Furthermore, festival promoters cancelled all concerts scheduled for Monday at the Rock in Japan music festival.