Typhoon Dujuan was closing in on eastern Japan on Monday, September 21, bringing torrential rain, powerful winds and an increasing threat of flooding and landslides across the Kanto region, including the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly as the typhoon moved closer to the Pacific coast. Rainfall had already exceeded 300 mm in parts of the Izu Islands south of Tokyo, while landslide warnings were issued for Oshima, roughly 110 km south of the capital.
Authorities were also closely monitoring the possibility of linear rainbands developing over eastern Japan. These narrow bands of thunderstorms can repeatedly affect the same area and produce extremely heavy rainfall over a short period, sharply increasing the risk of flash floods, overflowing rivers and landslides.
Tokyo and eastern Japan brace for worsening conditions
Heavy rain was already affecting Tokyo on Monday as Dujuan approached the region. Reuters images showed pedestrians battling the rain in the Japanese capital, while disruption was spreading across the transport network.
The typhoon was carrying winds of around 144 km/h as it approached the area south of Tokyo, according to reports citing Japanese authorities. The storm’s track placed densely populated areas of eastern Japan at risk of strong winds and intense rainfall during the day.
Residents in vulnerable areas were being urged to closely follow official evacuation information, particularly in locations prone to landslides and river flooding.
At least 275 flights cancelled
Air travel was heavily disrupted as the storm approached.
At least 275 flights had been cancelled on Monday, according to reports from Japan. Japan Airlines cancelled 135 flights while All Nippon Airways scrapped around 140 services.
Passengers were also facing delays and cancellations at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, where travellers were seen waiting inside terminals as the typhoon disrupted schedules.
More than 9,000 households near Tokyo were reported to be without electricity as strong winds and heavy rain affected the region.
Risk of exceptionally heavy rainfall
One of the main concerns surrounding Typhoon Dujuan is rainfall rather than wind alone.
Japan’s mountainous terrain means prolonged torrential rain can quickly trigger landslides and rapid rises in rivers. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that localized rainfall totals could become particularly dangerous if persistent rainbands develop.
The threat is especially significant across the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions, where authorities are watching for sudden deterioration in conditions.
Road closures and transport disruption have already been reported in some areas.
Asian Games also affected by Typhoon Dujuan
The storm is also disrupting the Asian Games being held in Japan.
An equestrian competition in Aichi Prefecture was postponed because of the approaching typhoon, while organizers continued to monitor weather conditions for other events.
The extreme weather also delayed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s departure for the United Nations General Assembly in New York by several hours.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is on the typhoon’s passage near the Tokyo metropolitan region and the amount of rainfall it produces.
Even if the center of Dujuan remains offshore, very heavy rain can affect a much wider area than the storm’s core. That means flooding and landslides remain possible well away from the exact track of the typhoon.
People across affected areas of Japan are being advised to monitor updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local authorities and to avoid unnecessary travel during the most severe conditions.
The situation remains active and further transport disruption is possible as Typhoon Dujuan moves past eastern Japan.
