World Cup 2026 – Japan: Fans Celebrate Spain’s Second World Cup Title in Shibuya 2

On July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final to claim their second title, soccer fans were seen celebrating boisterously in the middle of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo.

World Cup 2026 – Japan: Fans Celebrate Spain’s Second World Cup Title in Shibuya

On July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final to claim their second title, soccer fans were seen celebrating boisterously in the middle of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo.

Japan: Level 5 Alert Issued as Torrential Rains Trigger Flooding, Landslide in Kanto Region

Torrential rain pounded a wide swath of the Kanto region in eastern Japan on Friday, July 17, bringing record-breaking downpours to Gunma and southern Tochigi prefectures as well as heavy rain in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level "emergency safety" evacuation order for some areas. A landslide in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, collapsed a building and left three people unaccounted for.

Japan: Balck-and-White Calbee Chips Spotted in Store Before Color Return

Major snack maker Calbee announced on July 9 that it will gradually restore color packaging for eight products starting in late July, after switching them to black-and-white printing due to naphtha supply concerns. The "black-and-white potato chips" ended up on shelves for about two months since late May, sparking varied reactions on social media. Some said they never saw the black-and-white version in stores at all, since only the full-color packaging was available, while others speculated the black-and-white chips could become a collector's item.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 6

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands on Saturday, July 11, with gusts of up to 42.7 meters per second recorded in Miyakojima. Seven people were injured by strong winds across the prefecture, and more than 22,000 homes lost power. Storm and high wave warnings remained in place across Okinawa, with authorities warning of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 5

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands on Saturday, July 11, with gusts of up to 42.7 meters per second recorded in Miyakojima. Seven people were injured by strong winds across the prefecture, and more than 22,000 homes lost power. Storm and high wave warnings remained in place across Okinawa, with authorities warning of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 2

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands early Saturday, July 11, with storm and high wave warnings issued across the prefecture as parts of the region entered the storm's violent wind zone. A Level 4 Urgent Warning for storm surges was in place for parts of the area, with up to 250 millimeters of rain expected as authorities warned of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 4

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands on Saturday, July 11, with gusts of up to 42.7 meters per second recorded in Miyakojima. Seven people were injured by strong winds across the prefecture, and more than 22,000 homes lost power. Storm and high wave warnings remained in place across Okinawa, with authorities warning of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 3

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands on Saturday, July 11, with gusts of up to 42.7 meters per second recorded in Miyakojima. Seven people were injured by strong winds across the prefecture, and more than 22,000 homes lost power. Storm and high wave warnings remained in place across Okinawa, with authorities warning of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Okinawa Braces for Severe Weather as Typhoon Bavi Approaches 2

Typhoon Bavi was approaching Okinawa on Friday, July 10, engulfing the region in strong winds, with storm warnings issued across the Sakishima Islands, including Miyako and Ishigaki islands. Authorities warned of landslides, high waves, and high tides. Airlines canceled more than 160 flights to and from the region.

Japan: Okinawa Braces for Severe Weather as Typhoon Bavi Approaches

Typhoon Bavi was approaching Okinawa on Friday, July 10, engulfing the region in strong winds, with storm warnings issued across the Sakishima Islands, including Miyako and Ishigaki islands. The typhoon was forecast to pass near the region through Saturday, while swells from the storm caused high surf along Pacific coastal areas further north.

Japan: Typhoon Bavi Approaches Okinawa, Rough Seas Hit Pacific Coast

Typhoon Bavi was approaching Okinawa on Friday, July 10, engulfing the region in strong winds, with storm warnings issued across the Sakishima Islands, including Miyako and Ishigaki islands. The typhoon was forecast to pass near the region through Saturday, while swells from the storm caused high surf along Pacific coastal areas further north. This video shows rough seas crashing along the coast of Hachijojima.

Japan: Dashcam Captures Moment Tree Crashes Down in Front of Moving Car

This dashcam video shows the moment a tree came crashing down in front of a moving car near Ashidachi Station on the JR Hakubi Line in Okayama Prefecture, at around 5 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

Japan: America’s 250th Independence Day Celebration Held in Tokyo

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo hosted a celebration in Odaiba on Thursday, July 3, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge were illuminated in red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag, while fireworks lit up the night sky and a drone show displayed the faces of Prime Minister Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan: M5.6 Quake Hits Eastern Yamanashi Near Mt. Fuji, No Link to Volcanic Activity

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck eastern Yamanashi, near Mt. Fuji in Japan, on Friday, June 26, at 10:28 p.m. local time. The quake was felt across a wide area of the country, including Tokyo, and was not related to volcanic activity at Mt. Fuji, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Japan: Flooding Hits Kinki Region Amid Seasonal Rain Front and Typhoon Mekkhala’s Approach 4

Heavy rain and flooding struck parts of Japan on Friday, June 26, as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the country alongside a stagnant seasonal rain front. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, landslides, and road collapses were reported across the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kyoto, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing weather alerts and evacuation orders for some regions. The video shows sections of road washed away by fast-moving floodwater in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.

Japan: Flooding Hits Kinki Region Amid Seasonal Rain Front and Typhoon Mekkhala’s Approach 3

Heavy rain and flooding struck parts of Japan on Friday, June 26, as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the country alongside a stagnant seasonal rain front. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, landslides, and road collapses were reported across the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kyoto, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing weather alerts and evacuation orders for some regions.

Japan: Flooding Hits Kinki Region Amid Seasonal Rain Front and Typhoon Mekkhala’s Approach 2

Heavy rain and flooding struck parts of Japan on Friday, June 26, as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the country alongside a stagnant seasonal rain front. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, landslides, and road collapses were reported across the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kyoto, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing weather alerts and evacuation orders for some regions.

Japan: Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Off Iwate Coast 2

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on Thursday morning, June 25, triggering an upper-5 intensity shaking in Aomori Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami threat was reported, though the quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers, caused disruptions to Shinkansen and other rail services.

Japan: Quake Damage Seen at Convenience Store in Hachinohe After M6.9 Tremor

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on Thursday morning, triggering upper-5 seismic intensity in Aomori Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami threat was reported, though the quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers, caused disruptions to Shinkansen and other rail services. This video shows products, including a broken wine bottle, scattered on the floor of a convenience store in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture.

Japan: Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Off Iwate Coast

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on Thursday morning, June 25, triggering an upper-5 intensity shaking in Aomori Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami threat was reported, though the quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers, caused disruptions to Shinkansen and other rail services.

Japan: Heavy Rain Floods Roads and Halts Shinkansen Services in Kyushu 2

Heavy rains moved across western Japan due to a stationary front on Wednesday, June 24, with linear rain bands developing over Southern Kyushu and triggering torrential downpours. Rainfall exceeded 108mm per hour in Satsumasendai City, flooding roads and suspending Kyushu Shinkansen services between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Kumamoto Station.

Japan: Heavy Rain Floods Roads and Halts Shinkansen Services in Kyushu

Heavy rains moved across western Japan due to a stationary front on Wednesday, June 24, with linear rain bands developing over Southern Kyushu and triggering torrential downpours. Rainfall exceeded 108mm per hour in Satsumasendai City, flooding roads and suspending Kyushu Shinkansen services between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Kumamoto Station.

Japan: Landslides Reported as Heavy Rains Sweep Across Southern Kyushu

Heavy rains moved across western Japan due to a stationary front on Wednesday, June 24, with linear rain bands developing over Southern Kyushu and triggering torrential downpours. Landslides were reported in parts of Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures, prompting Japan's Meteorological Agency to warn residents across the region to remain on high alert.

World Cup 2026 – Japan: Shibuya Scramble Crossing Packed With Fans After 4-0 Victory Over Tunisia 2

Crowds of supporters flooded Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble Crossing on Sunday, June 21, celebrating Japan's 4-0 FIFA World Cup Group Stage victory over Tunisia.

World Cup 2026 – Japan: Shibuya Scramble Crossing Packed With Fans After 4-0 Victory Over Tunisia

Crowds of supporters flooded Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble Crossing on Sunday, June 21, celebrating Japan's 4-0 FIFA World Cup Group Stage victory over Tunisia.

Japan: Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Shakes Tokyo Region 2

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook Tokyo and surrounding regions Tuesday evening, June 16, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. The epicenter was located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, with several municipalities in Gunma and Saitama prefectures — including Ota and Kazo — recording a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. No tsunami warning was issued.

Japan: Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Shakes Tokyo Region

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook Tokyo and surrounding regions Tuesday evening, June 16, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. The epicenter was located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, with several municipalities in Gunma and Saitama prefectures — including Ota and Kazo — recording a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. No tsunami warning was issued.

Japan: Shinkansen Makes Emergency Stop as Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Kanto Region

A strong earthquake struck a wide area of eastern Japan on Tuesday evening, June 16, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 5-lower on the Japanese scale in parts of Gunma and Saitama prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake had a magnitude of 5.5, with its epicenter in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued. Areas recording the highest intensity included Ota City and Chiyoda Town in Gunma Prefecture, and Kazo City, Honjo City, and Misato Town in Saitama Prefecture. The footage was captured inside a Shinkansen bullet train running through Honjo City, making an emergency stop.

Japan: Localized Storms Bring Heavy Rain and Hail to Greater Tokyo Area 2

Localized thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail struck parts of the greater Tokyo area on Friday afternoon, June 12, as driving rain lashed neighborhoods across the region.

Japan: Localized Storms Bring Heavy Rain and Hail to Greater Tokyo Area

Localized thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail struck parts of the greater Tokyo area on Friday afternoon, June 12, as driving rain lashed neighborhoods across the region.

Japan: Sudden Thunderstorm Disrupts Food Event at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Localized thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail struck parts of the greater Tokyo area Friday afternoon, June 12. This footage was captured at the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, where a food event was underway. The video shows visitors rushing for shelter amid strong winds, with cardboard boxes being blown across the ground.

Japan: H3 Rocket Successfully Launches from Tanegashima in New Configuration Debut

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, June 12, at 9:53 a.m. local time. The rocket reached its intended orbit, marking a successful mission for the country's flagship launch vehicle.

Japan: H3 Rocket Successfully Launches from Tanegashima in New Configuration Debut 2

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, June 12, at 9:53 a.m. local time. The rocket reached its intended orbit, marking a successful mission for the country's flagship launch vehicle.

Japan: Arima Inari Shrine Engulfed in Fire, Priest Couple Hurt 2

A fire broke out late Tuesday night, June 9 at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort in Kobe, Japan, destroying the shrine office and other structures. The head priest and his wife, both in their 80s, sustained minor injuries, while guests at a nearby hotel were temporarily evacuated to a sister property. Firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the site due to approximately 200 steps leading to the shrine, and it took around five hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

Japan: Arima Inari Shrine Engulfed in Fire, Priest Couple Hurt

A fire broke out late Tuesday night, June 9 at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort in Kobe, Japan, destroying the shrine office and other structures. The head priest and his wife, both in their 80s, sustained minor injuries, while guests at a nearby hotel were temporarily evacuated to a sister property. Firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the site due to approximately 200 steps leading to the shrine, and it took around five hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

Japan: White Killer Whale Filmed off Rausu, Hokkaido in Rare Encounter

A rare white killer whale has been spotted off the coast of Rausu, Hokkaido, in northeastern Japan — an exceptionally uncommon sighting even by global standards. The white orca was filmed on Monday, June 8, among a pod of killer whales approximately 3.5 miles (about 6 km) north-northeast of Rausu Port. The animal is believed to be a leucistic individual rather than an albino — leucism results in reduced pigmentation while retaining the ability to produce melanin, unlike albinism, which causes red eyes. The orca's eyes appear dark, which is consistent with leucism.

Japan: Bear Captured After Series of Sightings in Utsunomiya, North of Tokyo

On Tuesday, June 9, a bear was captured in Utsunomiya, the capital and most populous city of Tochigi Prefecture, located approximately 105 kilometers north of Tokyo, following a series of sightings over the weekend.

Japan: Tsunami Advisory Issued After Powerful Philippines Earthquake

Japan issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas on Monday, June 8, after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi Sends Massive Waves Crashing Into Coastlines

Typhoon Jangmi swept across Japan over several days, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread damage throughout the country. Along the coasts and on remote islands in various regions, massive waves crashed against the shore as the typhoon made its way through.

Japan: Izu Oshima Pounded by Giant Waves as Typhoon Jangmi Strikes

Typhoon Jangmi swept across Japan over several days, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread damage throughout the country. On the island of Izu Oshima — located roughly 120 kilometers south of central Tokyo — massive waves were seen crashing against the shore on Wednesday, June 3.

Japan: Izu Oshima Pounded by Giant Waves as Typhoon Jangmi Strikes 2

Typhoon Jangmi swept across Japan over several days, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread damage throughout the country. On the island of Izu Oshima — located roughly 120 kilometers south of central Tokyo — massive waves were seen crashing against the shore on Wednesday, June 3.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi’s Violent Winds Bring Down Trees in Their Path 5

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. This video shows a tree downed by strong winds in Toyohashi, Aichi.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi Approaches Kanto Region, Triggering Flood Alerts 4

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued flood warnings and evacuation orders for multiple areas, including Tokyo, and landslide warnings across several prefectures.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi’s Violent Winds Bring Down Trees in Their Path 3

This video shows a tree downed by strong winds in Takamatsu city on Tuesday night, June 2. Typhoon Jangmi brought heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds to wide areas of Japan, making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi’s Violent Winds Bring Down Trees in Their Path 4

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. This video shows a tree downed by strong winds in Okazaki, Aichi.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi Approaches Kanto Region, Triggering Flood Alerts

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued flood warnings and evacuation orders for multiple areas, including Tokyo, and landslide warnings across several prefectures.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi Approaches Kanto Region, Triggering Flood Alerts 2

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued flood warnings and evacuation orders for multiple areas, including Tokyo, and landslide warnings across several prefectures. This video shows the Megurogawa River in Tokyo swollen by heavy rainfall.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi Approaches Kanto Region, Triggering Flood Alerts 3

Typhoon Jangmi battered much of Japan with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday, June 3, after making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued flood warnings and evacuation orders for multiple areas, including Tokyo, and landslide warnings across several prefectures.

RECAP: Typhoon Jangmi Lashes Okinawa and Amami, Leaving 16 Injured

Typhoon Jangmi brought heavy rain and strong winds to Okinawa and Amami islands, southern Japan on Monday, June 1. In Okinawa Prefecture, 16 people sustained minor injuries, including some who were knocked down by strong winds and others who were struck by shattered car windows.