Typhoon Dujuan swept through the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding prefectures on Monday and Tuesday, causing deadly landslides, widespread flooding, and significant infrastructure disruptions. At least four people were confirmed dead, with six others reported missing as rescue teams continued searching in affected areas.
The storm brought record-breaking rainfall and strong winds, reaching nearly 90 mph, prompting authorities in Japan to issue high-level warnings and evacuation advisories for millions of residents. While evacuations were not mandatory, over 1.6 million people in and around Tokyo were urged to relocate to safer locations by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
One of the deadliest impacts occurred in Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures. In Yokosuka, Kanagawa, a woman in her 60s died after mud and debris flooded her home during a landslide. Nearby, a couple in their 70s went missing following a landslide that damaged their residence. In Chiba Prefecture, two women aged 70 and 80 were killed when landslides caused homes to collapse, and a 51-year-old man died after falling with heavy machinery while clearing debris from the road. Authorities are also searching for several other individuals unaccounted for in landslide-hit areas including Miura and Kamogawa.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded unprecedented rainfall totals in the affected region, with Ōshima Island in the Izu archipelago receiving 832 millimeters (33 inches) over 48 hours—doubling the average rainfall for the entire month of September. Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward experienced 283 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, setting new regional records. Surrounding prefectures such as Chiba and Ibaraki also reported significant rainfall leading to saturated grounds and swollen rivers, increasing the risk of further landslides and flooding even after the typhoon moved offshore.
The storm's passage forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights operated by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, along with suspensions and delays on several railway lines, including the Sobu, Narita, and Sotobo lines, affecting commuters across eastern Japan. Approximately 45,000 households remained without electricity as of Tuesday afternoon, mainly in Chiba, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka prefectures.
While the typhoon weakened and shifted northeast away from Japan on Tuesday, officials warned that the risk of flooding and landslides persisted due to saturated soil conditions. The Cabinet Office has applied the Disaster Relief Act to 25 municipalities to facilitate recovery efforts, and the Self-Defense Forces, police, and firefighters continue search and rescue operations.
Climate scientists note that while Japan regularly faces typhoons during late summer and early autumn, human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such storms by allowing the atmosphere to hold more moisture, thus intensifying rainfall events.
Residents impacted by flooding expressed concern about recurring extreme weather events. In the city of Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, local resident Richard Yonamine described his home being flooded for the first time in over 30 years and voiced worries about future risks as rainy seasons continue to deliver heavy downpours.
As Dujuan moves away, authorities remain vigilant over the potential for additional storm-related hazards along Japan’s eastern and northeastern Pacific coasts. Efforts focus on managing ongoing infrastructure damage, restoring power, and ensuring public safety amid fluctuating weather conditions.