20 itemsLatest information on earthquakes, typhoons, disaster prep, and evacuation
On Sept 12, 2026 the JMA raised Mt. Tokachidake (Hokkaido) to Eruption Alert Level 3 (do not approach the volcano). Beware large ballistic ejecta within about 3 km of Crater 62-2 — what hikers, travelers and residents should do now.
On September 11, 2026, Japan's Cabinet Office applied the Disaster Victims Livelihood Recovery Support Act to five Chiba cities hit by the August 2026 heavy rain. Households whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged can apply for support payments.
On Sept 9, 2026 Japan's Cabinet Office announced the Disaster Relief Act now applies to Nagoya City, Aichi (from Sept 8) and Yakushima Town, Kagoshima (from Sept 4) after Typhoon No. 24 and frontal heavy rain. Shelters, emergency housing and home repairs are publicly funded — foreign residents and travelers qualify regardless of nationality.
From September 8, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency lowered heavy-rain warning thresholds to 80% of normal in Hakui City, Ishikawa, after levee breaches from the rain that began August 27. Warnings will now be issued at lower rainfall — what foreign residents and travelers should know.
On Sept 8, 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 Flood Special Warning for the Shonai River in Aichi and Gifu. What Level 5 means for foreign residents and travelers, and what to do right now.
On Sept 8, 2026, MLIT and JMA issued a Level 5 Flood Special Warning for the Shonai River in Aichi and Gifu — what Level 5 means, and what foreign residents and travelers should do now.
On September 7, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 Landslide Emergency Warning for Niijima Village, Tokyo. Unprecedented rainfall means disasters may already be occurring. Here is what foreign residents and travelers should do immediately, and how to check risk on the Kikikuru map.
On September 7, 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that no unusual change suggesting a relatively higher chance of a major Nankai Trough quake has been observed. Here is how to read this monthly bulletin and stay prepared in Japan.
On September 5, 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Landslide Emergency Warning (Alert Level 5) for Yakushima Town, Kagoshima. Here is what Level 5 means, why you must not wait for it, and how to check your own risk on the Kikikuru hazard map.
Kagoshima applied the Disaster Relief Act to Yakushima Town on Sept 4, 2026 after Typhoon No. 24 and frontal heavy rain. Relief is not limited by nationality or visa status.
Japan's Cabinet Office damage report as of 7:00 on September 4, 2026: 1,514 homes damaged and 111 evacuees from the Hokuriku heavy rain and Typhoon No. 24, plus rail, flight, road and water supply impacts explained for foreign residents.
Japan's Digital Agency extended emergency access to its Government AI "Gennai" for Kumamoto quake response through September 30, while disaster-victim certificates needed for aid and fee waivers can be filed online via Myna Portal.
Japan's Digital Agency has digitized check-in on the evacuee ship Hakuo II, covering both boarding and disembarking from Aug 30, 2026. Disaster victim certificates can be filed online via Mynaportal, and Government AI Gennai runs until Sept 30.
On August 27, 2026 at 11:00, the Japan Meteorological Agency lowered the Volcanic Alert Level for Mt. Iwate from 2 (crater area restriction) to 1 (be aware it is an active volcano). The stage in place since October 2024 has ended, but sudden gas and hot water emissions inside the assumed crater remain possible.
On Aug 21, 2026, Japan's FSA announced that the Kanto Local Finance Bureau requested financial measures for the July 17–18 heavy rain disaster, covering Tochigi Prefecture. Here is what affected foreign residents should check and where to ask.
Japan's Digital Agency has opened online applications for Kumamoto earthquake disaster certificates via Mynaportal — the document needed for relief payments and reductions of taxes, insurance premiums and utility charges.
From the 2026 flood season, a new disaster weather system will forecast linear rainband formation 2–3 hours in advance. Enables earlier evacuation prep during rainy/typhoon season. Check multilingual app notifications.
Complete earthquake preparation guide for foreigners in Japan. Essential apps, emergency bags, and shelter locations explained in multiple languages.
80 years since the last Nankai Trough earthquake (1946). Guide to pre-evacuation actions when "Caution" or "Warning" alerts are issued. Multilingual leaflets available for foreign residents and tourists.
Japan's 2024 Climate Change Adaptation Act created the Heatstroke Special Alert (WBGT 35 prefecture-wide) and cooling shelters anyone can use — summer heat safety for foreign residents and tourists.