Society

Heavy rains raise risk of landslides in Kyushu

Jul 14 (NHK) - Heavy rains in the northern part of Japan's Kyushu island are threatening the territory with landslides and flooding.

The Meteorological Agency says warm, damp air is flowing towards a seasonal rain front hovering around the Japanese archipelago, destabilizing atmospheric conditions. Rain clouds are developing in northern Kyushu and the Chugoku region.

Hourly rainfall of 52 millimeters was observed in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, and 46 millimeters in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Parts of the Chugoku region, including Hiroshima Prefecture, have had nearly 200 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours.

Some rivers in Fukuoka, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima prefectures are at risk of overflowing. The risk of landslides has increased in parts of Fukuoka, Oita, Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama and Shimane prefectures.

A low-pressure system is forecast to move eastward over the Sea of Japan, bringing thundery downpours to parts of western and eastern Japan.

Kumamoto Prefecture, which has already been battered by record rainfall, may see hourly rainfall of 70 millimeters.

For the 24-hour period through Tuesday evening, up to 250 millimeters of rain are expected in Tokai: 200 millimeters in northern Kyushu and Shikoku; 180 millimeters in Hokuriku; and 150 millimeters in southern Kyushu and the Chugoku, Kansai and Kanto Koshin regions.

The rains are expected to continue into Wednesday.

Agency officials are warning of landslides, swollen rivers, and floods in low-lying areas, as well as lightning and strong wind gusts.

Typhoon No. 24 Poses Heavy Rain Threat to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 is currently located over the southern seas and is expected to track westward toward Vietnam later this week, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan. As of now, the storm’s central pressure is 1000 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds reaching 20 meters per second. Satellite imagery shows a significant cloud mass developing in the southern region, indicating intensified activity around the system.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Mako Komuro Appears in Six-Page Town & Country Feature

The October issue of the long-established American lifestyle magazine Town & Country features Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family, on the cover under the headline "Princess Ingognito," dedicating a six-page spread to Komuro and her husband Kei, exploring their life in the United States.