'Danger Alert' to Be Introduced? Major Overhaul of Japan's Disaster Weather Information Planned

Jun 18, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is set to undergo a significant overhaul of its disaster weather information, with experts proposing the introduction of a new 'Danger Alert' between the existing 'Special Warning' and 'Warning' categories. The final report on this review was compiled on Tuesday.

Currently, the JMA's disaster information, described as 'complex and confusing,' includes alerts for linear precipitation bands, typhoons, and guerrilla heavy rains. As Japan enters its peak rainy season, important discussions are ongoing about revamping the 'Disaster Weather Information' system, which highlights the risk of natural disasters through various warnings and advisories.

The current system is criticized for its complexity. For instance, both flood and landslide warnings are classified under 'Alert Information,' but flood alert is level 3, while landslide alert is level 4. This discrepancy means that despite similar names, the required safety actions differ.

After over two years of discussions, experts have finalized a report addressing these issues. The proposal standardizes disaster-related information into four categories, such as 'flood' and 'landslide,' and aligns warning levels accordingly. For example, flood information would be uniformly categorized under 'flood,' with common terminology across levels like 'level 5 Special Warning' and 'level 2 Advisory.'

Additionally, the proposal introduces a new 'Danger Alert' at level 4, which previously lacked consistency.

Katsuya Yamori, chair of the review committee, stated, 'We have achieved a unified expression format. This is a significant step towards simpler and more understandable expressions.'

However, some meteorologists have voiced concerns. Akira Mori, a meteorologist, remarked, 'The term "Danger Alert" might not be immediately clear to the public. It seems inappropriate.' He further warned that creating a new alert level above 'Warning' could dilute the sense of urgency associated with current warnings.

Mori explained, 'Warnings are issued when there is a risk of a major disaster. They are already serious enough. Adding another level above might lead people to think "it's just a warning" and not take it seriously.'

The JMA aims to make these changes to ensure clearer communication of imminent dangers and appropriate safety actions. They plan to implement the revised system in two years, based on today's report.

Source: TBS

Martinelli Breaks Japan Hearts as Brazil Win 2-1 in World Cup Thriller

Japan’s World Cup campaign ended in the cruelest possible fashion on June 29, as Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over the Samurai Blue in their knockout match in Houston. Japan had led in the first half and were still level at 1-1 in the final moments, but Martinelli’s late strike sent Brazil into the Round of 16 and eliminated Japan from the tournament.

Strong Quakes Strike Japan 11 Times Since April

Strong earthquakes have continued to shake parts of Japan in recent weeks, with 11 temblors measuring lower 5 or above on the Japanese seismic intensity scale recorded across the country since April 2026.

First Train of the Day Derails at Kintetsu Kyoto Station

A Kintetsu Railway train derailed inside Kyoto Station on the morning of June 29, forcing partial suspensions on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line for the rest of the day and causing long delays that hit commuters, students and tourists.

Hikone Castle Stone Wall Collapses After Typhoon Deluge

A section of stone wall at Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original Edo-period castles and a National Treasure whose main keep remains intact more than 400 years after its construction, collapsed after heavy rain caused by Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8, Hikone city officials said.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Local Firms Court Students As Regional Workforce Concerns Grow

A major job fair in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, drew more than 3,700 high school students as local businesses, government and schools joined forces to stem the outflow of young people and encourage future U-turn employment.

Foreign Visitors Experience Japanese School Life

A U.S. family took part in a Japanese school experience program at a former school building in Chiba Prefecture, joining calligraphy, disaster drills, school lunch duty and a sports day-style event in a six-hour program that has attracted more than 200 foreign participants since it began about a year ago.

Hokkaido Horse Town Welcomes Indian Workers

Urakawa, a Hokkaido town of about 10,000 people known as one of Japan's leading thoroughbred breeding centers, is seeing a rapid increase in Indian residents as local farms turn to experienced overseas workers to offset a shrinking pool of Japanese horse trainers.

Ninja Exam Held in Historic Heartland

A certification exam testing knowledge and skills related to ninjas was held in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, a city known as one of Japan's historic ninja centers.

Tokyo Fire Department Releases Shocking Reenactment of Ambulance Crew Assaults

The Tokyo Fire Department has called for greater public cooperation with emergency medical services following a rise in incidents involving interference with ambulance crews, including cases in which paramedics have been assaulted while carrying out rescue operations.

University of Tokyo and TOPPAN Launch AI Innovation Research Center

The University of Tokyo and TOPPAN Holdings announced the establishment of the AI Innovation Research Center, a new initiative aimed at advancing research and development for the practical application of artificial intelligence in society.

Veteran Photographer Documents Changing Bear Behavior

As bear sightings continue at an unusually high pace across Akita Prefecture, a veteran wildlife photographer who has spent nearly 30 years observing and photographing Asian black bears says the animals are appearing more frequently, moving closer to human settlements, and increasingly adapting their behavior to survive.

Blue Angels Cheer Squad Capturing Hearts

The Blue Angels, the cheerleading squad of Joto High School's support and cheering club, are winning over audiences with their sparkling smiles and dynamic performances.

< 2 3 4 5 >