Society

Strong Winds Cause 'Shaky Landings' at Narita Airport

TOKYO, Apr 16 (News On Japan) - Strong winds battered wide areas of Japan on April 15th, disrupting air travel, toppling trees in central Tokyo, and fueling a fire that burned down homes in Toyama.

At Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture, aircraft were seen struggling to land amid gusty conditions. Several planes wobbled sharply during their descent, with some bouncing on the runway upon touchdown, while others were forced to abort landings and try again.

Wind speeds at Narita peaked at 19.5 meters per second. As a result, two inbound flights from Guam and China were unable to land and had to be diverted to Haneda and Kansai airports.

The strong winds were caused by a slow-moving cold vortex, bringing what forecasters described as a "spring storm" across the country.

In Tokyo, the city recorded its strongest winds of the year so far, with a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 20.7 meters per second. Near the Onarimon intersection along Hibiya-dori, within sight of Tokyo Tower, a roadside tree was blown over at its roots, prompting traffic restrictions.

At around 2:30 p.m., a witness reported the fallen tree. There were no injuries or damage to vehicles, but authorities believe the incident was linked to the strong winds.

Source: FNN

Japan Braces for Strong Winds and Heavy Rain as Major Typhoon Approaches

As of 9 p.m. on October 10, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was nearly stationary north of Minami-Daito Island, with forecasts indicating that it will change course eastward and approach the seas east of Amami-Oshima by the morning of October 11. Meteorologists warn that from October 12, the typhoon is expected to advance eastward along the Pacific coast of western and eastern Japan, bringing the risk of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous conditions along coastal regions.

LDP-Komeito Coalition Collapses

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

'Papa Katsu' Cop Indicted for Indecent Acts With Underage Girls

An officer of the Osaka Prefectural Police has been arrested and indicted for allegedly committing indecent acts against a girl he met through “papa katsu,” a practice in which older men provide financial support to younger women in exchange for companionship.

'The True Story of Empress Kojun' Released

Japan's Imperial Household Agency has released The Official Record of Empress Kojun, chronicling the life of Empress Kojun, wife of Emperor Showa and grandmother of the current Emperor.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Kyoto’s Pine Trees Wrapped in Straw to Guard Against Winter Pests

In Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, workers carried out the traditional practice of “komo-maki,” wrapping straw mats around pine trees to protect them from harmful insects as the autumn season deepens. The activity takes place each year around “Kanro” (Cold Dew), one of the 24 solar terms marking the seasonal transition toward winter.

Two Hyogo Police Officers Arrested for Possessing Marijuana

Two police officers from the Hyogo Prefectural Police have been arrested for possessing marijuana, admitting they kept it for personal use.

Bear Breaks Into Gunma Supermarket

A bear entered a supermarket in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture on Tuesday night, attacking two male customers before escaping to the south.

Bosozuku Rattle Tokyo's Harumi Flag Apartments

Footage filmed near the Harumi Flag Apartments in Tokyo shows groups of motorcycles revving their engines loudly into the night at a nearby intersection, disrupting the peace of families living in the new residential complex built on the former site of the Tokyo Olympic Athletes’ Village.

University Ex-Employee Arrested for Spraying Bodily Fluid on Female Student’s Shorts

Police have arrested a 43-year-old former employee of Tsuda College in Kodaira, western Tokyo, on suspicion of property damage after he allegedly took a female student’s shorts from a locker and defiled them with bodily fluid.

< 2 3 4 5 >