Scars of Heavy Rain in Tokyo as Cleanup Begins

Sep 12, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Tokyo and Kanagawa saw a series of record 'short-term heavy rain' advisories on September 11, causing river overflows and widespread flooding, with more than 200 cases confirmed in the capital as of September 12. In Shinagawa Ward’s Togoshi Ginza shopping street, roads were submerged and motorbikes were toppled as residents and shopkeepers began cleanup at first light.

An animal hospital in the area also flooded, damaging equipment. A staff member said, “Up to that line. The ultrasound, the scale, the IV equipment—some devices won’t power on even when plugged in now.”

A bento shop reported water damage to its register and freezer and spent the morning clearing debris; the shop expects to need about a month to reopen. In Setagaya Ward’s Oyamadai district, a condominium’s basement parking level was inundated. Police said no one was left behind, and pumping continued into September 12.

At a container terminal in Ota Ward on September 11, stacked containers collapsed, trapping two male workers. One died and the other was injured. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating whether strong winds and heavy rain contributed and plans an on-site inspection.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 213 flooding cases have been confirmed in the city. Emergency calls related to the storm totaled about 250 to the Metropolitan Police Department and roughly 100 to the Kanagawa Prefectural Police.

Aviation disruptions continued. At Haneda Airport on September 11, approaching thunderclouds twice forced a suspension of ground handling, and Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) canceled a combined 129 flights. The knock-on effects carried into September 12, crowding the departure lobby from early morning. “The flight was canceled. I want to rebook, but everything shows full on the app and I’m stuck,” said a traveler bound for Okinawa. Another passenger headed for Osaka said they would look for alternatives to make an afternoon appointment.

As of the morning of September 12, 42 JAL flights and 70 ANA flights were canceled, affecting about 20,500 passengers.

Source: TBS

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