Transport disruption likely as typhoon approaches

NHK -- Sep 05

Disruption to train and flight services is expected in western Japan from Saturday due to the approach of powerful Typhoon Haishen.

West Japan railway says it is considering suspending Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train services between Hiroshima and Hakata station all day Monday, and reducing trains between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima Station.

Kyushu Railway Company says it may suspend bullet and local train services on Japan's southwestern main island on Sunday and Monday.

Airlines have canceled more than 80 domestic flights for Saturday. Most are to and from the southern part of Kyushu and Okinawa.

Starting Saturday, Seven-Eleven Japan plans to close about 1,000 convenience stores in Kyushu, or about 40 percent of its total in the region.

A number of manufacturers in the automobile, electronics and precision equipment industries plan to suspend factory operations in western Japan.