Tokyo (Agencies) July 11, 2025 — Japan is grappling with a severe weather emergency as historic rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across Tokyo and the Kanto-Koshin region, prompting urgent warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and local authorities.
On July 10, Tokyo’s Nerima Ward recorded 110 mm of rain in just one hour, while Suginami Ward saw 120 mm, and Meguro Ward reached 100 mm, placing rivers like the Meguro River at flood risk water levels. The JMA issued record-breaking short-duration heavy rain advisories for Saitama, Gunma, Yamanashi, and Nagano prefectures, warning of landslides, lightning, hailstorms, and tornadoes.
The flooding has disrupted transportation and damaged infrastructure. In Shibuya Ward, a vehicle was stranded in a flooded underpass, though the driver escaped safely. In Yokohama, a manhole explosion caused by water pressure narrowly missed pedestrians. Underground areas and low-lying zones remain under threat, with residents urged to move to higher floors and avoid riverbanks.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has issued:
- Heavy rain and flood warnings for Nakano, Meguro, and Shinagawa Wards
- Flood risk alerts for Itabashi, Suginami, and Nerima Wards
The JMA forecasts up to 150 mm of additional rainfall in Tokyo and 100 mm in surrounding prefectures through Friday evening, July 11.
This extreme weather follows a series of seismic events and volcanic activity in southern Japan, including an eruption of Sakurajima volcano, raising concerns about compound natural hazards.