Two typhoons are forecast to strike Japan between Aug. 6 and Aug. 8, bringing heavy rain and significant travel disruptions [1, 2].
This weather event coincides with the Obon holiday, one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, creating a logistical crisis for thousands of citizens returning to their ancestral homes.
Typhoon 13 and Typhoon 15 are currently moving toward different regions of the archipelago [1]. Typhoon 13 is expected to hit Okinawa on Aug. 7, while Typhoon 15 is moving toward northern Japan [2]. Forecasters said erratic movement and heavy rain increase the risk of flooding and landslides [1, 2].
The aviation sector has already felt the impact. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have canceled a combined 557 flights [2]. These cancellations affect approximately 80,000 people [1]. Disruptions are expected to persist through Aug. 8 [1].
Local authorities have issued specific alerts for high-risk areas. A gale and wave warning was issued for the Daito Islands on the night of Aug. 6 [1]. Travelers at major hubs, including Haneda Airport in Tokyo, face ongoing uncertainty as the storms progress [2, 3].
While some reports indicate the storms may impact the Kanto region over the weekend, other meteorological data emphasizes the primary threats to Okinawa and northern Japan [2, 4]. The unpredictability of the storms' paths remains a primary concern for emergency services and transport operators.
“Typhoons 13 and 15 are currently moving toward different regions of the archipelago.”
The simultaneous arrival of two typhoons during the Obon period creates a compounding effect on Japan's infrastructure. Because Obon triggers a massive surge in domestic migration, the cancellation of over 500 flights removes critical capacity when demand is at its peak, likely leading to severe overcrowding at airports and railway stations.
