Typhoon Dujuan triggers Japan's highest landslide alert near Tokyo

Typhoon Dujuan, Japan's 25th storm of 2026, has prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a Level 5 emergency landslide warning—the highest alert level—for the northern Izu Islands, located approximately 100 kilometres from Tokyo. As of early afternoon Monday, the typhoon was positioned about 40–50 kilometres from Hachijo Island, moving northeast at 25 kilometres per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 metres per second and gusts reaching 198 kilometres per hour. The storm is expected to pass near the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture through late Monday.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have already begun affecting eastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasted up to 350 millimetres of rain in the Tokai region, 300 millimetres in the Kanto region and Izu Islands, and 200 millimetres in Tohoku over 24 hours through Tuesday morning. Linear rainbands capable of producing intense localised downpours of 80 millimetres per hour are expected to form over the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions. One hillside in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture, collapsed approximately 10 metres, damaging a nearby house; no injuries were reported. The weather agency urged residents in at-risk areas to move away from cliffs and streams, use higher floors of buildings as shelter if evacuation is unsafe, and remain vigilant for flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, and high waves.

The typhoon has disrupted major transportation networks during Japan's five-day Silver Week holiday period. Japan Airlines cancelled 120 domestic flights and All Nippon Airways cancelled 140 flights, including all services to and from Hachijo Island. East Japan Railway suspended partial and full-day operations on lines in Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures and western Tokyo, while the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train connecting Tokyo and Osaka faced delays and cancellations. Highway closures were implemented across multiple sections, including the Tomei Expressway.

Cultural and sporting events have been cancelled or curtailed. The Rock in Japan music festival cancelled Monday's concerts, while the Tokyo Game Show shortened its five-day schedule by cancelling Monday's programme. The Asian Games, underway in Nagoya, reported reduced attendance at Sunday's opening ceremony due to typhoon-related concerns, with visibly empty sections of the 30,000-seat stadium. Tokyo's Shibuya district was issued a Level 3 alert in Japan's five-tier weather system, prompting warnings for elderly residents, those with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations to evacuate.

The typhoon's arrival coincides with the Silver Week holiday (through Wednesday), a period when many residents travel domestically. Weather officials advised people to check latest information, avoid unnecessary travel, remain in safe locations, and watch for rapid deterioration of conditions as the system approaches populated areas across eastern and central Japan.