WK 10: Japans Extreme Weather



Japan’s Extreme Weather:


Japan faces frequent extreme weather events, especially typhoons that form over the Pacific Ocean and strike the islands between June and October. These storms bring intense rainfall, strong winds, and sometimes flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Because of its geography, Japan is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. To keep people safe, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provides real-time updates and warnings through TV, radio, and smartphone alerts. Local governments also use community loudspeakers and emergency texts to tell residents when to evacuate or move to higher ground. Annual disaster drills are common in schools and workplaces so everyone knows how to respond when severe weather hits (Japan Meteorological Agency, 2024).



Japan has also invested heavily in disaster prevention systems. Large seawalls and advanced flood control channels have been built to reduce storm surge and flooding damage. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka use underground tunnels and reservoirs to manage excess rainwater during typhoons (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 2023). Emergency shelters throughout the country are stocked with supplies and are easily accessible to residents during storms. These combined efforts show how Japan’s history of extreme weather has shaped its culture of preparedness and resilience.



References:


https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html


https://www.mlit.go.jp/en/

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