Flood emergency declared in Japan's Akita as Tokyo, Osaka set heat records

2026-10-22 · Climate · Japan

Japan issued a Level 5 emergency flood warning for the Koyoshigawa river in Akita Prefecture on Oct 21, the highest alert level, urging residents to take immediate safety measures. Separately, Tokyo and Osaka recorded their latest-ever day with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius as warm, humid air from the south swept across Japan, especially along the Pacific coast, sending late-October readings unusually high. The extreme weather also came as Japan braced for super Typhoon Champi, the 30th named storm of the year, heading toward its southwestern islands.

Why it matters：Floods and record late-season heat in the same week show how climate extremes are stressing Japan's disaster preparedness and infrastructure.

Key points

• Level 5 is Japan's highest flood alert.
• Tokyo and Osaka set records for the latest 30C day of the year.
• Super Typhoon Champi is also approaching.

Sources (original reporting)

• NHK
• The Japan Times
• The Straits Times

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