Typhoon Jangmi’s Impact on Tokyo: Weather, Disruptions, and Unusual Crowd Behavior

From late May into early June 2026, Typhoon Jangmi tracked north-northwest across the Philippine Sea toward southern Japan. Satellite imagery from NASA’s VIIRS instrument captured the storm’s eye on 30 May (16:40 UT) with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), later rising to 130 km/h (80 mph) on 31 May. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the system as a tropical storm by 3 June, while earlier reports listed it as a typhoon with peak winds of 126 km/h (78 mph) at landfall in Wakayama prefecture.

Science DailyNASAHeavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo regionTourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo

Jangmi’s rainbands delivered intense precipitation. The Owase area recorded 50 cm (20 in) of rain in a 24-hour period, while JMA projected up to 20 cm (8 in) for Tokyo through the following morning. Wind gusts reached 90 km/h (55 mph) in the capital region. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings reported that more than 5,000 homes lost electricity during the storm’s passage.

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region

Heavy rain paralyzed street traffic across central Tokyo. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, and train services experienced suspensions or delays, leaving commuters stranded. Residents near the Zenpukuji River were urged to seek shelter as swollen waters threatened to overtop riverbanks.

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region

The JMA issued its highest-level flood warning for multiple central and eastern prefectures, urging people in vulnerable riverine zones to move to higher ground. TEPCO confirmed widespread power outages affecting thousands of households and coordinated restoration efforts. Both agencies emphasized the storm’s potential to generate further flooding along Japan’s Pacific coast.

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region

Despite the downpour, crowds gathered at two iconic Tokyo sites. In Shibuya, umbrellas lined the streets as tourists and locals queued for the Hachiko statue. Nearby, the Dotonbori Theater—a strip-club venue—attracted patrons seeking adult entertainment even as the storm intensified. Reporter Seiji Nakazawa noted his surprise at the “bemused” realization that people would brave extreme weather to watch an erotic performance.

Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo

Sources differ on Jangmi’s classification and intensity: NASA’s satellite data described it as a typhoon with 120–130 km/h winds, while JMA labeled it a tropical storm with 90 km/h sustained winds on 3 June. Rainfall totals vary, with Owase receiving 50 cm versus projected 20 cm for Tokyo. No official casualty figures have been released, and the extent of infrastructure damage beyond power outages remains unclear.

Science Daily

• “According to Scott Braun, a research meteorologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the eye was relatively large compared with many tropical cyclones.” — Scott Braun, Research Meteorologist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Science Daily

• “Braun noted that while the structures are visually impressive, they are considered normal features within storms of this type.” — Scott Braun, NASA

Science Daily

• “The agency issued the highest-level flood warning in a number of areas in central and eastern Japan, urging people living along rivers and in vulnerable areas to move to higher ground for safety.” — Japan Meteorological Agency

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region

• “Heavy rain already paralyzed street traffic in the city, hundreds of flights were cancelled and train services were suspended or delayed.” — ABC News report

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region

• “Bemused at the realisation that people will brave extreme weather conditions to watch an erotic performance, Seiji wondered what else might have the power to draw crowds in a typhoon-turned-tropical-storm.” — Seiji Nakazawa, Reporter

Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo

Meteorologists expect Jangmi to turn northeast toward the Amami region on 1–2 June, continuing to produce heavy rain along Japan’s Pacific coastline. Authorities remain on alert for additional flooding, especially in low-lying urban districts, and have urged residents to monitor updates from the JMA and local emergency services.

Heavy rain from tropical storm raises flood risks in the Tokyo region