Full Breakdown
Heavy Rain Triggers Mount Fuji Landslide and Flooding Ahead of Asian Games
9/10/2026, 9:22:25 AM
Mount Fuji Landslide at Fujinomiya Fifth Station
On September 9 a landslide struck the parking area at Mount Fuji’s Fujinomiya fifth station in Shizuoka Prefecture. Soil and debris covered roughly a 10 m × 10 m area to a depth of about 60 cm, sweeping three parked vehicles. No injuries were reported and no climbers were present. Prefectural officials said the Fuji Civil Engineering Office will deploy heavy machinery to clear the debris, though a completion date has not been set.
Flooding in Nagoya and Surrounding Prefectures
The same rain system produced record precipitation in central Japan. In Nagoya, NHK recorded 104.5 mm of rain in a single hour on September 8, flooding streets, railway tracks, and subway lines and forcing temporary suspension of JR Chuo Line and Shinkansen services.
Meteorological Context
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported heavy rain persisting through September 9, issuing warnings for landslides, flooding, and rising rivers. Forecasts called for up to 200 mm of rain in the Tokai region through the early hours of September 10.
Impact on Asian Games Preparations
Rainwater was found leaking into several Asian Games venues ahead of the scheduled September 19 opening. Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa assured that the venues remained usable.
Verbatim Quote
- “We are not worried about the conditions of the venues and we believe there is no problem holding the Asian Games as planned.” — Ichiro Hirosawa, mayor
Official Responses
- Shizuoka Prefecture: Confirmed the landslide, dispatched a mountain-rescue team for two unconscious climbers found on the trails, and announced plans to clear the site with heavy equipment.
- Nagoya City Government: Declared emergency relief on September 9, opened evacuation centres, and urged residents in Chikusa, Moriyama, and Meito wards to take safety measures.
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Continued heavy-rain advisories through September 10 and warned that additional rain could heighten disaster risk.
Data Summary
- Vehicles affected at Mount Fuji: 3 parked cars.
- Debris dimensions: ~10 m × 10 m area, ~60 cm deep.
- Injuries in Aichi and Gifu: reports range from 4 minor injuries to 41 minor injuries.
- Fatalities: 1 worker confirmed dead after a landslide in Kawanehon on September 8.
- Evacuation centres: 1,600–2,700 people sought shelter on September 8–9.
Timeline
- September 8 – Landslide in Kawanehon kills a worker; record hourly rain in Nagoya; flooding begins.
- September 9 – Mount Fuji fifth-station landslide; two unconscious climbers located; Nagoya declares emergency relief.
- September 10 – All four climbing routes on Mount Fuji remain open through the end of the summer season.
- September 19 – Planned opening of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury counts differ between sources (4 vs. 41 minor injuries).
- The relationship between the two unconscious climbers and the landslide has not been established.
What’s Next
The city will continue to monitor rainfall through September 10 as JMA forecasts persistently heavy precipitation. Cleanup of the Mount Fuji site proceeds without a set timeline, and emergency shelters remain operational. The Asian Games are slated to open on September 19, contingent on venue repairs and flood mitigation.
