A powerful typhoon is expected to approach the Ogasawara and Izu islands south of Tokyo by Thursday night, the Meteorological Agency said Wednesday, with a throng of suspected Chinese coral poaching vessels spotted in waters off the Pacific islands.

Japanese officials remain vigilant against the ships, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga saying that Tokyo will not allow Chinese crew members to come ashore due to Typhoon Nuri.

"The Japan Coast Guard has been urging Chinese fishing vessels near the Ogasawara Islands to stay away from the typhoon's path," Suga said at a daily press conference.