National Jun 17, 2020
Officials struggle to give answers as Twitter asks, 'Is it a UFO?'
National / Science & Health Jun 16, 2020
Japan to test new heatstroke alert system starting next month
The government said Tuesday that it will test a new heatstroke alert system from July 1. According to the Environment Ministry and the Meteorological Agency, an alert will be sent out for days with high risks of head-related illness during the trial, which runs through ...
National Feb 14, 2020
Japanese panel proposes using red and white flag as tsunami warning
An expert panel of the Meteorological Agency has proposed that a red and white checkered flag be used to swiftly convey tsunami warnings to people with hearing impairments at seaside resorts. A test conducted at a beach in Yokohama found that a red and white ...
National Jan 7, 2020
Japan's average temperature in 2019 hits record high, up nearly a degree from normal
The average temperature in Japan in 2019 hit the highest level since records began in 1898 and was nearly a degree warmer than in a typical year, according to the Meteorological Agency. The temperature exceeded the normal-year level by 0.92 degree Celsius, the agency said ...
National Jan 3, 2020
Alert issued as M5.9 earthquake hits off Chiba; no tsunami warning
Disaster Alert The following is an earthquake alert issued by the Meteorological Agency. Day and Time: Jan. 3, 2020, 3:24 a.m. Epicenter: Off Chiba Prefecture. N 35.8, E 141.2 Depth: 30 km Preliminary magnitude: 5.9 Seismic intensity scale: 4 out of maximum 7 Note: No tsunami warning issued.
National / History | JAPAN TIMES GONE BY Oct 6, 2019
With all lights extinguished in the traditional manner, ceremonies of utmost solemnity for the deification of the nation’s fallen heroes were held last night at Yasukuni Shrine.
National Jun 7, 2019
Hundreds in Hiroshima region evacuate amid downpours as rainy season begins in much of Japan
Heavy rainfall hit parts of western Japan beginning early Friday, causing more than 800 people to evacuate their homes and disrupting train services throughout the region. In Hiroshima Prefecture alone, 775 people had fled to shelters as of 10 a.m. Friday, while dozens more in ...
National May 21, 2019
Japan's weather agency to extend range of temperature forecasts from seven days to 12
To allow people to better prepare for upcoming weather, the Meteorological Agency will next month begin offering temperature forecasts for 12 days instead of the current seven. The forecasts will be published on the agency's official website every day at around 2:30 p.m. starting June ...
National Mar 21, 2019
The cherry blossom season officially arrived in Tokyo on Thursday after officials from the Meteorological Agency confirmed that more than five blossoms had opened on a Somei-Yoshino cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward. Most Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Tokyo are now expected ...
National Mar 16, 2019
Meteorological Agency starts development of AI-based system to predict windy events in Japan
The system is also expected to help self-driving cars avoid accidents caused by strong wind, including tornados and downbursts.
National Dec 3, 2018
Japanese weather observatories shift to forecasting snow over shorter spans
Weather observatories are shifting toward providing snow forecasts for shorter time frames, hoping to better accommodate sudden weather changes and prevent disasters and traffic disruptions. The observatories have traditionally forecasted snow for the next 24 hours, but many have shifted to 12 hours and some ...
National Oct 4, 2018
False quake alarm gives Tokyoites a midnight scare
by Magdalena Osumi
Brace yourself, a strong quake is coming. This dramatic emergency message sent to smartphones and loudspeakers caused a brief panic after midnight Wednesday in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures, with many taking to social media to express their confusion over whether or not to get ready ...