National Jul 6, 2020
Residents mourn victims of 2018 torrential rain in western Japan
With the coronavirus pandemic, the memorial services in Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures were held with limited attendees and social distancing within the venues.
National Jul 8, 2019
One year after floods, hard-hit area of Okayama Prefecture sees spike in thefts targeting victims
A town in western Japan hit by flooding caused by torrential rain a year ago is now struggling with thefts targeting disaster victims who are working to rebuild their lives. Police have called on people in the Mabicho district of Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, to "ensure ...
National Jan 1, 2019
The Japan Times newsroom selected the following domestic news stories as the most important of 2018.
National Nov 5, 2018
Cooperation and information sharing key in disaster response, speakers tell Hiroshima workshop
by Eric Johnston
Given Japan's vulnerability to natural disasters, and with accelerating climate change widely predicted to increase severe weather patterns, increased cooperation and information sharing is more important than ever to meet the needs of victims. That was the message delivered Monday in Hiroshima during a workshop ...
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Oct 3, 2018
Japan's diverse bunch of disaster volunteers are primed for a warming world
by Shaun O'dwyer
In these polarized times, crises bring together people from a range of backgrounds to spread the word about perils linked to climate change.
Editorials Aug 31, 2018
Each one of us must be fully aware of disasters risk and learn what action we need to take when they hit.
National Aug 24, 2018
Wooden housing that sheltered Fukushima displaced now relocated for use in rain-hit western Japan
Purpose-built wooden emergency homes constructed using a traditional nail-less building technique and used by people displaced by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis have been relocated to Soja, Okayama Prefecture, which was recently hit by torrential rains. In early August, carpenters in Soja began putting together ...
Business / Corporate Aug 16, 2018
Some factories in western Japan still down a month after rain disaster
Damaged roads, train tracks and other transportation infrastructure are preventing factories in western Japan from reaching a full recovery a month after deadly rains killed over 200 people in the region. Mazda Motor Corp. has resumed production at its headquarters plant in Fuchu, Hiroshima Prefecture, ...
Issues | THE FOREIGN ELEMENT Aug 16, 2018
An Antipodean friendship fortified in Japanese floodwaters the color of 'Australian beer'
by Simon Scott
After his own rescue, one Kiwi resident of flooded Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, returned to the rising waters to look for his Aussie friend's stranded family.
National Aug 14, 2018
Just six visually impaired people were confirmed to have taken shelter at evacuation sites in the three hardest-hit prefectures of Okayama, Hiroshima and Ehime.
National Aug 14, 2018
Emperor and Empress to visit disaster-hit prefectures in western Japan
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are considering a visit in September to three prefectures in western Japan that were hit the hardest by torrential rains last month, senior officials of the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday. The Imperial Couple are hoping to visit Okayama and ...
National Aug 5, 2018
In aftermath of deadly rains, Hiroshima pins recovery hopes on tourism
by Magdalena Osumi
A month after heavy rains lashed western Japan and disrupted railway systems in the region, communities and business owners in Hiroshima are hoping they can keep the crucial tourism industry afloat. Hiroshima is at its peak around this time. Although the torrential rain in early ...