Typhoon Dujuan: 10 Dead in Japan Flooding | Update

At least ten people have died and four remain missing after Typhoon Dujuan tore through Japan's Kanto region this week, unleashing record rainfall, landslides and widespread flooding across Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures. The powerful storm made landfall on Monday, September 21, 2026, leaving nearly 600 homes inundated, 22 houses destroyed and tens of thousands of residents without electricity.

What Happened: Typhoon Dujuan's Deadly Path

Typhoon Dujuan moved across Japan early this week, producing extreme downpours that overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. According to The Japan Times, at least nine people were confirmed dead by September 23, and the toll later rose to ten. Police, firefighters and Self-Defense Forces continued searching for four people still unaccounted for.

Worst-Affected Areas: Chiba and Kanagawa

Chiba Prefecture recorded six deaths and two missing persons, while Kanagawa Prefecture reported three deaths and two missing. Landslides struck Kamogawa, Yokosuka and Miura, destroying homes and killing residents. The overflowing Takasaki River flooded an urban area near JR Sakura Station. In Chiba alone, more than 600 homes were damaged and 22 were completely destroyed, according to prefectural figures. The Japan disaster response protocols swung into action as rescue teams worked through mud and debris to reach isolated neighborhoods.

Record Rainfall and River Flooding

Eight locations across the Kanto region saw record rainfall totals. Oshima Island received 832 mm in 48 hours, while Ushiku in Ichihara recorded 392.5 mm in just 24 hours. A dike near a lake in the Narita area, about 80 km east of Tokyo, broke in several places and sent floodwater surging into homes. People were swallowed by the water inside their houses, local media reported. One man died after becoming trapped in a flooded car.

Typhoon Dujuan Impact at a Glance

Timeline: How Typhoon Dujuan Unfolded

• Monday, September 21: Typhoon Dujuan makes landfall in Japan, bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
• September 22-23: Record rainfall triggers landslides and river flooding across the Kanto region; a dike breaks near Narita.
• September 24: The death toll rises to at least ten, with four people missing; transport services resume and recovery efforts continue.

Economic Damage: Narita Koi Farm Losses

The flooding also devastated the local koi farming industry. In Narita, around 100,000 koi carp died after muddy floodwater swept through ponds and carried fish away. The affected farm estimated losses at approximately $6 million, including damage to machinery. The incident shows how extreme weather impacts on agriculture extend far beyond immediate infrastructure damage.

Transport Disruptions and Recovery

The typhoon halted train services for several days and forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Tokyo-area airports, including Narita and Haneda, stranding travellers. Operations have since resumed, but authorities cautioned that standing water and debris may still pose risks in low-lying districts. Power restoration efforts continued in Chiba and Kanagawa, where tens of thousands of households were still without electricity.

Why Is Japan Seeing More Extreme Rainfall?

Scientists associate the rising frequency of intense downpours with climate change and extreme weather. Warmer air can hold more moisture, producing heavier rainfall in shorter periods. Last month, Japan's east coast was struck by severe rain that killed several people in Chiba Prefecture, a pattern officials describe as a growing national concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people died in Typhoon Dujuan?

At least ten people died and four remain missing as of September 24, 2026.

Which areas were hit hardest by Typhoon Dujuan?

Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures suffered the most deaths and damage, with landslides in Kamogawa, Yokosuka and Miura.

What caused the flooding near Narita?

A dike near a lake in the Narita area broke in multiple places after record rainfall, inundating homes and farmland.

How much damage did the Narita koi farm suffer?

Around 100,000 koi carp died, and the farm estimated about $6 million in total losses.

Is extreme rainfall increasing in Japan?

Yes, intense downpours have become a growing concern in Japan, with similar heavy rain hitting Chiba Prefecture the previous month.