Tropical Storm Chan-hom Hits Greater Tokyo Region, Moves Westward

The system left thousands of homes without power, downed trees in urban centers, and triggered heavy rain warnings across northern and western prefectures, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Associated Press.

Landfall and Track Across Central Japan

According to meteorological records cited by the Associated Press, this landfall represents the first time a storm or typhoon has hit Ibaraki prefecture since agency record-keeping began in 1951. By early Wednesday, the storm was positioned near Gifu in central Japan, maintaining sustained winds of 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour) as it progressed toward Wakasa Bay on the country’s north-central coast.

The system arrived during Japan’s traditional “bon” Buddhist holiday week, a peak travel period dedicated to honoring ancestral spirits. Transportation networks experienced localized disruptions, including the cancellation of approximately 60 departing and arriving flights at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday. In Ibaraki prefecture, authorities closed the popular Oarai beach due to hazardous conditions.

Infrastructure Impact and Regional Disruption

Despite the storm’s wind speeds and heavy rainfall, core infrastructure in central Tokyo largely avoided severe damage. Commuter trains and flights resumed normal operations by Wednesday morning, allowing businesses to function with minimal interruption.

However, outlying prefectures sustained notable property and utility impacts. TEPCO Power Grid reported that more than 3,000 homes remained without electricity across Ibaraki and neighboring Tochigi prefecture as of Wednesday morning. High winds knocked down trees in several Tokyo locations, including a prominent tree in the upscale shopping district of Omotesando, which public broadcaster NHK confirmed caused no injuries.

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Injuries and Ongoing Meteorological Warnings

Prefectural officials reported five minor injuries resulting from the storm’s passage. The casualties included two men in the northern prefecture of Iwate and three women in Ibaraki prefecture.

Although the core of the system continued westward, the Japan Meteorological Agency maintained warnings for heavy rain and thunder throughout Wednesday across northern and western regions.

For commercial entities and residential communities recovering from localized storm damage, evaluating structural integrity is a critical subsequent step. Coordinating with certified [Relevant Service/Organization Type] helps mitigate long-term risks associated with severe weather events.