Japan's First Rainy Season Declaration of 2026: Amami Region Enters Early 'Tsuyu' During Golden Week

On May 3, 2026, the Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory announced that the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture has likely entered the rainy season. This marks the first rainy season declaration anywhere in Japan this year.

This year's start in the Amami region arrived nine days earlier than average and two days earlier than last year. Notably, this is the first time in seven years—since 2019—that the rainy season has been declared in the Amami region before the Okinawa region.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Amami region is currently experiencing mostly cloudy skies due to the influence of a seasonal front and humid air. The forecast for the coming week predicts a continuation of cloudy and rainy days. Authorities have issued a warning for potential heavy rain reaching emergency levels across a wide area through May 4, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Coming in the middle of the Golden Week holidays, the announcement sparked a wave of surprise on social media. Many users expressed concerns, with comments such as, "It's only the start of May; this is far too early," and "I'm worried about the impact on tourism during the holidays." The rainy season in the Amami region typically ends around June 29, signaling the beginning of a wet period that will last approximately two months.

The Context

In Japan, the rainy season is known as "Tsuyu." It is caused by a stationary front called the "Tsuyu-zensen" that moves from the south to the north of the archipelago. Because the Amami and Okinawa islands are located in the far south, they are usually the first to experience this shift. This announcement is particularly significant because it occurred during "Golden Week," one of Japan's longest and most important national holiday periods, when many people travel for outdoor sightseeing. Early rain can significantly disrupt travel plans and the local tourism economy.