Tokyo International News Agency

At 9:00 AM on August 12, a developing tropical depression in the waters near the Ogasawara Islands intensified into Typhoon No. 17, officially named "Nangka." Marking the fourth typhoon to form this month, it represents the third-earliest formation on record for the season's 17th storm. The Japan Meteorological Agency and disaster prevention authorities are urging the public to stay updated on its path, as the storm threatens to approach eastern Japan during the latter half of the Obon holiday period. The name "Nangka," submitted by Malaysia, refers to the jackfruit. However, its pronunciation immediately sparked viral humor on Japanese social media. Because "nangka" sounds identical to the Japanese word for "moving south" ( nanka ), netizens quickly pointed out the irony of a storm heading north toward the Japanese archipelago. On X (formerly Twitter), users posted playful comments such as, "It's hilarious that Nangka (moving south)...

At 9:00 AM on August 12, Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) downgraded to a tropical depression over the Sea of Japan. The storm followed an unprecedented trajectory, moving from east to west and making landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture for the first time in recorded history before crossing the main island of Honshu. Following the announcement, the phrase "downgraded to a tropical depression" trended on social media, sparking a mix of relief and confusion over the erratic weather. However, meteorologists and disaster prevention agencies strongly warn that a tropical depression does not mean the danger has passed. Humid air flowing into the region continues to destabilize the atmosphere across vast areas from Tohoku to western Japan. Despite occasional breaks in the clouds, sudden torrential downpours persist, and authorities are urging continued vigilance against low-lying flooding, rising rivers, and landslides. The storm comes during the peak of the Obon holiday travel season, leaving ...

With the arrival of the Obon holiday and national summer breaks, the term "Hirukatsu" (midday activities) has taken social media by storm in Japan. While "Asakatsu"—the practice of making productive use of early morning hours—traditionally receives the spotlight, a new lifestyle trend has firmly taken root during extended holidays: spending midday hours effectively on hobbies, live streaming, and studying. The Surge of "Hirukatsu Streaming" in the VTuber Community This trend is particularly prominent within the live-streaming and Virtual YouTuber (VTuber) industry. Led by summer special programming like "Niji Noon" from the major VTuber agency Nijisanji, numerous streamers and content creators have been starting live broadcasts around noon. The content spans a wide variety of topics, ranging from popular game playthroughs like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter to interactive fan games and casual chatting streams. As viewers spend more time at ho...

On the afternoon of August 5, a large tropical storm, Typhoon No. 15, formed in the waters near Wake Island and was assigned the Asian regional name "Chan-hom." Coming closely on the heels of Typhoon No. 14 ("Kujira"), which developed earlier that morning, and Typhoon No. 13 ("Dolphin"), three active typhoons are now swirling in the waters near Japan, creating a rare "triple typhoon" scenario. Following the weather announcement, the unique name "Chan-hom" immediately began trending on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Japanese netizens reacted with humorous posts, with many confessing that they initially misread the name as "champon"—a popular Japanese noodle dish—because they were hungry. Others took interest in the naming sequence, noting that while Typhoons 13 and 14 were named after marine life ("Dolphin" and "Kujira," the Japanese word for whale), "Chan-hom" broke the pattern by...

On August 5, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that a developing tropical depression near Wake Island is expected to intensify into a typhoon within 24 hours. If it forms, it will mark the second typhoon of the month and be designated as Typhoon No. 15. The announcement triggered widespread concern on social media regarding the storm's potential trajectory and impact on travel and daily life. Coming just before the major Obon holiday and homecoming travel period, many people expressed anxiety over disrupted plans, grave visits, and potential cancellations of Shinkansen bullet trains and flights. Concerns also spread to major summer events, including the National High School Baseball Championship at Koshien Stadium, large outdoor music festivals, fan-made comic (doujinshi) conventions, and even routine medical appointments. While heightened caution surrounds forecasts indicating a potential approach or direct hit on Honshu and the Kanto region, many internet users are ...