Tokyo International News Agency

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 socia...

On February 23rd, the Emperor's Birthday, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the arrival of "Haru Ichiban" (the first spring gale) in the Kanto region, marking its appearance after a two-year absence. There was no official declaration of Haru Ichiban last year, making this a notable event. On this day, influenced by a developing low-pressure system, strong southerly winds primarily affected the southern parts of the region, bringing record-breaking warmth to various locations. Central Tokyo saw temperatures reach a high of 23°C, comparable to late May weather. Chiba City recorded a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 20.8 meters per second shortly after 8 AM, Yokohama City 16.4 m/s around 3:30 AM, and central Tokyo 13.5 m/s shortly after 4:30 AM. With temperatures feeling like April in some areas, many people were seen out without coats, expressing feelings that "spring has arrived." This announcement of Haru Ichiban for Kanto follows similar declarations...