Typhoon 15 made a rare and historic landfall in southern Ibaraki Prefecture on the evening of August 11, 2026, marking the first time since meteorological records began in 1951 that a typhoon has made landfall in the prefecture, according to Livedoor News. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain across the Kanto region, causing injuries, power outages, and significant transportation disruptions during what is typically Japan's busy Obon holiday travel period. According to NHK, at least four people sustained injuries due to the typhoon—three in Ibaraki Prefecture and one in Tochigi Prefecture. The injuries in Ibaraki were primarily caused by women being knocked down by strong winds, resulting in minor injuries. While these incidents were not severe, they underscore the dangers posed by typhoon-force winds, particularly for those caught outside during the storm's passage. Power outages affected approximately 7,660 households across Ibaraki and surrounding areas, NHK reported. Foreign residents should be prepared for potential extended outages during typhoon season by keeping flashlights, portable chargers, and emergency supplies readily available. Those affected should contact their local power company for restoration estimates and report any downed power lines immediately to authorities. Transportation systems across the Kanto region experienced significant disruptions. According to Livedoor News, both JR Utsunomiya Line and JR Joban Line suspended operations due to fallen trees on tracks and power outages affecting railway systems. These are critical commuter lines serving northern Tokyo and connecting to Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures. While Yahoo Japan reported that shinkansen (bullet train) services and metropolitan area railways eventually returned to normal operations, and air travel resumed regular schedules, the disruptions came at a particularly challenging time. The timing of Typhoon 15 coincided with Japan's Obon holiday period, one of the busiest travel seasons of the year when millions of Japanese residents return to their hometowns. Yahoo Japan Business noted that the typhoon directly impacted the holiday travel rush, causing widespread confusion and delays for travelers. Foreign residents planning trips during major Japanese holidays should always factor in potential weather-related disruptions and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers typhoon-related cancellations. Meteorological authorities have warned that dangers persist even as the typhoon moves away from the region. NHK reported that Typhoon 15 is expected to move into the Sea of Japan, but atmospheric instability will continue due to cold air masses at high altitudes and moist air currents. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding in areas already saturated by the typhoon's initial passage. This historic landfall serves as an important reminder for foreign residents in Japan about the unpredictability of typhoon tracks. While Ibaraki had never experienced a direct typhoon landfall in over 70 years of modern record-keeping, climate patterns can shift, and areas previously considered less vulnerable may face new risks. Expats living anywhere in Japan should familiarize themselves with typhoon preparation procedures regardless of their location's historical typhoon frequency. For foreign residents, essential typhoon preparedness includes: securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds, stocking at least three days of food and water, ensuring important documents are in waterproof containers, and knowing evacuation routes and shelter locations. Many municipalities offer multilingual emergency information through apps and websites—check your local city or ward office for available resources in English and other languages. As Japan continues to experience the typhoon season, which typically runs from May through October with peak activity in August and September, foreign residents should monitor weather forecasts regularly through the Japan Meteorological Agency's English website or multilingual weather apps, and heed all evacuation advisories issued by local authorities.