What’s Happening
On June 1, Typhoon No. 6 (Chanmi) is approaching the Okinawa and Amami regions with strong force. It is expected to bring storm-force winds through June 2, with effects spreading to western and eastern Japan from June 3.
This typhoon is the first major event under Japan’s new disaster warning system, which launched on May 28. You may see unfamiliar alert names like “Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning” or “Level 4 Danger Warning” for the first time.
This article covers the latest typhoon information, how to read the new warnings, and what you should do right now.
TL;DR
- Typhoon No. 6 will hit Okinawa and Amami on June 1–2. Maximum wind speed of 30 m/s, over 200mm of rain expected in 24 hours
- From June 3, western to eastern Japan will also be affected. The typhoon may trigger heavy rain across a wide area by activating the seasonal rain front
- Japan’s new warning system started May 28. If you see “Level 4 Danger Warning,” it means everyone must evacuate
- If Japanese is difficult, check NHK WORLD (English/multilingual) or the Safety tips app on your phone
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and tenki.jp as of June 1, 2026. Typhoon paths can change. Always check the latest updates on the JMA website.
Typhoon No. 6: Latest Information (as of June 1)
As of 3 AM on June 1, Typhoon No. 6 is located about 260 km southeast of Miyako Island (Okinawa Prefecture), moving northwest at 15 km/h. With a central pressure of 975 hPa and maximum wind speed of 30 m/s — strong enough that people cannot stand upright outdoors — it is classified as a “strong” typhoon and is forecast to come closest to Okinawa and Amami between June 1 and 2. The sections below summarize the current position, track forecast, and rainfall and wind outlook based on announcements from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Japan Weather Association (tenki.jp).
Current Status
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Typhoon No. 6 (Chanmi) |
| Position (3 AM, June 1) | Approx. 260 km southeast of Miyako Island |
| Direction | North-northwest at 15 km/h |
| Central pressure | 975 hPa |
| Maximum wind speed | 30 m/s |
(Source: tenki.jp — "Typhoon No. 6: Latest Track Forecast")
Projected Path
| Date/Time | Expected Location |
|---|---|
| June 1–2 | Closest approach to Okinawa/Amami. Strong, with storm-force winds |
| June 2, 3 AM | Approx. 140 km west-southwest of Amami City |
| June 3, 3 AM | Approx. 80 km east-southeast of Cape Muroto |
| June 4 onward | Expected to become an extratropical cyclone, moving east of Japan |
Expected Rainfall and Wind
- 24-hour rainfall: expected to exceed 200mm in some areas
- June 2: Warning-level heavy rain possible on the Pacific side of western Japan
- June 3: Heavy rain also possible in eastern Japan
- The typhoon may activate the seasonal rain front, causing heavy rain even in areas not directly in its path
(Source: tenki.jp — "Typhoon No. 6 Headed Straight for Okinawa")
Understanding the New Warning System
Japan’s disaster warning information changed significantly on May 28. This typhoon may be the first time you see the new format in action.
Alert Levels and What to Do
| Level | Warning Name | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Advisory (e.g., Level 2 Storm Surge Advisory) | Confirm your evacuation site and route |
| Level 3 | Warning (e.g., Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning) | Elderly, children, and those with disabilities should start evacuating |
| Level 4 | Danger Warning (NEW) | Everyone in dangerous areas must evacuate |
| Level 5 | Emergency Warning | Disaster is already occurring. Protect your life immediately |
When a Level 4 “Danger Warning” is issued, everyone must evacuate. Do not wait for Level 5. Level 5 means a disaster is already happening.
What Changed
- Flood warnings and flood advisories have been abolished. Replaced by river-specific “flood information”
- Landslide warnings are now independent. Issued as “Level 4 Landslide Danger Warning”
- All warnings now include a level number (e.g., “Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning”)
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency — "New Disaster Prevention Weather Information (from 2026)")
For a full explanation of the new warning system, see our separate article: “Japan’s New Disaster Warning System Explained“
Where to Get Information in Your Language
Typhoon warnings are issued in Japanese. If you need information in other languages, use these resources:
| Tool | What It Offers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| NHK WORLD | News and disaster info in English and other languages | nhk.or.jp/nhkworld |
| Safety tips | Multilingual disaster app (14 languages) | Search on App Store / Google Play |
| JMA Multilingual | Weather warnings in English, Chinese, etc. | jma.go.jp/jma/en |
| Yahoo! Disaster Alerts | Push notifications for warnings | Search on App Store / Google Play |
What to Do Right Now
If You’re in Okinawa or Amami
- [ ] Stay indoors. Wind in the storm zone makes umbrellas useless
- [ ] Tape windows or close curtains to prevent glass from scattering
- [ ] Fill the bathtub with water in case of water outage
- [ ] Charge your phone and prepare a portable battery
- [ ] Know your evacuation site. Check your city or town website for hazard maps
If You’re in Western to Eastern Japan
- [ ] Clean rain gutters and drains. Blockages cause flooding
- [ ] Bring loose items inside (flower pots, bicycles, etc.)
- [ ] Check transportation updates for June 2–3. Planned service suspensions are possible
- [ ] Unplug electronics as a lightning precaution
You do not need to walk to work or school during a typhoon. Contact your employer or school and prioritize your safety.
FAQ
Q: Can I take a day off from work because of a typhoon?
A: Typhoons are considered force majeure. If commuting is dangerous, contacting your employer and staying home is the right call. Many companies have policies for typhoon days.
Q: What happens to flights and trains?
A: Flights to and from Okinawa are already seeing cancellations. Flights and trains on the mainland may be affected on June 2–3. Check your airline or railway company’s website for the latest updates.
Q: Is “Level 4 Danger Warning” the same as an “Evacuation Order”?
A: “Danger Warning” is issued by the JMA based on weather conditions. “Evacuation Order” (hinan shiji) is issued by your local municipality based on local conditions. Both are Level 4, and both mean everyone must evacuate.
Q: Where can I find hazard maps?
A: Check your city or town website, or use the national Hazard Map Portal by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Find out now whether your home or workplace is in a flood or landslide risk area.
Q: How can I receive evacuation info in my language?
A: Install the “Safety tips” app (available in 14 languages) to get push notifications for evacuation info. The NHK WORLD app also delivers disaster information in English.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Typhoon No. 6 hits Okinawa/Amami June 1–2. Effects spread to western and eastern Japan from June 3
- ✅ “Level 4 Danger Warning” means everyone evacuates. Don’t wait for Level 5
- ✅ NHK WORLD and the Safety tips app provide multilingual disaster info
- ✅ Prepare now: charge devices, store water, check your evacuation site, secure loose items
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