ニュース 2026年09月27日午後10時00分 2026年9月27日

Record Rainfall in Northern Kyushu; Landslide Risk Remains

A stationary autumn rain front continued to funnel warm, moisture-laden air into northern Kyushu on September 27, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). One city in Fukuoka Prefecture recorded 281 mm of rain in a single 24-hour period — the highest September total since records began. While the rain has begun to ease across northern Kyushu, the ground in many areas remains saturated from the prolonged downpour, and authorities are urging continued vigilance against landslides and other slope failures.

On September 28, the front and moist air mass are forecast to destabilize the atmosphere across a wide swath of the country stretching from northern Japan to western Japan. Locally intense rain accompanied by thunder is possible, and the JMA is also warning the public to be alert to lightning strikes, tornadoes, and other severe gusts.

Typhoon No. 26 Rapidly Intensifies, Approaches Amami Islands

Typhoon No. 26 rapidly intensified into a very strong storm and was expected to approach the Amami Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture through September 28. Heavy rain is likely, and depending on the storm's exact track, winds and rainfall could intensify further. The JMA is calling for caution against high waves as well as strong winds and landslides.

Forecasts for the storm's path beyond that point still carry considerable uncertainty, but there is a possibility it could approach the Japanese mainland. The agency also warned that moisture streaming from the typhoon toward the front stalled along Japan's southern coast could invigorate the front's activity and trigger heavy rain, particularly in eastern Japan. Residents are being encouraged to monitor the latest weather bulletins closely.

Zelensky Discloses 55 Percent Interception Rate for Jet Drones

In a video message released on September 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine is intercepting only 55 percent of the jet-engine drones that Russia has been deploying in growing numbers. That type of drone is capable of high-speed flight and is considered far more difficult to intercept than conventional models.

Zelensky said more than 270 jet-engine drones were used in Russian attacks this month alone, adding, "Unfortunately, a significant proportion reached their targets" — an admission that underscored his concern. He also noted that Russia plans to invest $12 billion (approximately ¥1.89 trillion) in the production of such drones and related weapons next year.

Ukraine stated its intention to push the interception rate for jet-engine drones above 90 percent, approaching the level already achieved against conventional drones. Zelensky called on partner nations to support Ukraine's efforts and made clear his determination to accelerate the strengthening of the country's air-defense capabilities.

12 Years Since Mount Ontake Eruption; Families Plead: "Stop Climbers If It's Dangerous"

September 27 marked 12 years since the eruption of Mount Ontake on September 27, 2014, which claimed 58 lives and left five people still missing — 63 victims in total. A memorial ceremony organized by local authorities was held in Otaki Village (王滝村), Nagano Prefecture, and attended by roughly 60 people, including bereaved family members and local officials. At 11:52 a.m. — the exact moment the eruption occurred — those present observed a moment of silence before the cenotaph to mourn the victims.

In connection with the disaster, bereaved families had filed a lawsuit against the national government and Nagano Prefecture, arguing that the failure to raise the volcanic alert level beforehand was unlawful and seeking damages. In January of this year, however, the families' defeat was finalized when the ruling against them became definitive. In light of the lawsuit's conclusion, the Director-General of the JMA attended the ceremony — the first time a JMA chief has done so since 2015.

After the ceremony, one bereaved family member who lost both a son and the son's fiancée said: "There is nothing to be gained by dwelling on what has passed — my son and the others will not come back. But monitoring equipment has become more accurate, so I want the authorities to release information and make sure they stop people from going up whenever they believe it is dangerous."