Fresh rain threatened to hamper efforts by tens of thousands of Japanese rescuers searching for <a href="wionews.com/world/japan-searches-for-survivors-as-typhoon-hagibis-death-toll-hits-56-255880">survivors after a powerful typhoon</a> that by early Tuesday had killed 58 people.

Typhoon Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, unleashing high winds and torrential rain across 36 of the country's 47 prefectures, triggering landslides and catastrophic flooding.

The death toll from the disaster has risen steadily, and national broadcaster NHK early Tuesday said 58 people had been killed, according to authorities, while more than a dozen were still missing.

The government has given lower numbers but was still updating its information.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/35-killed-at-least-170-injured-after-typhoon-hagibis-makes-landfall-in-japan-255725/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"Even now, many people are still unaccounted for in the disaster-hit area," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told an emergency disaster meeting on Monday.

"Units are trying their best to search for and rescue them, working day and night," Abe said.

Later in the day, he pledged to "do whatever the country can" for victims and survivors, ordering the defence ministry to call up to 1,000 reserve troops to join 31,000 active forces in search operations.

But rescue work that continued into the night Monday risked being thwarted by additional rain falling in central and eastern Japan.

"I would like to ask people to stay fully vigilant and continue watching for landslides and river flooding," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.

In Nagano, one of the worst-hit regions, officials said they were working cautiously.

"We are concerned about the impact of the latest rain on rescue and recovery efforts," local official Hiroki Yamaguchi told AFP.

"We will continue operations while watching out for secondary disasters due to the current rain."

Seven sailors among dead

Bodies pulled from flooded cars and homes, swollen rivers and landslides all added to the death toll.

The casualties included a municipal worker whose car was engulfed by floodwaters and at least seven crew from a cargo ship that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night, a coast guard spokesman said.

Four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, were rescued when the vessel sank and the coast guard was still searching for the last crew member.

Wind gusts from Hagibis reached up to 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour, but it was the heavy rains that caused the most damage.

A total of 176 rivers flooded, mainly in eastern and northern Japan, local media said.

In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Television footage from the area showed patients being transferred by ambulance from a Nagano hospital where some 200 people had been cut off by flooding.

Elsewhere, rescuers used helicopters to winch survivors from roofs and balconies, or steered boats through muddy waters to reach those trapped.

Rugby win dedicated to victims

By Monday afternoon, almost 76,000 households remained without power, and water was cut off to 135,000 homes.

The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, many of them unsure when they would be able to return home.

"Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagano told NHK.

"I feel lucky I'm still alive."

The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services.

By Monday most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines. Flights had also restarted.

But NHK reported the swamping of a maintenance yard for the Hokuriku bullet train which connects Tokyo with Nagano. Ten trains were damaged when water levels rose by an estimated four metres (yards), NHK said, citing the train operator.

The storm brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches.

But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, leaving the hosts with a stunning 28-21 win they dedicated to the disaster victims.

"To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan's captain Michael Leitch.

Fresh rain threatened to hamper efforts by tens of thousands of Japanese rescuers searching for survivors after a powerful typhoon that by early Tuesday had killed 58 people.

Fresh rain threatened to hamper efforts by tens of thousands of Japanese rescuers searching for survivors after a powerful typhoon that by early Tuesday had killed 58 people. Typhoon Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, unleashing high winds and torrential rain across 36 of the country's 47 prefectures, triggering landslides and catastrophic flooding. The death toll from the disaster has risen steadily, and national broadcaster NHK early Tuesday said 58 people had been killed, according to authorities, while more than a dozen were still missing. The government has given lower numbers but was still updating its information. Watch Video: "Even now, many people are still unaccounted for in the disaster-hit area," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told an emergency disaster meeting on Monday. "Units are trying their best to search for and rescue them, working day and night," Abe said. Later in the day, he pledged to "do whatever the country can" for victims and survivors, ordering the defence ministry to call up to 1,000 reserve troops to join 31,000 active forces in search operations. But rescue work that continued into the night Monday risked being thwarted by additional rain falling in central and eastern Japan. "I would like to ask people to stay fully vigilant and continue watching for landslides and river flooding," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference. In Nagano, one of the worst-hit regions, officials said they were working cautiously. "We are concerned about the impact of the latest rain on rescue and recovery efforts," local official Hiroki Yamaguchi told AFP. "We will continue operations while watching out for secondary disasters due to the current rain." Seven sailors among dead Bodies pulled from flooded cars and homes, swollen rivers and landslides all added to the death toll. The casualties included a municipal worker whose car was engulfed by floodwaters and at least seven crew from a cargo ship that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night, a coast guard spokesman said. Four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, were rescued when the vessel sank and the coast guard was still searching for the last crew member. Wind gusts from Hagibis reached up to 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour, but it was the heavy rains that caused the most damage. A total of 176 rivers flooded, mainly in eastern and northern Japan, local media said. In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Television footage from the area showed patients being transferred by ambulance from a Nagano hospital where some 200 people had been cut off by flooding. Elsewhere, rescuers used helicopters to winch survivors from roofs and balconies, or steered boats through muddy waters to reach those trapped. Rugby win dedicated to victims By Monday afternoon, almost 76,000 households remained without power, and water was cut off to 135,000 homes. The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, many of them unsure when they would be able to return home. "Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagano told NHK. "I feel lucky I'm still alive." The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services. By Monday most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines. Flights had also restarted. But NHK reported the swamping of a maintenance yard for the Hokuriku bullet train which connects Tokyo with Nagano. Ten trains were damaged when water levels rose by an estimated four metres (yards), NHK said, citing the train operator. The storm brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches. But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, leaving the hosts with a stunning 28-21 win they dedicated to the disaster victims. "To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan's captain Michael Leitch.

At least 58 dead as Typhoon Hagibis ravages Japan; rain hampers rescue effort

The death toll in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis in Japan touched 66 in just 3 days.

Typhoon Hagibis: At least 66 people lost their lives in Japan

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WION Wallet: Sleeping business booming in China, Japan

Heavy downpours and winds hit the east coast of Japan on Saturday after Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on the Izu Peninsula on Japan's main island at 19:00 Saturday local time, according to local authorities, with most stores closed and public transportation shut down. According to the reports, at least 35 people got killed and more than 170 are injured.

35 killed, at least 170 injured after Typhoon Hagibis makes landfall in Japan

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-scotland-rugby-world-cup-match-gets-go-ahead-after-typhoon-255556">barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash</a> to create history by reaching the quarter-finals.

Rampaging wingers Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka did the damage for Japan, who survived a late fightback in Yokohama to advance as Pool A winners along with Ireland.

The Brave Blossoms will face two-time world champions South Africa in Tokyo next weekend after making it a perfect four wins out of four, roared on by a crowd of 67,000.

Fukuoka, scorer of Japan's try in their 19-12 upset over Ireland, grabbed two more in Yokohama with Matsushima notching his fifth of the tournament for the rampant Japanese.&nbsp;

After a war of words between the rival coaches in the build-up, the teams observed a moment's silence for the victims of the violent typhoon that swept through Japan on Saturday, killing at least 26 and forcing organisers to scrap three pool games.

The needle between the sides quickly resurfaced in Sunday's typhoon-threatened Pool A decider, however, as both teams put in some monstrous early tackles.

"For my team, the whole World Cup, we've prepared really, really well. They've put their bodies on the line every weekend," said Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who has compared his wide players to Ferraris.

"But tonight they went another level I felt. They gave everything they possibly could -- everyone gave 150 per cent and that's what it takes to win big Test matches."

Scotland needed to win while preventing Japan from securing a defensive bonus point -- and they got off to a flying start.&nbsp;

Early pressure told as fly-half Finn Russell broke through to give them the lead after just seven minutes.

But the Japanese hit back with Matsushima latching onto a superb, one-handed offload from Fukuoka to score his fifth try of the tournament.&nbsp;

Mountain to climb

Even better was to come from the hosts with a dazzling move straight out of a basketball playbook, quick hands between Shota Horie and William Tupou releasing loosehead prop Keita Inagaki to crash over.&nbsp;

On the stroke of half-time, Fukuoka plucked a high-bouncing Timothy Lafaele grubber out of the air to leave Scotland with a mountain to climb.

Man of the match Fukuoka then produced a moment of magic moments into the second half, stripping the ball from Chris Harris before accelerating clear.&nbsp;

Scotland, who bounced back from a 27-3 drubbing by Ireland to smash Samoa 34-0 and Russia 61-0, looked out of it.&nbsp;

However, when WP Nel and Zander Fagerson bulldozed over in the space of five minutes, suddenly the Japanese were creaking.&nbsp;

But they withstood a late barrage to avenge a 45-10 defeat by Scotland that cost them a place in the knockout stages of the 2015 World Cup.&nbsp;

"We're not coming out next week to have a good time and lose," warned Japan captain Michael Leitch, looking to the quarter-finals. "We're coming to win."

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw bemoaned "soft tries" his side had gifted Japan.

"We gave it a good crack in the second half but when you leak 28 points, you're always going to be chasing the game," he said.

"You've got to give Japan credit. They've really improved since four years ago."

That Japan team, led by Eddie Jones, won three pool matches, including a breathless 34-32 victory over South Africa in their opening game.&nbsp;

Japan's current vintage thrashed Russia 30-10 and Samoa 38-19 either side of their massive win over Ireland, and Joseph will relish the chance to have another crack at the Springboks next weekend.

"This doesn't happen overnight," said the former All Black. "You've got to go through a bit of pain."

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash to create history by reaching the quarter-finals.

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash to create history by reaching the quarter-finals. Rampaging wingers Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka did the damage for Japan, who survived a late fightback in Yokohama to advance as Pool A winners along with Ireland. The Brave Blossoms will face two-time world champions South Africa in Tokyo next weekend after making it a perfect four wins out of four, roared on by a crowd of 67,000. Fukuoka, scorer of Japan's try in their 19-12 upset over Ireland, grabbed two more in Yokohama with Matsushima notching his fifth of the tournament for the rampant Japanese. After a war of words between the rival coaches in the build-up, the teams observed a moment's silence for the victims of the violent typhoon that swept through Japan on Saturday, killing at least 26 and forcing organisers to scrap three pool games. The needle between the sides quickly resurfaced in Sunday's typhoon-threatened Pool A decider, however, as both teams put in some monstrous early tackles. "For my team, the whole World Cup, we've prepared really, really well. They've put their bodies on the line every weekend," said Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who has compared his wide players to Ferraris. "But tonight they went another level I felt. They gave everything they possibly could -- everyone gave 150 per cent and that's what it takes to win big Test matches." Scotland needed to win while preventing Japan from securing a defensive bonus point -- and they got off to a flying start. Early pressure told as fly-half Finn Russell broke through to give them the lead after just seven minutes. But the Japanese hit back with Matsushima latching onto a superb, one-handed offload from Fukuoka to score his fifth try of the tournament. Mountain to climb Even better was to come from the hosts with a dazzling move straight out of a basketball playbook, quick hands between Shota Horie and William Tupou releasing loosehead prop Keita Inagaki to crash over. On the stroke of half-time, Fukuoka plucked a high-bouncing Timothy Lafaele grubber out of the air to leave Scotland with a mountain to climb. Man of the match Fukuoka then produced a moment of magic moments into the second half, stripping the ball from Chris Harris before accelerating clear. Scotland, who bounced back from a 27-3 drubbing by Ireland to smash Samoa 34-0 and Russia 61-0, looked out of it. However, when WP Nel and Zander Fagerson bulldozed over in the space of five minutes, suddenly the Japanese were creaking. But they withstood a late barrage to avenge a 45-10 defeat by Scotland that cost them a place in the knockout stages of the 2015 World Cup. "We're not coming out next week to have a good time and lose," warned Japan captain Michael Leitch, looking to the quarter-finals. "We're coming to win." Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw bemoaned "soft tries" his side had gifted Japan. "We gave it a good crack in the second half but when you leak 28 points, you're always going to be chasing the game," he said. "You've got to give Japan credit. They've really improved since four years ago." That Japan team, led by Eddie Jones, won three pool matches, including a breathless 34-32 victory over South Africa in their opening game. Japan's current vintage thrashed Russia 30-10 and Samoa 38-19 either side of their massive win over Ireland, and Joseph will relish the chance to have another crack at the Springboks next weekend. "This doesn't happen overnight," said the former All Black. "You've got to go through a bit of pain."

Japan beats Scotland 28-21 in Rugby World Cup, reaches quarter-finals

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-dead-as-typhoon-hagibis-slams-japan-255699">survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis</a>, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people.

Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, but brought hours of heavy rains even before it arrived, causing landslides and filling rivers until they burst their banks.

The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland on Sunday that put them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time.

More than 110,000 rescuers, including 31,000 troops, worked through the night and into Monday, a national holiday, searching for people trapped by the disaster.

Local media said at least 35 people had been killed, with the Kyodo news agency reporting nearly 20 people were missing. Government figures from Sunday night were lower, though updates were expected on Monday.

While Hagibis, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Tokyo area in decades, packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hours, it was the heavy rains that caused most damage, with 21 rivers bursting their banks.

In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one operation went tragically awry when a woman died after falling while being rescued.

'Saving lives top priority'

Elsewhere, rescuers used boats during an hours-long operation to retrieve hundreds of people trapped in a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, when floodwaters inundated the building.

One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was carried from a boat on the back of a rescuer. Others were hoisted into wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore after arriving by boat.

Rescue efforts were continuing on Monday morning, with local television showing soldiers rowing a rubber rescue dingy through floodwaters in Fukushima, while elsewhere workers removed dirt with a digger.

Watch video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/typhoon-hagibis-makes-landfall-destroys-houses-in-japan-255568/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The death toll mounted throughout the day Sunday as bodies were recovered from flooded homes and cars, buildings caught in landslides, and swollen rivers.

The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least five Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night.

"Twelve crew were on board. Five Chinese have been found dead," a coastguard official told AFP.

He said four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, had been rescued and search operations resumed at daybreak for the remaining three members.

"We plan to dispatch 11 boats, two helicopters and a dozen divers to the site. We are trying our best," he added.

Japan dedicates rugby win to victims

On Monday morning, some 57,500 households remained without power, with 120,000 experiencing water outages.

The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home.

"Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagoya told national broadcaster NHK.

"I feel lucky I'm still alive."

The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services.

By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted.

The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches.

But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their win to the victims of the disaster.

"To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people. Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, but brought hours of heavy rains even before it arrived, causing landslides and filling rivers until they burst their banks. The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland on Sunday that put them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time. More than 110,000 rescuers, including 31,000 troops, worked through the night and into Monday, a national holiday, searching for people trapped by the disaster. Local media said at least 35 people had been killed, with the Kyodo news agency reporting nearly 20 people were missing. Government figures from Sunday night were lower, though updates were expected on Monday. While Hagibis, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Tokyo area in decades, packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hours, it was the heavy rains that caused most damage, with 21 rivers bursting their banks. In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one operation went tragically awry when a woman died after falling while being rescued. 'Saving lives top priority' Elsewhere, rescuers used boats during an hours-long operation to retrieve hundreds of people trapped in a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, when floodwaters inundated the building. One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was carried from a boat on the back of a rescuer. Others were hoisted into wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore after arriving by boat. Rescue efforts were continuing on Monday morning, with local television showing soldiers rowing a rubber rescue dingy through floodwaters in Fukushima, while elsewhere workers removed dirt with a digger. Watch video: The death toll mounted throughout the day Sunday as bodies were recovered from flooded homes and cars, buildings caught in landslides, and swollen rivers. The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least five Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night. "Twelve crew were on board. Five Chinese have been found dead," a coastguard official told AFP. He said four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, had been rescued and search operations resumed at daybreak for the remaining three members. "We plan to dispatch 11 boats, two helicopters and a dozen divers to the site. We are trying our best," he added. Japan dedicates rugby win to victims On Monday morning, some 57,500 households remained without power, with 120,000 experiencing water outages. The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home. "Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagoya told national broadcaster NHK. "I feel lucky I'm still alive." The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services. By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted. The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches. But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their win to the victims of the disaster. "To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Japan rescuers seek survivors after Typhoon Hagibis kills 35

Tens of thousands of rescuers worked into the night Monday to find survivors of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/typhoon-hagibis-how-does-how-japan-survive-earthquakes-and-other-natural-calamities-255761">powerful typhoon in Japan</a> that killed at least 56 people, as fresh rain threatened to hamper their efforts.

Typhoon Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, unleashing high winds and torrential rain across 36 of the country's 47 prefectures, triggering landslides and catastrophic flooding.

The death toll from the disaster has risen steadily, with national broadcaster NHK saying Monday night that 56 people had been killed and 15 were still missing.

It cited its own tally based on local reporting. The government has given lower numbers but is still updating its information.

"Even now, many people are still unaccounted for in the disaster-hit area," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told an emergency disaster meeting on Monday.

"Units are trying their best to search for and rescue them, working day and night," Abe said.

Later in the day, he pledged to "do whatever the country can" for victims and survivors, ordering the defence ministry to call up to 1,000 reserve troops to join 31,000 active forces in search operations.

But rescue work that was continuing into the night risked being hampered by additional rain falling in central and eastern Japan that officials warned could cause fresh flooding and landslides.

"I would like to ask people to stay fully vigilant and continue watching for landslides and river flooding," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.

In Nagano, one of the worst-hit regions, officials said they were working cautiously.

"We are concerned about the impact of the latest rain on rescue and recovery efforts," local official Hiroki Yamaguchi told AFP.

"We will continue operations while watching out for secondary disasters due to the current rain."

56 dead, 15 missing: NHK

The death toll continued to rise into Monday evening, with bodies pulled from flooded cars and homes, swollen rivers and landslides.

The casualties included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least seven crew from a cargo ship that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night, a coast guard spokesman said.

Four others, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, were rescued when the boat sank and the coast guard was still searching for a last crew member.

Hagibis packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour, but it was the heavy rains that caused the most damage.

A total of 176 rivers flooded -- mainly in eastern and northern Japan -- with their banks collapsing in two dozen places, local media said.

In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Television footage from the area showed patients being transferred by ambulance from a Nagano hospital where some 200 people had been cut off by flooding.

Elsewhere, rescuers used helicopters to winch survivors from roofs and balconies, or steered boats through muddy waters to reach those trapped.

Japan dedicates rugby win to victims

By Monday afternoon, some 75,900 households remained without power, with water cut off to 135,000 homes.

The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home.

"Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagano told NHK.

"I feel lucky I'm still alive."

The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services.

By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted.

The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches.

But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their stunning 28-21 win to the victims of the disaster.

"To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Tens of thousands of rescuers worked into the night Monday to find survivors of a powerful typhoon in Japan that killed at least 56 people, as fresh rain threatened to hamper their efforts.

Tens of thousands of rescuers worked into the night Monday to find survivors of a powerful typhoon in Japan that killed at least 56 people, as fresh rain threatened to hamper their efforts. Typhoon Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, unleashing high winds and torrential rain across 36 of the country's 47 prefectures, triggering landslides and catastrophic flooding. The death toll from the disaster has risen steadily, with national broadcaster NHK saying Monday night that 56 people had been killed and 15 were still missing. It cited its own tally based on local reporting. The government has given lower numbers but is still updating its information. "Even now, many people are still unaccounted for in the disaster-hit area," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told an emergency disaster meeting on Monday. "Units are trying their best to search for and rescue them, working day and night," Abe said. Later in the day, he pledged to "do whatever the country can" for victims and survivors, ordering the defence ministry to call up to 1,000 reserve troops to join 31,000 active forces in search operations. But rescue work that was continuing into the night risked being hampered by additional rain falling in central and eastern Japan that officials warned could cause fresh flooding and landslides. "I would like to ask people to stay fully vigilant and continue watching for landslides and river flooding," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference. In Nagano, one of the worst-hit regions, officials said they were working cautiously. "We are concerned about the impact of the latest rain on rescue and recovery efforts," local official Hiroki Yamaguchi told AFP. "We will continue operations while watching out for secondary disasters due to the current rain." 56 dead, 15 missing: NHK The death toll continued to rise into Monday evening, with bodies pulled from flooded cars and homes, swollen rivers and landslides. The casualties included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least seven crew from a cargo ship that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night, a coast guard spokesman said. Four others, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, were rescued when the boat sank and the coast guard was still searching for a last crew member. Hagibis packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres (134 miles) per hour, but it was the heavy rains that caused the most damage. A total of 176 rivers flooded -- mainly in eastern and northern Japan -- with their banks collapsing in two dozen places, local media said. In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Television footage from the area showed patients being transferred by ambulance from a Nagano hospital where some 200 people had been cut off by flooding. Elsewhere, rescuers used helicopters to winch survivors from roofs and balconies, or steered boats through muddy waters to reach those trapped. Japan dedicates rugby win to victims By Monday afternoon, some 75,900 households remained without power, with water cut off to 135,000 homes. The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home. "Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagano told NHK. "I feel lucky I'm still alive." The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services. By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted. The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches. But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their stunning 28-21 win to the victims of the disaster. "To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Japan searches for survivors as Typhoon Hagibis death toll hits 56

Typhoon Hagibis: How Japan bounces back from earthquakes and other natural calamities

Rugby World Cup organisers gave the go-ahead for Japan's crunch match against Scotland on Sunday despite the fall-out from Typhoon Hagibis, which swept through Japan causing widespread flooding and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-military-begins-rescue-effort-as-typhoon-hagibis-weakens-4-dead-255547">leaving at least 11 people dead</a>.

The crucial game in Yokohama near Tokyo will determine the eighth and last quarter-final place and had been at the centre of an ugly war of words between organisers and Scotland who threatened to sue if it were cancelled.

Officials gave the green light after inspecting the Yokohama pitch and stadium early on Sunday. Wales's game against Uruguay and USA versus Tonga were also cleared, but Namibia against Canada in Kamaishi was called off.

"The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the host city," organisers said in a statement.

They urged fans to "check travel operator information before departing and plan to arrive early as it may take longer than usual to enter the stadium".&nbsp;

Ireland's bonus-point 47-5 win against Samoa makes the Yokohama match a straight shoot-out between the hosts and Scotland to decide the final qualifier from the tightly contested Pool A.

Japan are four points ahead in the table, putting them in the box seat to reach their first quarter-final. For Scotland, even a win might not be enough with a maximum of two bonus points on offer for the losing side.

Two other matches far from the path of the storm will also go ahead as scheduled -- the Wales-Uruguay clash in the far southwestern city of Kumamoto, and USA-Tonga in Hanazono near Osaka.

But tournament director Alan Gilpin said he had "no option" but to cancel Sunday's early match between Canada and Namibia in the northeastern town of Kamaishi due to significant typhoon damage.

Landslides and flooding in the vicinity of the stadium and along access roads to the venue following torrential rain meant the game had to be scrapped on "public safety" grounds, organisers said in a statement.

'Unprecedented' rain

The cancellation was a blow for the northern town of Kamaishi, whose hosting of World Cup games was a potent symbol of recovery from a 2011 tsunami disaster when it was nearly wiped off the map.&nbsp;

It also robbed Namibia of a chance to grab their first World Cup win and end their record run of 22 games at the tournament without a victory. Canada are without a win in their last 10 World Cup matches.

In the end, only one game was held at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium -- Uruguay's stunning, 30-27 upset of Fiji in Pool D.&nbsp;

Hagibis made landfall on Saturday evening and barrelled across the country, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain.

It was a direct hit on Tokyo and Yokohama, a city of some three million just south of the capital.

Across the country, at least 11 people died and several others were injured or reported missing due to the storm, which brought "unprecedented" amounts of rain to the country.

Severe flooding has already taken place with many rivers breaking their banks, including the Tama River which runs through Tokyo.

Organisers had earlier cancelled two matches planned for Saturday -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy, both in the path of the storm.

It was the first time in the 32-year history of the Rugby World Cup that games had been scrapped, and raised criticism of the decision to hold the tournament during Japan's typhoon season.

Rugby World Cup organisers gave the go-ahead for Japan's crunch match against Scotland on Sunday despite the fall-out from Typhoon Hagibis, which swept through Japan causing widespread flooding and leaving at least 11 people dead.

Rugby World Cup organisers gave the go-ahead for Japan's crunch match against Scotland on Sunday despite the fall-out from Typhoon Hagibis, which swept through Japan causing widespread flooding and leaving at least 11 people dead. The crucial game in Yokohama near Tokyo will determine the eighth and last quarter-final place and had been at the centre of an ugly war of words between organisers and Scotland who threatened to sue if it were cancelled. Officials gave the green light after inspecting the Yokohama pitch and stadium early on Sunday. Wales's game against Uruguay and USA versus Tonga were also cleared, but Namibia against Canada in Kamaishi was called off. "The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the host city," organisers said in a statement. They urged fans to "check travel operator information before departing and plan to arrive early as it may take longer than usual to enter the stadium". Ireland's bonus-point 47-5 win against Samoa makes the Yokohama match a straight shoot-out between the hosts and Scotland to decide the final qualifier from the tightly contested Pool A. Japan are four points ahead in the table, putting them in the box seat to reach their first quarter-final. For Scotland, even a win might not be enough with a maximum of two bonus points on offer for the losing side. Two other matches far from the path of the storm will also go ahead as scheduled -- the Wales-Uruguay clash in the far southwestern city of Kumamoto, and USA-Tonga in Hanazono near Osaka. But tournament director Alan Gilpin said he had "no option" but to cancel Sunday's early match between Canada and Namibia in the northeastern town of Kamaishi due to significant typhoon damage. Landslides and flooding in the vicinity of the stadium and along access roads to the venue following torrential rain meant the game had to be scrapped on "public safety" grounds, organisers said in a statement. 'Unprecedented' rain The cancellation was a blow for the northern town of Kamaishi, whose hosting of World Cup games was a potent symbol of recovery from a 2011 tsunami disaster when it was nearly wiped off the map. It also robbed Namibia of a chance to grab their first World Cup win and end their record run of 22 games at the tournament without a victory. Canada are without a win in their last 10 World Cup matches. In the end, only one game was held at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium -- Uruguay's stunning, 30-27 upset of Fiji in Pool D. Hagibis made landfall on Saturday evening and barrelled across the country, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain. It was a direct hit on Tokyo and Yokohama, a city of some three million just south of the capital. Across the country, at least 11 people died and several others were injured or reported missing due to the storm, which brought "unprecedented" amounts of rain to the country. Severe flooding has already taken place with many rivers breaking their banks, including the Tama River which runs through Tokyo. Organisers had earlier cancelled two matches planned for Saturday -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy, both in the path of the storm. It was the first time in the 32-year history of the Rugby World Cup that games had been scrapped, and raised criticism of the decision to hold the tournament during Japan's typhoon season.

Japan-Scotland Rugby World Cup match gets go-ahead after typhoon Hagibis

Heavy downpours and winds hit the east coast of Japan on Saturday after Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on the Izu Peninsula on Japan's main island at 19:00 Saturday local time, according to local authorities, with most stores closed and public transportation shut down.

Typhoon Hagibis makes landfall, destroys houses in Japan

Tens of thousands of rescuers were working through Sunday night to reach people feared trapped in Japan by landslides and floods caused by a powerful typhoon that killed at least 26, officials and local media said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-dead-nine-missing-after-typhoon-hagibis-hits-japan-rescue-operation-underway-255603">Typhoon Hagibis moved away from land on Sunday morning</a>, but while it largely spared the capital it left a trail of destruction in surrounding regions.

More than 100,000 rescuers - including 31,000 troops - were working through the night to reach people feared trapped after torrential rain caused landslides and filled rivers until they burst their banks.

The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland Sunday that puts them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time.

The government put the death toll at 14, with 11 people missing, but local media said at least 26 people had been killed, and at least 15 were still unaccounted for.

Rivers overspilled their banks at close to dozen locations -&nbsp;including in central Japan's Nagano, where a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one rescue went tragically awry when a woman died after falling from a chopper cradle.

Elsewhere, rescue workers carried out an hours-long boat operation to evacuate hundreds of people from a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, which was flooded up to its top floor.

One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was brought out from a boat on the back of a hard-hat wearing rescuer. Others were hoisted onto wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore on arrival by boat.

Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu on Saturday night as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour.

'Please do your best'

The storm claimed its first victim even before making landfall, when high winds flipped a vehicle, killing its driver.

Landslides and flooding claimed more lives overnight, and the toll climbed higher after sunrise on Sunday, as the scale of the devastation wrought by Hagibis became clear.

Bodies were retrieved from submerged homes and vehicles, from raging overflowing rivers, and from buildings buried in landslides.

The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and two Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank overnight in Tokyo Bay.

Four of the crew were rescued, but authorities were still searching for another six.

"The government will do its utmost," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, vowing that rescue efforts would run through the night.

"Please do your best," he told a disaster management meeting.

More than 110,000 homes were still without power by Sunday evening, with others experiencing water outages.

At the storm's peak, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, and over 135,000 people were still in government shelters by Sunday evening.

The storm prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its highest-level rain disaster warning, saying "unprecedented" downpours were expected.

'I don't know where to start'

"The water came up higher than my head in the house," Hajime Tokuda, a finance professional living in Kawasaki near Tokyo told AFP.

He moved to his family's home nearby, but that flooded too and they had to be rescued by boat.

In Saitama's Higashi Matsuyama city, northwest of Tokyo, rice and flower farmers were counting their losses, with water submerging warehouses full of freshly harvested produce.

"We never had a flood like this before in this neighbourhood," said one farmer, who declined to give his name.

"I don't know where to start cleaning this mess."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-military-begins-rescue-effort-as-typhoon-hagibis-weakens-4-dead-255547">The storm brought travel chaos during a long holiday weekend in Japan, grounding flights and halting local and bullet train services.</a>

On Sunday, train services began resuming and operations also slowly restarted at the two airports serving the capital, although many flights were cancelled.

But some lines remained halted, with aerial footage in Nagano showing rows of bullet trains partially submerged by flooding.

The storm also caused havoc for the sports world, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and forcing the cancellation of several Rugby World Cup matches.

But a crucial decider saw the home team reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever.

"To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Tens of thousands of rescuers were working through Sunday night to reach people feared trapped in Japan by landslides and floods caused by a powerful typhoon that killed at least 26, officials and local media said.

Tens of thousands of rescuers were working through Sunday night to reach people feared trapped in Japan by landslides and floods caused by a powerful typhoon that killed at least 26, officials and local media said. Typhoon Hagibis moved away from land on Sunday morning, but while it largely spared the capital it left a trail of destruction in surrounding regions. More than 100,000 rescuers - including 31,000 troops - were working through the night to reach people feared trapped after torrential rain caused landslides and filled rivers until they burst their banks. The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland Sunday that puts them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time. The government put the death toll at 14, with 11 people missing, but local media said at least 26 people had been killed, and at least 15 were still unaccounted for. Rivers overspilled their banks at close to dozen locations - including in central Japan's Nagano, where a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one rescue went tragically awry when a woman died after falling from a chopper cradle. Elsewhere, rescue workers carried out an hours-long boat operation to evacuate hundreds of people from a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, which was flooded up to its top floor. One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was brought out from a boat on the back of a hard-hat wearing rescuer. Others were hoisted onto wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore on arrival by boat. Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu on Saturday night as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour. 'Please do your best' The storm claimed its first victim even before making landfall, when high winds flipped a vehicle, killing its driver. Landslides and flooding claimed more lives overnight, and the toll climbed higher after sunrise on Sunday, as the scale of the devastation wrought by Hagibis became clear. Bodies were retrieved from submerged homes and vehicles, from raging overflowing rivers, and from buildings buried in landslides. The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and two Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank overnight in Tokyo Bay. Four of the crew were rescued, but authorities were still searching for another six. "The government will do its utmost," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, vowing that rescue efforts would run through the night. "Please do your best," he told a disaster management meeting. More than 110,000 homes were still without power by Sunday evening, with others experiencing water outages. At the storm's peak, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, and over 135,000 people were still in government shelters by Sunday evening. The storm prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its highest-level rain disaster warning, saying "unprecedented" downpours were expected. 'I don't know where to start' "The water came up higher than my head in the house," Hajime Tokuda, a finance professional living in Kawasaki near Tokyo told AFP. He moved to his family's home nearby, but that flooded too and they had to be rescued by boat. In Saitama's Higashi Matsuyama city, northwest of Tokyo, rice and flower farmers were counting their losses, with water submerging warehouses full of freshly harvested produce. "We never had a flood like this before in this neighbourhood," said one farmer, who declined to give his name. "I don't know where to start cleaning this mess." The storm brought travel chaos during a long holiday weekend in Japan, grounding flights and halting local and bullet train services. On Sunday, train services began resuming and operations also slowly restarted at the two airports serving the capital, although many flights were cancelled. But some lines remained halted, with aerial footage in Nagano showing rows of bullet trains partially submerged by flooding. The storm also caused havoc for the sports world, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and forcing the cancellation of several Rugby World Cup matches. But a crucial decider saw the home team reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever. "To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

At least 26 dead as Typhoon Hagibis slams Japan

Japan's military scrambled Sunday to rescue people trapped by flooding in the aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-as-typhoon-hagibis-takes-aim-at-japan-255382">powerful Typhoon Hagibis</a>.

After initial reports said&nbsp;at least four people had died, officials later claimed that eleven people had lost their lives after the typhoon&nbsp;caused largescale landslides and burst rivers.

By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but it left in its wake a trail of destruction and forced Rugby World Cup organisers to cancel another match.

Serious flooding was reported in central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent swollen waters from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Japan's military deployed helicopters to rescue people seen in aerial footage standing on balconies waving towels to attract attention.

"Overnight, we issued evacuation orders to 427 households, 1,417 individuals," Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, an emergency official at Nagano city, told AFP.

"It is not clear how many of those households have been affected," he added, saying while the river level was no longer on the rise, water was still going higher in residential areas.

Aerial footage showed a row of bullet trains half-submerged in muddy waters at a depot in Nagano.

Overnight Saturday, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, with tens of thousands heeding the call and moving into government shelters to ride out the storm.

Hagibis caused transport chaos over a long holiday weekend in Japan, grounding all flights in the Tokyo region, and forcing the suspension of most trains and many bullet trains serving the capital.

Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT) Saturday as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour).

Well before making landfall, the outer bands of the storm claimed their first victim, a driver whose van was flipped over in the strong gusts.

The second confirmed death was a man in his 60s killed in a landslide north of Tokyo.

Another man in his 60s was also confirmed dead after he was pulled from his flooded home in Kawasaki city, near Tokyo.&nbsp;

"The house was two to three metres (yards) under water and the team rescued the man from there" but he was confirmed dead later, local fire department official Kiichi Hayakawa told AFP.&nbsp;

A fourth person, a woman, was in "cardio-respiratory" arrest -- a term often used in Japan before an official doctor certifies death -- after being pulled from a home engulfed by a landslide in Samigahara, southwest of Tokyo, local media said.

National broadcaster NHK said at least 99 people had been injured and 17 were missing after the storm, including several swept away in flood waters.

While Hagibis packed intense winds that damaged homes in Chiba, east of Tokyo, even before it hit land, it was the hours of torrential rain that prompted the Japanese Meteorological Agency to issue its highest-level emergency warning, advising people to seek shelter.

"Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued," JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told reporters.

"It is important to take action that can help save your lives."

Across large swathes of the Tokyo region and central Japan, rivers burst their banks and authorities implemented emergency discharges from dams that had reached maximum capacity.

The storm wreaked havoc even before arriving in Japan, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of two Saturday Rugby World Cup matches.

On Sunday morning, organisers said they had been forced to cancel a third fixture -&nbsp;Namibia-Canada -&nbsp;but gave the go-ahead to two others and were weighing up the fourth match scheduled, the crunch Japan-Scotland game.

"We were left with no option but to cancel the match on safety grounds," said tournament director Alan Gilpin.

The cancellation is a blow for the northern town of Kamaishi, which was nearly wiped off the map by the 2011 tsunami disaster and has participated as a host city in a show of its recovery.

All eyes are now on whether the do-or-die match between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama will go ahead, with the Scots threatening legal action if it is prevented from playing the game and automatically eliminated.

Japan's military scrambled Sunday to rescue people trapped by flooding in the aftermath of powerful Typhoon Hagibis. After initial reports said at least four people had died, officials later claimed that eleven people had lost their lives after the typhoon caused largescale landslides and burst rivers.

Japan's military scrambled Sunday to rescue people trapped by flooding in the aftermath of powerful Typhoon Hagibis. After initial reports said at least four people had died, officials later claimed that eleven people had lost their lives after the typhoon caused largescale landslides and burst rivers. By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but it left in its wake a trail of destruction and forced Rugby World Cup organisers to cancel another match. Serious flooding was reported in central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent swollen waters from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Japan's military deployed helicopters to rescue people seen in aerial footage standing on balconies waving towels to attract attention. "Overnight, we issued evacuation orders to 427 households, 1,417 individuals," Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, an emergency official at Nagano city, told AFP. "It is not clear how many of those households have been affected," he added, saying while the river level was no longer on the rise, water was still going higher in residential areas. Aerial footage showed a row of bullet trains half-submerged in muddy waters at a depot in Nagano. Overnight Saturday, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, with tens of thousands heeding the call and moving into government shelters to ride out the storm. Hagibis caused transport chaos over a long holiday weekend in Japan, grounding all flights in the Tokyo region, and forcing the suspension of most trains and many bullet trains serving the capital. Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT) Saturday as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour). Well before making landfall, the outer bands of the storm claimed their first victim, a driver whose van was flipped over in the strong gusts. The second confirmed death was a man in his 60s killed in a landslide north of Tokyo. Another man in his 60s was also confirmed dead after he was pulled from his flooded home in Kawasaki city, near Tokyo. "The house was two to three metres (yards) under water and the team rescued the man from there" but he was confirmed dead later, local fire department official Kiichi Hayakawa told AFP. A fourth person, a woman, was in "cardio-respiratory" arrest -- a term often used in Japan before an official doctor certifies death -- after being pulled from a home engulfed by a landslide in Samigahara, southwest of Tokyo, local media said. National broadcaster NHK said at least 99 people had been injured and 17 were missing after the storm, including several swept away in flood waters. While Hagibis packed intense winds that damaged homes in Chiba, east of Tokyo, even before it hit land, it was the hours of torrential rain that prompted the Japanese Meteorological Agency to issue its highest-level emergency warning, advising people to seek shelter. "Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued," JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told reporters. "It is important to take action that can help save your lives." Across large swathes of the Tokyo region and central Japan, rivers burst their banks and authorities implemented emergency discharges from dams that had reached maximum capacity. The storm wreaked havoc even before arriving in Japan, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of two Saturday Rugby World Cup matches. On Sunday morning, organisers said they had been forced to cancel a third fixture - Namibia-Canada - but gave the go-ahead to two others and were weighing up the fourth match scheduled, the crunch Japan-Scotland game. "We were left with no option but to cancel the match on safety grounds," said tournament director Alan Gilpin. The cancellation is a blow for the northern town of Kamaishi, which was nearly wiped off the map by the 2011 tsunami disaster and has participated as a host city in a show of its recovery. All eyes are now on whether the do-or-die match between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama will go ahead, with the Scots threatening legal action if it is prevented from playing the game and automatically eliminated.

Japan's military begins rescue effort as Typhoon Hagibis weakens; death toll rises to 11

Heavy downpours and winds hit the east coast of Japan on Saturday after Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on the Izu Peninsula on Japan's main island at 19:00 Saturday local time, according to local authorities, with most stores closed and public transportation shut down. According to the reports, 19 people got killed and at least 70 are injured.

Typhoon Hagibis: 19 killed, at least 70 injured

At least 18&nbsp;people were killed and 13&nbsp;others missing after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-military-begins-rescue-effort-as-typhoon-hagibis-weakens-4-dead-255547">Typhoon Hagibis slammed into Japan</a>, officials said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach people trapped by catastrophic flooding.

The storm's "unprecedented" heavy rain triggered deadly landslides and caused rivers to burst their banks. The destruction forced Rugby World Cup organisers to cancel the third match though the key Japan-Scotland clash will go ahead.

By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but serious flooding was reported in several areas, including central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Japan's military deployed 27,000 troops to aid rescue operations, including some in helicopters who winched people from the roofs and balconies of flooded homes in Nagano.

In Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, rescue workers in boats were evacuating elderly people from a retirement home that was heavily flooded in the storm.

One woman wearing an orange life vest clutched at rescue workers in hardhats as the boat moved through the muddy floodwaters.

Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu around 7:00pm&nbsp;Saturday as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour.

Watch video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/typhoon-hagibis-makes-landfall-destroys-houses-in-japan-255568/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The storm claimed its first victim even before making landfall, when high winds flipped a vehicle, killing its driver.

Landslides and flooding claimed more lives overnight, and the toll climbed higher after sunrise on Sunday, as the scale of the devastation wrought by Hagibis became clear.

'Great impact'

Bodies were retrieved from homes and vehicles submerged by floodwaters, from raging overflowing rivers, and from buildings buried in landslides.

The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and a Chinese crew member aboard a boat that sank overnight in Tokyo Bay.

Four of the crew on board were rescued, but authorities were still searching for another seven.

The government said at least nine people were missing and more than 140 injured in the storm.

"We continue to see a great impact on people's life," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.

"The government will do its utmost," he added, pledging to deploy more troops and emergency officials if needed.

More than 160,000 homes were still without power by Sunday afternoon, with around 1,000 in Chiba, east of Tokyo, also experiencing water outages, national broadcaster NHK said.

At the storm's peak, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, with tens of thousands heeding the call and moving into government shelters.

At least 18 people were killed and 13 others missing after Typhoon Hagibis slammed into Japan, officials said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach people trapped by catastrophic flooding.

At least 18 people were killed and 13 others missing after Typhoon Hagibis slammed into Japan, officials said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach people trapped by catastrophic flooding. The storm's "unprecedented" heavy rain triggered deadly landslides and caused rivers to burst their banks. The destruction forced Rugby World Cup organisers to cancel the third match though the key Japan-Scotland clash will go ahead. By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but serious flooding was reported in several areas, including central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Japan's military deployed 27,000 troops to aid rescue operations, including some in helicopters who winched people from the roofs and balconies of flooded homes in Nagano. In Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, rescue workers in boats were evacuating elderly people from a retirement home that was heavily flooded in the storm. One woman wearing an orange life vest clutched at rescue workers in hardhats as the boat moved through the muddy floodwaters. Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu around 7:00pm Saturday as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hour. Watch video: The storm claimed its first victim even before making landfall, when high winds flipped a vehicle, killing its driver. Landslides and flooding claimed more lives overnight, and the toll climbed higher after sunrise on Sunday, as the scale of the devastation wrought by Hagibis became clear. 'Great impact' Bodies were retrieved from homes and vehicles submerged by floodwaters, from raging overflowing rivers, and from buildings buried in landslides. The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and a Chinese crew member aboard a boat that sank overnight in Tokyo Bay. Four of the crew on board were rescued, but authorities were still searching for another seven. The government said at least nine people were missing and more than 140 injured in the storm. "We continue to see a great impact on people's life," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. "The government will do its utmost," he added, pledging to deploy more troops and emergency officials if needed. More than 160,000 homes were still without power by Sunday afternoon, with around 1,000 in Chiba, east of Tokyo, also experiencing water outages, national broadcaster NHK said. At the storm's peak, more than seven million people were placed under non-compulsory evacuation orders, with tens of thousands heeding the call and moving into government shelters.

At least 18 dead, 13 missing after Typhoon Hagibis hits Japan, rescue operation underway

Valtteri Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the Finn's Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Charles Leclerc could only finish sixth in the second Ferrari, meaning Mercedes clinched a record sixth successive constructors' world championship with their double podium finish.

"I'm happy, very happy," said Bottas. "Starting third isn't easy. I had a really nice start, managed to get the lead and then the pace was super good, I could really control the race."

Ferrari had enjoyed a front-row lock-out in a rare morning qualifying session <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-dead-nine-missing-after-typhoon-hagibis-hits-japan-rescue-operation-underway-255603">caused by Typhoon Hagibis</a> but their race unravelled right at the start.

Vettel twitched before the lights went out and his hesitation enabled the fast-starting Bottas to leapfrog from third into the lead.

"It was my mistake" admitted Vettel. "I lost momentum there. Mercedes had more pace than us, was a tough afternoon to maintain second."

Max Verstappen enjoyed a bullet start from fifth in the Red Bull and was overtaking Leclerc on the outside of turn two when the Monegasque drove into the flying Dutchman, causing him to spin.

"He just drove into the side of my car," complained an unhappy Verstappen.

Leclerc's front wing was damaged and with bits flying off in all directions -- one demolishing the wing mirror of Hamilton just behind -- he was forced to pit for a new nose at the start of lap four.&nbsp;

He rejoined in 18th position, fittingly a place behind Verstappen who appeared to be the helpless victim of their collision.

'What do I have to do'

Vettel, who escaped sanction for his false start, was left sandwiched between the two Mercedes and made the first strategic move when he dived in the pits for a new set of soft tyres on lap 17.

Bottas followed from the lead on the next lap to take a new set of mediums emerging ahead of Vettel, meaning both the Finn and the German would need to stop again before the end of the 53 lap race.

Hamilton was now in the lead and Mercedes tried to leave him out on a one-stop strategy. But on lap 22 Hamilton reported his front tyres were "dead" and was brought in for a fresh set of medium tyres, rejoining in third.

Hamilton began to close on Vettel who pitted for his final change to medium tyres on lap 32, rejoining in third.

Bottas took on fresh soft tyres five laps later leaving Hamilton again in the lead.&nbsp;

"Tell me what I have to do to win this race," pleaded Hamilton over team radio, convinced his tyres would not last the distance.

He came in again on lap 43, allowing Vettel back into second but with only a slim three-second cushion, which the Englishman proceeded to eat into by setting a new lap record.&nbsp;

Hamilton swarmed all over Vettel in the closing laps but was unable to get past and make it a Mercedes one-two.

Earlier Vettel had produced a perfect lap in the delayed qualifying session to outqualify his teammate for the first time in 10 races since the Canadian Grand Prix in June.&nbsp;

The day had been dubbed "Super Sunday" with qualifying and the race taking place back-to-back because of the track having been safely locked down Saturday as Typhoon Hagibis roared past.

Valtteri Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the Finn's Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the Finn's Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc could only finish sixth in the second Ferrari, meaning Mercedes clinched a record sixth successive constructors' world championship with their double podium finish. "I'm happy, very happy," said Bottas. "Starting third isn't easy. I had a really nice start, managed to get the lead and then the pace was super good, I could really control the race." Ferrari had enjoyed a front-row lock-out in a rare morning qualifying session caused by Typhoon Hagibis but their race unravelled right at the start. Vettel twitched before the lights went out and his hesitation enabled the fast-starting Bottas to leapfrog from third into the lead. "It was my mistake" admitted Vettel. "I lost momentum there. Mercedes had more pace than us, was a tough afternoon to maintain second." Max Verstappen enjoyed a bullet start from fifth in the Red Bull and was overtaking Leclerc on the outside of turn two when the Monegasque drove into the flying Dutchman, causing him to spin. "He just drove into the side of my car," complained an unhappy Verstappen. Leclerc's front wing was damaged and with bits flying off in all directions -- one demolishing the wing mirror of Hamilton just behind -- he was forced to pit for a new nose at the start of lap four. He rejoined in 18th position, fittingly a place behind Verstappen who appeared to be the helpless victim of their collision. 'What do I have to do' Vettel, who escaped sanction for his false start, was left sandwiched between the two Mercedes and made the first strategic move when he dived in the pits for a new set of soft tyres on lap 17. Bottas followed from the lead on the next lap to take a new set of mediums emerging ahead of Vettel, meaning both the Finn and the German would need to stop again before the end of the 53 lap race. Hamilton was now in the lead and Mercedes tried to leave him out on a one-stop strategy. But on lap 22 Hamilton reported his front tyres were "dead" and was brought in for a fresh set of medium tyres, rejoining in third. Hamilton began to close on Vettel who pitted for his final change to medium tyres on lap 32, rejoining in third. Bottas took on fresh soft tyres five laps later leaving Hamilton again in the lead. "Tell me what I have to do to win this race," pleaded Hamilton over team radio, convinced his tyres would not last the distance. He came in again on lap 43, allowing Vettel back into second but with only a slim three-second cushion, which the Englishman proceeded to eat into by setting a new lap record. Hamilton swarmed all over Vettel in the closing laps but was unable to get past and make it a Mercedes one-two. Earlier Vettel had produced a perfect lap in the delayed qualifying session to outqualify his teammate for the first time in 10 races since the Canadian Grand Prix in June. The day had been dubbed "Super Sunday" with qualifying and the race taking place back-to-back because of the track having been safely locked down Saturday as Typhoon Hagibis roared past.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas wins Japanese Grand Prix

Powerful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-capital-braces-for-what-could-be-worst-typhoon-in-60-years-255362">Typhoon Hagibis</a> on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.6 million people.

Rated "large and very strong", the storm has also forced the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches, disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix and grounded more than 1,600 flights.

It is forecast to crash into land in central or eastern Japan early Saturday evening, packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour) Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

But hours before the worst of the storm arrived, its outer bands claimed a first casualty in Chiba, east of Tokyo, which was also badly hit by a powerful typhoon last month.

"A 49-year-old man was found in a toppled mini truck. He was sent to hospital but confirmed dead," Hiroki Yashiro, a spokesman at Ichihara Fire Department, in Chiba, told AFP.

Hagibis is forecast to be the first storm rated "very strong" to hit the main island of Honshu since 1991, when the category system was introduced, local media said.

By midday, 1.64 million people in the affected area were under non-mandatory evacuation orders, with authorities urging the elderly, disabled and those with children to leave early.

Hagibis is an unusually large storm, expected to bring "brutal winds and violent seas" to large swathes of the country, the weather agency said.

The expected rainfall, in particular, has sparked concern, with the JMA warning that high tides ahead of a full moon increase the risk of flooding.

It has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, landslides and serious flooding for large areas of Honshu.

Power outages

With the centre of the storm still hundreds of kilometres away in the Pacific, torrential rain was falling and tornado-like gusts of wind ripped into several homes in Chiba, destroying one.

Five people including a three-year-old boy were sent to hospital, but none suffered serious injuries, the local fire department told AFP.

The JMA has forecast half a metre of rain for the Tokyo area in the 24 hours to midday on Sunday, with more for the central Tokai region.

Television footage showed gigantic waves smashing into coastal breakwaters and residents living near a river in Tokyo piling up sandbags in front of their houses.

Others have nailed wooden boards to the frames of windows.

By 9:00am local time 11,600 households in Chiba had already lost power. The region was badly hit by another powerful typhoon in September.&nbsp;

Automakers, including Toyota and Honda, have shut down their factories, and many supermarkets and convenience stores in the capital closed, a day after residents shopping for typhoon supplies emptied the shelves.

Rugby, F1 disrupted

The storm has also thrown two major sporting events into disarray, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers scheduled for Saturday and forcing the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches: England-France and New Zealand-Italy.

The storm could also jeopardise a key match-up between Scotland and Japan on Sunday. Officials are not expected to make a final decision on that game until Sunday morning, after they have assessed any damage to the venue and transport links.

Scotland face elimination if the match is axed and have warned they could take legal action if the game is cancelled. World Rugby called the threat "disappointing".

The storm is also causing transport chaos over a long weekend in Japan.

Japanese airlines have scrapped more than 1,660 domestic flights and some 260 international flights on Saturday, NHK said.

Many bullet train lines from the capital are suspended, along with both overground and some subway lines serving the Tokyo area.

The storm has also forced the first all-day typhoon closure of Tokyo's Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks, with doors shut from Saturday until at least noon on Sunday.

Japan is hit by around 20 typhoons a year, though the capital is not usually badly affected.

Hagibis is bearing down on the region just weeks after another powerful storm, Typhoon Faxai, hit the area with similar strength, killing two and causing major damage in Chiba.

More than 36,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Chiba, and the local government has urged those in affected buildings to take shelter elsewhere during the storm.

Powerful Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.

Powerful Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.6 million people. Rated "large and very strong", the storm has also forced the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches, disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix and grounded more than 1,600 flights. It is forecast to crash into land in central or eastern Japan early Saturday evening, packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour) Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. But hours before the worst of the storm arrived, its outer bands claimed a first casualty in Chiba, east of Tokyo, which was also badly hit by a powerful typhoon last month. "A 49-year-old man was found in a toppled mini truck. He was sent to hospital but confirmed dead," Hiroki Yashiro, a spokesman at Ichihara Fire Department, in Chiba, told AFP. Hagibis is forecast to be the first storm rated "very strong" to hit the main island of Honshu since 1991, when the category system was introduced, local media said. By midday, 1.64 million people in the affected area were under non-mandatory evacuation orders, with authorities urging the elderly, disabled and those with children to leave early. Hagibis is an unusually large storm, expected to bring "brutal winds and violent seas" to large swathes of the country, the weather agency said. The expected rainfall, in particular, has sparked concern, with the JMA warning that high tides ahead of a full moon increase the risk of flooding. It has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, landslides and serious flooding for large areas of Honshu. Power outages With the centre of the storm still hundreds of kilometres away in the Pacific, torrential rain was falling and tornado-like gusts of wind ripped into several homes in Chiba, destroying one. Five people including a three-year-old boy were sent to hospital, but none suffered serious injuries, the local fire department told AFP. The JMA has forecast half a metre of rain for the Tokyo area in the 24 hours to midday on Sunday, with more for the central Tokai region. Television footage showed gigantic waves smashing into coastal breakwaters and residents living near a river in Tokyo piling up sandbags in front of their houses. Others have nailed wooden boards to the frames of windows. By 9:00am local time 11,600 households in Chiba had already lost power. The region was badly hit by another powerful typhoon in September. Automakers, including Toyota and Honda, have shut down their factories, and many supermarkets and convenience stores in the capital closed, a day after residents shopping for typhoon supplies emptied the shelves. Rugby, F1 disrupted The storm has also thrown two major sporting events into disarray, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers scheduled for Saturday and forcing the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches: England-France and New Zealand-Italy. The storm could also jeopardise a key match-up between Scotland and Japan on Sunday. Officials are not expected to make a final decision on that game until Sunday morning, after they have assessed any damage to the venue and transport links. Scotland face elimination if the match is axed and have warned they could take legal action if the game is cancelled. World Rugby called the threat "disappointing". The storm is also causing transport chaos over a long weekend in Japan. Japanese airlines have scrapped more than 1,660 domestic flights and some 260 international flights on Saturday, NHK said. Many bullet train lines from the capital are suspended, along with both overground and some subway lines serving the Tokyo area. The storm has also forced the first all-day typhoon closure of Tokyo's Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks, with doors shut from Saturday until at least noon on Sunday. Japan is hit by around 20 typhoons a year, though the capital is not usually badly affected. Hagibis is bearing down on the region just weeks after another powerful storm, Typhoon Faxai, hit the area with similar strength, killing two and causing major damage in Chiba. More than 36,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Chiba, and the local government has urged those in affected buildings to take shelter elsewhere during the storm.

One dead as Typhoon Hagibis takes aim at Japan

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-grand-prix-cancelled-as-typhoon-hagibis-bears-down-on-suzuka-circuit-255084">disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix</a> and rugby's World Cup.

Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages.

The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety.

Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days.

Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts.

Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired.

Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned.

The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt.

Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon.

It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya.

Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites.

Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning.

Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down.

Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven &amp; I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo.

Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories.

Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup. Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages. The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. "The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety. Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days. Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts. Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired. Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned. The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt. Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon. It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites. Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning. Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down. Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven & I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories. Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said. Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

Japan's capital braces for what could be worst typhoon in 60 years

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-world-cup-games-axed-as-super-typhoon-bears-down-on-japan-254892">Typhoon Hagibis bears down</a> on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves.

The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. &nbsp;

"As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA.

"The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued.

The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled.

Safety first

Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather.&nbsp;

The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled.

The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather.

A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said.

The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes.

The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka.

French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma.

Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day.

"The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways."

The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday. Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves. The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. "As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA. "The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued. The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled. Safety first Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather. The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled. The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather. A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said. The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes. The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka. French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma. Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day. "The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways." The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

Japan Grand Prix cancelled as Typhoon Hagibis bears down on Suzuka circuit

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-world-cup-games-axed-as-super-typhoon-bears-down-on-japan-254892">Rugby's World Cup.</a>

Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages.

The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety.

Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days.

Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts.

Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired.

Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-grand-prix-cancelled-as-typhoon-hagibis-bears-down-on-suzuka-circuit-255084">Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled </a>all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned.

The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt.

Airline ANA Holdings&nbsp;cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon.

It and rival J<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-as-typhoon-tapah-approaches-japan-251174">apan Airlines Co&nbsp;cancelled some flights</a> to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya.

Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites.

Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning.

Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down.

Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven &amp; I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo.

Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories.

Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and Rugby's World Cup.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and Rugby's World Cup. Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages. The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. "The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety. Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days. Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts. Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired. Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned. The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt. Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon. It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites. Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning. Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down. Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven & I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories. Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said. Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

Most&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;firmed on Thursday, as a volatile&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;weakened broadly on&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;signals&nbsp;over the state of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks between Washington and Beijing.</a>

Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US&nbsp;companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;eased against a basket of major&nbsp;currencies.

"News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US&nbsp;could be at hand," a Maybank note said.

US&nbsp;Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact.

The yuan&nbsp;strengthened 0.3 per cent&nbsp;and the Singapore&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;firmed 0.2per cent.

The Philippine peso&nbsp;firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit.

Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday.

The Korean won&nbsp;bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent&nbsp;ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organisation.

The won is the worst performer among&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;this year.

The prolonged Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's&nbsp;trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal. Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the dollar eased against a basket of major currencies. "News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US could be at hand," a Maybank note said. US Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact. The yuan strengthened 0.3 per cent and the Singapore dollar firmed 0.2per cent. The Philippine peso firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit. Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday. The Korean won bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World Trade Organisation. The won is the worst performer among Asian currencies this year. The prolonged Sino-US trade conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies rise as dollar slips; trade signals mixed

Officials from the United States,&nbsp;Japan, and South Korea met in Washington on Tuesday to&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;North Korean&nbsp;denuclearisation, just days after negotiations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-breaks-off-nuclear-talks-with-united-states-in-sweden-254080/amp">US and North Korea broke down in Sweden</a>.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, the US State Department said in a statement.

They "reaffirmed the importance of continued close... coordination on North Korea to achieve complete&nbsp;denuclearisation," it said.&nbsp;

After nuclear talks with the US in Sweden broke down on Saturday, North Korea said it had "no intention" to continue unless the US took steps to end hostilities.

The North walked away from the talks saying it was disappointed at the lack of "new and creative" solutions offered by Washington, though the US said the meeting involved "good discussions" and that it was willing to meet again later this month.

The meeting in Sweden came after months of stalemate following a February meeting between the North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump and after Pyongyang's defiant test of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-says-successfully-tested-new-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-kcna-253359">sea-launched ballistic missile last week.</a>

Trump and Kim adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete&nbsp;denuclearisation&nbsp;of the Korean peninsula" at their first summit in June last year, but little progress has since been made.

Officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea met in Washington on Tuesday to discuss North Korean denuclearisation, just days after negotiations between the US and North Korea broke down in Sweden.

Officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea met in Washington on Tuesday to discuss North Korean denuclearisation, just days after negotiations between the US and North Korea broke down in Sweden. US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, the US State Department said in a statement. They "reaffirmed the importance of continued close... coordination on North Korea to achieve complete denuclearisation," it said. After nuclear talks with the US in Sweden broke down on Saturday, North Korea said it had "no intention" to continue unless the US took steps to end hostilities. The North walked away from the talks saying it was disappointed at the lack of "new and creative" solutions offered by Washington, though the US said the meeting involved "good discussions" and that it was willing to meet again later this month. The meeting in Sweden came after months of stalemate following a February meeting between the North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump and after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile last week. Trump and Kim adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first summit in June last year, but little progress has since been made.

US, Japan, South Korea discuss North Korea denuclearisation

Three researchers on Wednesday won the Nobel Chemistry Prize for the development of lithium-ion batteries, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

John Goodenough of the US - at 97 the oldest person to be awarded a Nobel prize - Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino will share the $914,000&nbsp;prize sum equally.

"This lightweight, rechargeable and powerful battery is now used in everything from mobile phones to laptops and electric vehicles... (and) can also store significant amounts of energy from solar and wind power, making possible a fossil fuel-free society," the jury said.

"Lithium batteries have revolutionised our lives since they first entered the market in 1991," it said, adding they were "of the greatest benefit to humankind".

The three will receive the prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament.

Last year, the honour went to US scientists Frances Arnold and George Smith and British researcher Gregory Winter for developing enzymes used for greener and safer chemistry and antibody drugs with fewer side effects.

Arnold was just the fifth woman to clinch chemistry's most prestigious honour since Marie Curie was honoured in 1911.

This year's Nobel prize season kicked off on Monday with the Medicine Prize awarded to Americans William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza, and Britain's Peter Ratcliffe.

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The 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> in Chemistry has been awarded to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino “for the development of lithium-ion batteries.” <a href="https://t.co/LUKTeFhUbg">pic.twitter.com/LUKTeFhUbg</a>
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1181868876734324737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Peace Prize on Friday

They won for research into how human cells sense and adapt to changing oxygen levels, opening up new strategies to fight such diseases as cancer and anaemia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peebles-mayor-and-queloz-win-2019-nobel-prize-for-physics-254501">On Tuesday, the Physics Prize honoured Canadian-American cosmologist James Peebles and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for research on how the Universe evolved after the Big Bang, and the first discovery of a planet outside our solar system, known as an exoplanet.</a>

The Literature Prize will follow on Thursday, with two laureates to be crowned after a sexual harassment scandal forced the Swedish Academy to postpone the 2018 award, for the first time in 70 years.

Some names creating a buzz ahead of this year's literature prize are Canadian poet Anne Carson, Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Romanian poet and novelist Mircea Cartarescu and Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk.

On Friday the action moves to Norway where the Peace Prize is awarded, with bookies predicting a win for Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on betting sites such as Ladbrokes.

The Economics Prize will wrap up the Nobel prize season on Monday, October 14.

Three researchers on Wednesday won the Nobel Chemistry Prize for the development of lithium-ion batteries, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. John Goodenough of the US - at 97 the oldest person to be awarded a Nobel prize - Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino will share the $914,000 prize sum equally.

Three researchers on Wednesday won the Nobel Chemistry Prize for the development of lithium-ion batteries, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. John Goodenough of the US - at 97 the oldest person to be awarded a Nobel prize - Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino will share the $914,000 prize sum equally. "This lightweight, rechargeable and powerful battery is now used in everything from mobile phones to laptops and electric vehicles... (and) can also store significant amounts of energy from solar and wind power, making possible a fossil fuel-free society," the jury said. "Lithium batteries have revolutionised our lives since they first entered the market in 1991," it said, adding they were "of the greatest benefit to humankind". The three will receive the prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist Alfred Nobel who created the prizes in his last will and testament. Last year, the honour went to US scientists Frances Arnold and George Smith and British researcher Gregory Winter for developing enzymes used for greener and safer chemistry and antibody drugs with fewer side effects. Arnold was just the fifth woman to clinch chemistry's most prestigious honour since Marie Curie was honoured in 1911. This year's Nobel prize season kicked off on Monday with the Medicine Prize awarded to Americans William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza, and Britain's Peter Ratcliffe. The 2019 #NobelPrize in Chemistry has been awarded to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino “for the development of lithium-ion batteries.” pic.twitter.com/LUKTeFhUbg — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 9, 2019 × Peace Prize on Friday They won for research into how human cells sense and adapt to changing oxygen levels, opening up new strategies to fight such diseases as cancer and anaemia. On Tuesday, the Physics Prize honoured Canadian-American cosmologist James Peebles and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for research on how the Universe evolved after the Big Bang, and the first discovery of a planet outside our solar system, known as an exoplanet. The Literature Prize will follow on Thursday, with two laureates to be crowned after a sexual harassment scandal forced the Swedish Academy to postpone the 2018 award, for the first time in 70 years. Some names creating a buzz ahead of this year's literature prize are Canadian poet Anne Carson, Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Romanian poet and novelist Mircea Cartarescu and Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk. On Friday the action moves to Norway where the Peace Prize is awarded, with bookies predicting a win for Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on betting sites such as Ladbrokes. The Economics Prize will wrap up the Nobel prize season on Monday, October 14.

US-UK-Japan trio win chemistry Nobel for lithium-ion battery

A North Korean boat collided with a Japanese fisheries agency patrol vessel in the Sea of Japan Monday, sending around 20 North Koreans overboard, Japan's coastguard said.

"We rescued some 10 people but their condition has not yet been confirmed," a coastguard spokesman told AFP.

Satoshi Kuwahara, a Japanese fisheries agency official, told reporters the patrol boat was warning the North Korea vessel to leave the area, which falls under Japan's exclusive economic zone.

When foreign vessels illegally operate in Japan's waters, Japanese patrol boats often send an audio message, display a warning sign on an electric bulletin board, or spray water at them, Kuwahara said.

The North Korean ship, believed to be a fishing vessel, capsized after the crash with Japanese patrol boat Okuni, the spokesman added.

Local media said no crew members on the Japanese patrol vessel were injured.

The collision occurred in waters some 350 kilometres (217 miles) northwest of Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture in central Japan, said Kazuma Nohara, another coastguard spokesman.

"We've been strengthening patrols around the water there in cooperation with the fisheries agency," in recent years following reports that many North Korean fishing boats were poaching fish and squids, he told AFP.

Experts say some fishermen from the North are travelling far out to sea in order to satisfy government mandates for bigger catches.

But their old and poorly equipped vessels are prone to mechanical faults and other problems, including running out of fuel, and there are few ways for them to call for rescue.

A record 225 suspected North Korean fishing vessels washed up on Japan's coast last year, according to the coastguard.

Boats have also washed up on Japanese shores with the crew onboard dead -- referred to as "ghost ships" by local media.

In 2018, 10 North Koreans rescued from a tiny wooden boat drifting off northern Japan were deported back to their country.

A North Korean boat collided with a Japanese fisheries agency patrol vessel in the Sea of Japan Monday, sending around 20 North Koreans overboard, Japan's coastguard said.

A North Korean boat collided with a Japanese fisheries agency patrol vessel in the Sea of Japan Monday, sending around 20 North Koreans overboard, Japan's coastguard said. "We rescued some 10 people but their condition has not yet been confirmed," a coastguard spokesman told AFP. Satoshi Kuwahara, a Japanese fisheries agency official, told reporters the patrol boat was warning the North Korea vessel to leave the area, which falls under Japan's exclusive economic zone. When foreign vessels illegally operate in Japan's waters, Japanese patrol boats often send an audio message, display a warning sign on an electric bulletin board, or spray water at them, Kuwahara said. The North Korean ship, believed to be a fishing vessel, capsized after the crash with Japanese patrol boat Okuni, the spokesman added. Local media said no crew members on the Japanese patrol vessel were injured. The collision occurred in waters some 350 kilometres (217 miles) northwest of Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture in central Japan, said Kazuma Nohara, another coastguard spokesman. "We've been strengthening patrols around the water there in cooperation with the fisheries agency," in recent years following reports that many North Korean fishing boats were poaching fish and squids, he told AFP. Experts say some fishermen from the North are travelling far out to sea in order to satisfy government mandates for bigger catches. But their old and poorly equipped vessels are prone to mechanical faults and other problems, including running out of fuel, and there are few ways for them to call for rescue. A record 225 suspected North Korean fishing vessels washed up on Japan's coast last year, according to the coastguard. Boats have also washed up on Japanese shores with the crew onboard dead -- referred to as "ghost ships" by local media. In 2018, 10 North Koreans rescued from a tiny wooden boat drifting off northern Japan were deported back to their country.

North Korea boat collides with Japan sea patrol

England are awaiting the outcome of tests on Billy Vunipola's injured ankle ahead of their final World Cup pool clash with France on Saturday but are comfortable that others can step into the ball-carrying void should the number eight not make it, said scrum coach Neal Hatley.

England chilled over Vunipola fitness for France clash

In the grounds of the ravaged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant</a> sits a million-tonne headache for the plant's operators and Japan's government: tank after tank of water contaminated with radioactive elements.

What to do with the enormous amount of water, which grows by around 150 tonnes a day, is a thorny question, with the controversy surrounding a long-standing proposal to discharge it into the sea, after extensive decontamination.

The water comes from several different sources: some is used for cooling at the plant, which suffered a meltdown after it was hit by a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in March 2011.

Groundwater that seeps into the plant daily, along with rainwater, add to the problem.

A thousand, towering tanks have now replaced many of the cherry trees that once dotted the plant's ground.&nbsp;

Each can hold 1,200 tonnes, and most of them are already full.

"We will build more on the site until the end of 2020, and we think all the tanks will be full by around the summer of 2022," said Junichi Matsumoto, an official with the unit of plant operator TEPCO in charge of dismantling the site.

TEPCO has been struggling with the problem for years, taking various measures to limit the amount of groundwater entering the site.

There is also an extensive pumping and filtration system, that each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out as many of the radioactive elements as possible.

Highly radioactive

The hangar where the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-japan-scientists-study-radioactive-fukushima-particles-202064">decontamination system</a> runs is designated "Zone Y" -- a danger zone requiring special protections.

All those entering must wear elaborate protection: a full body suit, three layers of socks, three layers of gloves, a double cap topped by a helmet, a vest with a pocket carrying a dosimeter, a full-face respirator mask and special shoes.

Most of the outfits have&nbsp;to be burned after use.

"The machinery filters contain radionuclides, so you have to be very protected here, just like with the buildings where the reactors are," explained TEPCO risk communicator Katsutoshi Oyama.

TEPCO has been filtering newly contaminated water for years, but much of it needs to go through the process again because early versions of the filtration process did not fully remove some dangerous radioactive elements, including strontium 90.

The current process is more effective, removing or reducing around 60 radionuclides to levels accepted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for water being discharged.

But there is one that remains, which cannot be removed with the current technology: tritium.

Tritium is naturally present in the environment and has also been discharged in its artificial form into the environment by the nuclear industry around the world.

There is little evidence that it causes harm to humans except in very high concentrations and the IAEA argues that properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and then safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems.

'Absolutely against it'

But those assurances are of little comfort to many in the region, particularly Fukushima's fishing industry which, like&nbsp;local farmers, has suffered from the outside perception that food from the region is unsafe.

Kyoichi Kamiyama, director of the radioactivity research department at the regional government's Fisheries and Marine Science Research Centre, points out that local fishermen are still struggling eight years after the disaster.

"Discharging into the ocean? I'm absolutely against it," he told AFP.

At the national government level, the view is more sanguine.

"We want to study how to minimise the damage (from a potential discharge) to the region's reputation and Fukushima products," an Industry Ministry official said.

The government is sensitive to fears that people inside Japan and further afield will view any discharge as sending radioactive waste into the sea.

No decisions are likely in the near-term, with the country sensitive to the international spotlight that will fall on Japan as it hosts the Olympic Games next year.

Environmentalists are also resolutely opposed to any discharge into the sea, and Greenpeace argues that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-operator-ordered-to-pay-10-million-in-new-damages-32209">TEPCO cannot be trusted</a> to properly decontaminate the water.

The solution, said Greenpeace senior nuclear specialist Shaun Burnie, "ultimately can only be long-term storage and processing."

In the grounds of the ravaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant sits a million-tonne headache for the plant's operators and Japan's government: tank after tank of water contaminated with radioactive elements.

In the grounds of the ravaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant sits a million-tonne headache for the plant's operators and Japan's government: tank after tank of water contaminated with radioactive elements. What to do with the enormous amount of water, which grows by around 150 tonnes a day, is a thorny question, with the controversy surrounding a long-standing proposal to discharge it into the sea, after extensive decontamination. The water comes from several different sources: some is used for cooling at the plant, which suffered a meltdown after it was hit by a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in March 2011. Groundwater that seeps into the plant daily, along with rainwater, add to the problem. A thousand, towering tanks have now replaced many of the cherry trees that once dotted the plant's ground. Each can hold 1,200 tonnes, and most of them are already full. "We will build more on the site until the end of 2020, and we think all the tanks will be full by around the summer of 2022," said Junichi Matsumoto, an official with the unit of plant operator TEPCO in charge of dismantling the site. TEPCO has been struggling with the problem for years, taking various measures to limit the amount of groundwater entering the site. There is also an extensive pumping and filtration system, that each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out as many of the radioactive elements as possible. Highly radioactive The hangar where the decontamination system runs is designated "Zone Y" -- a danger zone requiring special protections. All those entering must wear elaborate protection: a full body suit, three layers of socks, three layers of gloves, a double cap topped by a helmet, a vest with a pocket carrying a dosimeter, a full-face respirator mask and special shoes. Most of the outfits have to be burned after use. "The machinery filters contain radionuclides, so you have to be very protected here, just like with the buildings where the reactors are," explained TEPCO risk communicator Katsutoshi Oyama. TEPCO has been filtering newly contaminated water for years, but much of it needs to go through the process again because early versions of the filtration process did not fully remove some dangerous radioactive elements, including strontium 90. The current process is more effective, removing or reducing around 60 radionuclides to levels accepted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for water being discharged. But there is one that remains, which cannot be removed with the current technology: tritium. Tritium is naturally present in the environment and has also been discharged in its artificial form into the environment by the nuclear industry around the world. There is little evidence that it causes harm to humans except in very high concentrations and the IAEA argues that properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and then safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems. 'Absolutely against it' But those assurances are of little comfort to many in the region, particularly Fukushima's fishing industry which, like local farmers, has suffered from the outside perception that food from the region is unsafe. Kyoichi Kamiyama, director of the radioactivity research department at the regional government's Fisheries and Marine Science Research Centre, points out that local fishermen are still struggling eight years after the disaster. "Discharging into the ocean? I'm absolutely against it," he told AFP. At the national government level, the view is more sanguine. "We want to study how to minimise the damage (from a potential discharge) to the region's reputation and Fukushima products," an Industry Ministry official said. The government is sensitive to fears that people inside Japan and further afield will view any discharge as sending radioactive waste into the sea. No decisions are likely in the near-term, with the country sensitive to the international spotlight that will fall on Japan as it hosts the Olympic Games next year. Environmentalists are also resolutely opposed to any discharge into the sea, and Greenpeace argues that TEPCO cannot be trusted to properly decontaminate the water. The solution, said Greenpeace senior nuclear specialist Shaun Burnie, "ultimately can only be long-term storage and processing."

At Fukushima plant, a million-tonne headache: radioactive water

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he was determined to meet North Korea's leader to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents, maintaining an offer to talk despite the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-it-successfully-tested-new-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-253370">missile launches.</a>

"I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un face-to-face, with no preconditions, to resolve the all-important abduction issue," Abe said in a policy speech at the beginning of a parliamentary session.

In 2002, North Korea admitted its agents had kidnapped 13 Japanese decades before. Japan says 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. North Korea has said eight are dead and another four never entered the country.

Abe has vowed to pursue the issue until all of the abductees come home.

Staunch US&nbsp;ally Japan and North Korea have been rivals for decades. During periods of tension, North Korea has threatened to rain destruction down on Japan, and North Korea has test-fired missiles into the seas near Japan and even over it.

Japan has condemned North Korea's missile test this week, which Abe called a violation of United Nations sanctions.

North Korea said it had successfully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-says-successfully-tested-new-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-kcna-253359">test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile from the sea</a>, to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.

Wednesday's launch was the most provocative by North Korea since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing.

"As for the North Korean situation, we will do our utmost to secure the safety of the people, while working closely with the United States and cooperating with the international community," Abe said in his speech.

Turning to ties with South Korea, soured by a feud over wartime labour that has spilt over into trade and security matters, Abe reiterated a call for Seoul to observe a promise to Tokyo.

Last October, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced to work in their mines and factories during World War Two.

Japan, which says the matter was settled by a 1965 treaty, calls the court decision a violation of international law.

"South Korea is an important neighbour. I would like to ask them to observe a promise made between nations, based on international law."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he was determined to meet North Korea's leader to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents, maintaining an offer to talk despite the country's missile launches.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he was determined to meet North Korea's leader to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents, maintaining an offer to talk despite the country's missile launches. "I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un face-to-face, with no preconditions, to resolve the all-important abduction issue," Abe said in a policy speech at the beginning of a parliamentary session. In 2002, North Korea admitted its agents had kidnapped 13 Japanese decades before. Japan says 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. North Korea has said eight are dead and another four never entered the country. Abe has vowed to pursue the issue until all of the abductees come home. Staunch US ally Japan and North Korea have been rivals for decades. During periods of tension, North Korea has threatened to rain destruction down on Japan, and North Korea has test-fired missiles into the seas near Japan and even over it. Japan has condemned North Korea's missile test this week, which Abe called a violation of United Nations sanctions. North Korea said it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile from the sea, to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States. Wednesday's launch was the most provocative by North Korea since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing. "As for the North Korean situation, we will do our utmost to secure the safety of the people, while working closely with the United States and cooperating with the international community," Abe said in his speech. Turning to ties with South Korea, soured by a feud over wartime labour that has spilt over into trade and security matters, Abe reiterated a call for Seoul to observe a promise to Tokyo. Last October, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced to work in their mines and factories during World War Two. Japan, which says the matter was settled by a 1965 treaty, calls the court decision a violation of international law. "South Korea is an important neighbour. I would like to ask them to observe a promise made between nations, based on international law."

Japan PM seeks meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong-un despite missile launch

Japan has increased their national sales tax by 2% to overcome slowdown. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Japan increases sales tax to overcome slowdown

The Japanese government claimed that North Korea fired projectiles towards its eastern sea on Wednesday, in an apparent display of its expanding military capabilities. Watch this video to know more.

North Korea launches 2 missiles in the sea, One enters Japanese waters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-on-oil-tankers-at-south-korean-port-injures-ten-252596">A South Korean fighter jet</a> conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military.

South Korea showcased newly acquired F-35 stealth fighter jets to mark Armed Forces Day as Moon tried to allay concerns that his policy of engagement with North Korea would weaken the South's commitment to defence.

He said a South Korean F-15K jet patrolled over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which are controlled by Seoul and claimed by both countries, a move that could inflame already strained ties between the two.

"Just a moment ago, the F-15K, the most powerful fighter-bomber in Northeast Asia, has returned from completing a patrol mission over our land Dokdo... without any problems," Moon said in an address to the military.

On Friday, South Korean government officials had protested against Tokyo's annual defence review which made a reference to Japan owning the islands. South Korea's foreign ministry summoned a military official at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to demand an immediate retraction.

South Korea and Japan have been locked in a worsening diplomatic and trade row rooted in wartime history and disagreements over compensation for forced labourers during Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of Korea.

After Japan tightened its curbs on exports of high-tech materials vital to South Korea's chip and display industries in July, both countries have removed each other from fast-track trade status.

In July, a Russian military aircraft twice violated airspace over the disputed islands and drew hundreds of warning shots from South Korean jets, South Korean officials said, during what Russia said was a long-range joint air patrol with China.

Japan, which said it also scrambled fighter aircraft at the time, lodged a complaint with both South Korea and Russia over the incident.

The islands had 28 South Korean residents as of Tuesday, according to South Korean police.

F-35 deliveries

Moon marked Armed Forces Day at a ceremony at an airbase in the city of Daegu where four of the eight Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;F-35A jets delivered this year were displayed. Forty of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2021.

He made no direct mention of Japan, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">North Korea</a>, in his address, but said today's security climate was highly unpredictable, requiring strength as well as innovation.

"As the recent drone attack in the Middle East region demonstrated to the world, the challenges that we will face will be entirely different from those of the past," he said.

North Korea has criticised the South's weapons procurements and its joint military drills with the US&nbsp;military as undisguised preparations for war that are forcing it to develop new short-range missiles.

Moon has thrown his support behind dialogue to end the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, urging that working-level negotiations between the North and the United States be held soon. No new dates or locations have been set.

Analysts have said the F-35 stealth jets put North Korea's anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems in a vulnerable position.

A South Korean fighter jet conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military.

A South Korean fighter jet conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military. South Korea showcased newly acquired F-35 stealth fighter jets to mark Armed Forces Day as Moon tried to allay concerns that his policy of engagement with North Korea would weaken the South's commitment to defence. He said a South Korean F-15K jet patrolled over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which are controlled by Seoul and claimed by both countries, a move that could inflame already strained ties between the two. "Just a moment ago, the F-15K, the most powerful fighter-bomber in Northeast Asia, has returned from completing a patrol mission over our land Dokdo... without any problems," Moon said in an address to the military. On Friday, South Korean government officials had protested against Tokyo's annual defence review which made a reference to Japan owning the islands. South Korea's foreign ministry summoned a military official at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to demand an immediate retraction. South Korea and Japan have been locked in a worsening diplomatic and trade row rooted in wartime history and disagreements over compensation for forced labourers during Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of Korea. After Japan tightened its curbs on exports of high-tech materials vital to South Korea's chip and display industries in July, both countries have removed each other from fast-track trade status. In July, a Russian military aircraft twice violated airspace over the disputed islands and drew hundreds of warning shots from South Korean jets, South Korean officials said, during what Russia said was a long-range joint air patrol with China. Japan, which said it also scrambled fighter aircraft at the time, lodged a complaint with both South Korea and Russia over the incident. The islands had 28 South Korean residents as of Tuesday, according to South Korean police. F-35 deliveries Moon marked Armed Forces Day at a ceremony at an airbase in the city of Daegu where four of the eight Lockheed Martin. F-35A jets delivered this year were displayed. Forty of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2021. He made no direct mention of Japan, or North Korea, in his address, but said today's security climate was highly unpredictable, requiring strength as well as innovation. "As the recent drone attack in the Middle East region demonstrated to the world, the challenges that we will face will be entirely different from those of the past," he said. North Korea has criticised the South's weapons procurements and its joint military drills with the US military as undisguised preparations for war that are forcing it to develop new short-range missiles. Moon has thrown his support behind dialogue to end the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, urging that working-level negotiations between the North and the United States be held soon. No new dates or locations have been set. Analysts have said the F-35 stealth jets put North Korea's anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems in a vulnerable position.

South Korean fighter jet patrols over islands disputed by Japan

China's growing military might has replaced North Korean belligerence as the main security threat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-mike-pompeo-japans-motegi-hold-talks-on-maritime-security-connectivity-in-indo-pacific-region-252285">Japan</a>, Tokyo's annual defence review indicated on Thursday, despite signs that Pyongyang could have nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.

The document's security assessment on China comes after a section on Japan's ally, the United States, the first time Beijing has achieved second place in the Defence White Paper and pushing North Korea into third position.

Russia, deemed by Japan as its primary threat during the Cold War, was in fourth place.

"The reality is that China is rapidly increasing military spending, and so people can grasp that we need more pages," Minister of Defence Taro Kono said at a media briefing. "China is deploying air and sea assets in the Western Pacific and through the Tsushima Strait into the Sea of Japan with greater frequency."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/inflation-by-stealth-how-japans-firms-fight-the-frugal-retail-psyche-252119">Japan has raised defence spending</a>&nbsp;by a tenth over the past seven years to counter military advances by Beijing and Pyongyang, including defences against North Korean missiles which may carry nuclear warheads, the paper said.

North Korea has conducted short-range missile launches this year that Tokyo believes show Pyongyang is developing projectiles to evade its Aegis ballistic missile defences.

To stay ahead of China's modernising military, Japan is buying US-made stealth fighters and other advanced weapons.

In its latest budget request, Japan's military asked for&nbsp;$1.1 billion&nbsp;to buy nine Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters, including six short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variants to operate from converted helicopter carriers.

The stealth jets, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-first-stage-of-phenomenal-japan-trade-deal-252091">US-made</a> interceptor missiles and other equipment are part of a proposed 1.2 per cent&nbsp;increase in defence spending to a record 5.32 trillion Yen in the year starting April 1.

By comparison, Chinese military spending is set to rise this year by 7.5 per cent&nbsp;to about $177 billion from 2018, more than three times that of Japan. Beijing is developing weapons such as stealth fighters and aircraft carriers that are helping it expand the range and scope of military operations.

Once largely confined to operating close to the Chinese coast, Beijing now routinely sends its air and sea patrols near Japan's western Okinawa islands and into the Western Pacific.

China has frequently rebuffed concerns about its military spending and intentions, including a ramped-up presence in the disputed South China Sea, and says it only desires peaceful development.

The Defence White Paper said Chinese patrols in waters and skies near Japanese territory are "a national security concern".

The paper downgraded fellow US&nbsp;ally, South Korea, which recently pulled out of an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid a spat over their shared wartime history. That could weaken efforts to contain North Korean threats, analysts said.

Other partners, including Australia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, feature more prominently in the defence paper.

"It's a reflection of the level of cooperation we undertake with each partner," a Defence Ministry official said at an earlier briefing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">South Korean government</a> officials took issue with the White Paper's reference to the ownership of an island in the Sea of Japan that is also claimed and controlled by South Korea. The outcrop is known as Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima in Tokyo.

"Our government strongly protests Japan's repeated claim. The Japanese government should acknowledge that it is not helpful for bilateral relations," South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement.

China's growing military might has replaced North Korean belligerence as the main security threat to Japan, Tokyo's annual defence review indicated on Thursday, despite signs that Pyongyang could have nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.

China's growing military might has replaced North Korean belligerence as the main security threat to Japan, Tokyo's annual defence review indicated on Thursday, despite signs that Pyongyang could have nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. The document's security assessment on China comes after a section on Japan's ally, the United States, the first time Beijing has achieved second place in the Defence White Paper and pushing North Korea into third position. Russia, deemed by Japan as its primary threat during the Cold War, was in fourth place. "The reality is that China is rapidly increasing military spending, and so people can grasp that we need more pages," Minister of Defence Taro Kono said at a media briefing. "China is deploying air and sea assets in the Western Pacific and through the Tsushima Strait into the Sea of Japan with greater frequency." Japan has raised defence spending by a tenth over the past seven years to counter military advances by Beijing and Pyongyang, including defences against North Korean missiles which may carry nuclear warheads, the paper said. North Korea has conducted short-range missile launches this year that Tokyo believes show Pyongyang is developing projectiles to evade its Aegis ballistic missile defences. To stay ahead of China's modernising military, Japan is buying US-made stealth fighters and other advanced weapons. In its latest budget request, Japan's military asked for $1.1 billion to buy nine Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters, including six short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variants to operate from converted helicopter carriers. The stealth jets, US-made interceptor missiles and other equipment are part of a proposed 1.2 per cent increase in defence spending to a record 5.32 trillion Yen in the year starting April 1. By comparison, Chinese military spending is set to rise this year by 7.5 per cent to about $177 billion from 2018, more than three times that of Japan. Beijing is developing weapons such as stealth fighters and aircraft carriers that are helping it expand the range and scope of military operations. Once largely confined to operating close to the Chinese coast, Beijing now routinely sends its air and sea patrols near Japan's western Okinawa islands and into the Western Pacific. China has frequently rebuffed concerns about its military spending and intentions, including a ramped-up presence in the disputed South China Sea, and says it only desires peaceful development. The Defence White Paper said Chinese patrols in waters and skies near Japanese territory are "a national security concern". The paper downgraded fellow US ally, South Korea, which recently pulled out of an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid a spat over their shared wartime history. That could weaken efforts to contain North Korean threats, analysts said. Other partners, including Australia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, feature more prominently in the defence paper. "It's a reflection of the level of cooperation we undertake with each partner," a Defence Ministry official said at an earlier briefing. South Korean government officials took issue with the White Paper's reference to the ownership of an island in the Sea of Japan that is also claimed and controlled by South Korea. The outcrop is known as Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima in Tokyo. "Our government strongly protests Japan's repeated claim. The Japanese government should acknowledge that it is not helpful for bilateral relations," South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Japan promotes China as bigger threat than nuclear-armed North Korea

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi.

"Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Positive meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/MarisePayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarisePayne</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/moteging?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moteging</a>. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>, denuclearization of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthKorea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NorthKorea</a>, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. <a href="https://t.co/BBwS6EOukq">pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1177313176532258817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Thrilled to join <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> and foreign ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW <a href="https://t.co/w9JF6eQ2xw">pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw</a>
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1177319419372023808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region. Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi. "Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks. Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearization of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 26, 2019 × Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific." Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw — State_SCA (@State_SCA) September 26, 2019 × The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

Jaishankar, Mike Pompeo, Japan's Motegi hold talks on maritime security, connectivity in Indo-Pacific region

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