TOKYO –
Rain fell once more in central Tokyo on September 28, extending the capital’s unusually lengthy moist spell to 33 consecutive days and matching the longest run on file, whereas persistent rainfall is starting to disrupt autumn tourism, fall foliage and the harvest of seasonal crops.
Large raindrops pounded roads round JR Shibuya Station on the morning of September 28 because the extended autumn rains continued.
The uncommon moist spell has been pushed by a succession of typhoons affecting Japan and an more and more energetic autumn rain entrance.
The influence is already being felt at common autumn vacationer locations.
Around Lake Chuzenji in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, intermittent rain left the usually busy sightseeing space unusually quiet, with comparatively few guests.
Local companies mentioned the extended dangerous climate was hurting gross sales. “It’s just rain, rain and more rain. There’s nothing we can do about it. Sales are down,” an worker at Aizuya Shokudo mentioned.
There are additionally considerations that the moist climate may have an effect on the timing of the autumn foliage season. The worker mentioned the autumn colours may arrive a lot later than final 12 months, probably shifting the height viewing interval from October into November.
At Ryuzu Falls, certainly one of Nikko’s best-known autumn foliage spots, the extended rain has elevated the amount of water cascading over the stepped rocks, sending heavy spray into the air.
Some leaves across the falls have begun to indicate the primary hints of autumn colour. In a typical 12 months, the world can be anticipated to achieve peak foliage in about two weeks.
Junko Murone of Ryuzu no Chaya mentioned the dearth of sunshine may have some influence on the leaves. “With weather like this, I think the reduced sunshine will have some effect. I just hope we still get good autumn colors,” she mentioned.
The lengthy spell of rain can be threatening certainly one of Japan’s seasonal meals: freshly harvested soba.
At buckwheat fields operated by the Sanbuichi Soba Association in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, rainwater stays pooled throughout fields the place buckwheat seeds would usually be approaching harvest in early October.
Toshinori Sakamoto of the affiliation mentioned standing water was stopping seeds from germinating. “As you can see, rainwater has accumulated in this field. When it gets like this, the buckwheat won’t germinate,” he mentioned.
In a standard 12 months, the fields can be lined with small white buckwheat flowers, however progress in 2026 has diversified sharply from subject to subject.
Sakamoto mentioned some fields will produce nothing in any respect. “There will be absolutely no harvest here. This year in particular, the rain kept coming, and the seeds were submerged in water at the time they should have germinated, so they rotted,” he mentioned.
Buckwheat prefers dry circumstances and is especially susceptible to extra water. The extended rain has prompted issues together with root rot, whereas a few of the buckwheat that did develop has produced unusually small grains.
The affiliation expects its harvest to be about 40% decrease than in a standard 12 months.
Sakamoto mentioned he has harvested buckwheat from the identical fields yearly for about 17 years however has by no means seen so many vegetation fail to provide grain.
Concerns are additionally spreading to soba eating places in Nagano Prefecture because the new-season buckwheat interval approaches.
Toru Kobayashi of Sobakura Miyata mentioned new soba is because of arrive from October, however decrease manufacturing and rising costs are anticipated to push procurement prices greater. “New soba starts in October, but production is low and prices are rising sharply. We’ve already been told that purchase prices will increase again from October,” he mentioned.
Restaurants are additionally dealing with greater prices for shrimp, greens and different components utilized in tempura, a standard accompaniment to soba.
Uncertainty stays over how lengthy the record-breaking autumn rains will proceed.
In addition to Typhoon No. 26 approaching Japan, a brand new tropical melancholy has fashioned over waters south of the nation. It stays unclear whether or not the system will strengthen right into a hurricane, however its growth and motion would require shut monitoring.
Source: FNN