Japan typhoon season preparation checklist 2026: emergency supplies, documents, and safety for expats

Japan's typhoon season in 2026 runs from May to October, with peak intensity between July and September. For expatriates, early preparation is crucial: this checklist covers everything from your typhoon emergency kit Japan to local safety protocols, including how to secure important documents and communicate during emergencies. Use this list in Foco to organize each step and receive reminders before the next typhoon hits.

What this expat typhoon safety guide includes

The guide is divided into three critical areas: basic supplies (emergency kit for 3-7 days), essential documents (physical and digital copies), and safety protocols (alerts, evacuation, and communication). Each task is tailored to Japanese customs, such as using official alert apps or purchasing non-perishable food at local stores like 7-Eleven or Don Quijote.

In Foco, assign 'urgent' priority to tasks with approaching deadlines (e.g., renewing insurance before August) and set annual recurrence to review your emergency kit every June. Sync your calendar to include alerts from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and share the list with roommates or family using the collaboration feature.

• Verify the location of the nearest evacuation shelter (check the map in your municipality’s official app or the JMA website)
• Register for your city’s emergency alert system (e.g., Tokyo Bousai App or LINE Disaster Info)
• Purchase 7-day supplies: bottled water (3L per person/day), non-perishable food (rice, instant soups, energy bars), and basic medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, bandages)
• Include in your emergency kit: flashlight with extra batteries, portable radio (hand-crank or solar), charged power bank, and cash (small bills, as ATMs may fail)
• Prepare waterproof clothing, sturdy water-resistant shoes, and a waterproof bag for documents
• Make physical and digital copies (cloud and USB) of your passport, visa, residence card (Zairyū Card), health insurance, and home insurance policy
• Store original documents in a waterproof bag inside an emergency backpack
• Fully charge all electronic devices and set up a communication plan with family (e.g., LINE or WhatsApp group with an agreed meeting point)
• Secure outdoor items (potted plants, bicycles) or store them indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds
• Close and reinforce windows with X-shaped tape or wooden panels if you live in coastal areas
• Fill your car’s gas tank and park it in a high location if you live in flood-prone areas
• Check and clear drains and gutters around your home to prevent blockages from leaves or debris
• Learn key emergency phrases in Japanese (e.g., 避難所はどこですか / Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? = Where is the shelter?)
• Save emergency numbers in your phone: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire), and your embassy or consulate’s contact
• Review your home insurance policy to confirm coverage for typhoon or flood damage (renew before August if necessary)
• Prepare a first-aid kit with masks, gloves, disinfectant, and specific medications (e.g., for allergies or chronic conditions)
• Download offline maps of your area in Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation without internet access
• Ensure you have enough balance on your Suica/Pasmo card for public transportation during an evacuation
• Inform your employer or school about your emergency plan and how to contact you during a typhoon
• Review the full checklist one week before the peak season (mid-August) and update expired supplies