Typhoon season preparation checklist Japan expats 2026: supplies, documents, and safety steps

Japan's 2026 typhoon season is expected to be severe, with peak activity from July to October. For expats, early preparation is crucial: this typhoon season preparation checklist Japan expats 2026 covers essential supplies, critical documents, and safety measures tailored to local customs and emergency protocols. Use this list in Foco to organize each step with reminders and priorities.

In Japan, typhoon warnings are issued days in advance, but power outages, flooding, and transportation disruptions can last for hours or days. Authorities recommend having a 3-7 day emergency kit with non-perishable food, drinking water, and physical copies of important documents. Stores close early during alerts, so stock up before supplies run out.

How to use this checklist in Foco

Create a project called 'Typhoon season' in Foco and assign a distinct color (e.g., red). Import these tasks and adjust due dates based on your location: start in July for Kyushu or Shikoku, and prioritize August-September for Kanto or Kansai. Use the Kanban view to group tasks by category (Supplies, Documents, Safety) or the Calendar view to schedule reminders before the season begins. Set annual recurrence for tasks like reviewing your emergency kit.

• Purchase drinking water: 3 liters per person per day for 7 days (include small bottles for mobility)
• Buy non-perishable food: rice, instant noodles, canned tuna, crackers, nuts, and baby/pet food if applicable
• Prepare portable cooking kit: gas stove, lighter, small pot, disposable utensils, and plates
• Check and recharge flashlights: 2 per household (one primary and one backup), with extra batteries (avoid candles due to fire risk)
• Buy a hand-crank or battery-powered radio: tune to NHK World Radio Japan (1179 kHz) for English alerts
• Purchase a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh minimum) and portable solar charger for mobile devices
• Prepare an emergency first-aid kit: 2-week supply of prescription medications, pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant, thermometer, and N95 masks
• Buy rain gear: waterproof jacket with hood, rain boots, and gloves (avoid umbrellas, as they break in strong winds)
• Secure important documents: passport, residence card (Zairyū Card), health insurance, rental contract, and property deeds in a waterproof bag
• Make digital copies of documents: scan and save to cloud storage (Google Drive or iCloud) and a USB drive in a waterproof bag
• Prepare cash in yen: 100,000-200,000 JPY in small bills (ATMs may not work during power outages)
• Review home insurance: confirm coverage for water, wind, and earthquake damage (common in Japanese policies, but check exclusions)
• Secure tall furniture: anchor shelves, TVs, and appliances to walls with straps or anti-fall brackets
• Protect windows: apply shatterproof film or tape in an X pattern to reduce risk of broken glass (does not prevent breakage but minimizes damage)
• Clear drains and gutters: remove leaves and debris to prevent flooding on balconies or gardens
• Identify nearby shelters: locate the nearest evacuation center (check with your local ward office or the Disaster Preparedness Tokyo app if in the capital)
• Learn key Japanese phrases: '避難所はどこですか' (Where is the shelter?), '助けてください' (Help me), and '水をください' (I need water)
• Save emergency numbers in your phone: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire), and your embassy’s contact in Japan
• Prepare an evacuation backpack: include emergency kit, documents, cash, change of clothes, and snacks (ready to leave in 5 minutes)
• Monitor local alerts: download official apps like Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) or Yurekuru Call for real-time notifications