Tropical Storm Surigae Menaces Japan After Most Cyclones Since 1966

Tropical Storm Surigae is bearing down on Japan, threatening further disruption in a year that has already brought the country its highest cyclone tally since 1966. Bloomberg, in a report published by The Japan Times on September 25, 2026, described the storm as menacing Japan as the cyclone count climbs to a level not seen in roughly six decades.

Surigae's expected track

According to Weathernews, Surigae is forecast to pass south of Okinawa early next week before continuing on a northeastern track toward Japan's main island. The forecaster cautioned, however, that the outlook remains uncertain.

An abnormally active storm season

Japan has logged its highest number of cyclones since 1966 this year, underscoring how unusual the current season has been. The active season has also taken an economic toll, with preliminary estimates by Weathernews citing economic losses.

The harsh conditions are already being felt on the ground: photographs published with the report showed a pedestrian in Chiba clinging to her umbrella amid strong winds and heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

El Nino connection

Fueling the abnormally active storm season this year is a “chain-reaction triggered by the El Nino background,” said Takahisa Nishikawa, a senior meteorologist at Atmospheric G2, according to the report.

Key points at a glance

• Tropical Storm Surigae is the latest system to menace Japan in an exceptionally busy cyclone year.
• Japan has recorded its highest cyclone tally since 1966.
• Surigae is forecast to pass south of Okinawa early next week.
• The storm is then expected to track northeast toward Japan's main island, though the forecast remains uncertain.
• Preliminary estimates by Weathernews point to economic losses from the season.
• A senior meteorologist attributes the unusually active season to a chain reaction triggered by the El Nino background.

What happens next

With the forecast still uncertain, updated projections for Surigae will be closely watched as the storm tracks toward Japan's main island after clearing Okinawa.