Tokyo has been hit by 35 consecutive days of rain, setting a record and leaving residents frustrated by the prolonged wet weather.
Central Tokyo received 629mm of rain from the beginning of September through Monday, nearly three times the normal level, while sunshine totalled just 45.8 hours.
The previous record for consecutive rainy days was 33 days, set in 2019.
The persistent rain has disrupted daily life, affected tourism and damaged crops, with vegetable prices also rising. Residents have complained about difficulties drying clothes and the lack of sunshine.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has linked the unusual weather to a combination of factors, including El Niño, while noting that the direct contribution of climate change to the rain streak remains difficult to establish.
-AH