"Such chaos for the first time in 140 years"... Even illnesses surge, Tokyo stunned by 'unbelievable' event

35 Consecutive Days of Rain in Tokyo...Longest Stretch Since 1886

Lack of Sunshine Sends Cabbage, Lettuce, and Other Vegetable Prices Soaring

Rising Reports of Weather-Related Illnesses Such as Headaches, Nausea, and Fatigue

An unusual phenomenon is occurring in Tokyo, Japan, where it has been raining for over a month despite it not being the rainy season. As the rain continues, the eastern regions of Japan are experiencing reduced sunlight, which has led to higher vegetable prices and an increase in people reporting physical discomfort.

Tokyo, Japan. EPA Yonhap News

Tokyo Sees 35 Consecutive Days of Rain...Longest Streak Since 1886

According to NHK and Weathernews on September 30, central Tokyo experienced rain for 35 consecutive days as of that date. This marks the longest streak since recordkeeping began in 1886.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) explained, "It is unusual for rain to continue for over a month from the end of summer into autumn."

The extended rainfall has been attributed to repeated appearances and disappearances of autumn rain fronts lingering over the Japanese archipelago. The development of rain clouds was caused by warm, humid air continuously feeding into these fronts, along with a series of approaching typhoons.

The local reaction has been one of surprise. Japanese weather broadcasts reported on the new record for consecutive rainy days in Tokyo, remarking, "It is astonishing that the rain has already lasted for more than a month."

Tokyo, Japan. Photo by AFP News Agency

Vegetable Prices Surge Due to Lack of Sunlight...Cabbage, Lettuce, and Bell Peppers Expected to Rise by 30%

The autumn rainy spell is expected to cause higher vegetable prices across Japan, not just in Tokyo, due to reduced sunlight.

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries forecasts that next month, the prices of cabbage, lettuce, and bell peppers will increase by more than 30% compared to the October average of the past five years. The reduced growth is blamed on lower sunlight affecting key production regions during the rainy period.

The prices of spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes are also expected to be 10–30% higher than average.

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"My Headaches Have Gotten Worse"...People Suffer from 'Weather-Related Illness' After Over a Month of Rain

Meanwhile, NHK reported that more people have been visiting hospitals complaining of physical discomfort such as headaches as the prolonged rainy spell continues.

A woman in her 20s who visited a hospital in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, the previous day said, "Since it started raining a month ago, my headaches have become more severe, I’m having trouble concentrating, and I often feel nauseous."

Doctors point out that the number of people suffering from what is known as "weather-related illness" may be increasing. Although it is not an official medical term, NHK explains that "weather-related illness" refers to symptoms such as headaches and fatigue triggered by disruptions in the autonomic nervous system due to changes in air pressure or temperature.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.