In September, a large and powerful typhoon, later classified as Typhoon Kagawa, made landfall on the western coast of Honshū, Japan. The typhoon unleashed devastating winds and torrential rain, leading to severe flooding and landslides across the region. Cities such as Hiroshima and Okayama were particularly affected, with entire neighborhoods submerged under water and transport infrastructure rendered unusable. The storm's sudden impact left thousands trapped or homeless, exacerbating the situation with each passing hour.

Survivors faced enormous challenges in the wake of the disaster, including food and water shortages while trying to locate missing family members. Rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by ongoing poor weather conditions, and the full extent of the destruction only became apparent days later. On a national level, the sheer number of casualties—over 3,000—prompted widespread media coverage and public concern about the effectiveness of Japan's disaster preparedness measures at the time.

The impact of Typhoon Kagawa also led to significant political and social shifts. The Japanese government, facing criticism for its inadequate response to the crisis, implemented reforms aimed at improving disaster response protocols and infrastructure resilience. This event highlighted the need for better forecasting and warning systems, eventually shaping Japan's approach to disaster management in subsequent years.