Some 50,000 people living in the Tokyo metropolis and the southeastern prefectures of Mie, Shizuoka, Gunma, and Chiba have reportedly been ordered to evacuate.
Rugby World Cup organizers have, meanwhile, canceled another match as a precautionary measure. Following the suspension of two group deciders, one between England and France and another with New Zealand and Italy, a game between Namibia and Canada has also been canceled.
"Owing to the level 5 evacuation order remaining operational following Typhoon Hagibis, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee have cancelled today’s Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool B match between Namibia and Canada in Kamaishi on safety grounds [...] The safety of all involved in Rugby World Cup 2019 is our primary consideration and fans are advised not to travel to Kamaishi or the venue, which will be closed. Ticket holders will be entitled to a full face-value refund", the organizers said in the statement.
Onrushing Super Typhoon Hagibis caused the cancellation of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix qualifying race, which was expected to take place on Saturday at the Suzuka Circuit.
Local media claim, citing meteorologists, that Hagibis could be more destructive than an unnamed 1958 typhoon that killed over 1,000 people.