Culture

July 15 — Japan in History and Today

July 15, 2026

In 1408, elephants arrived in Japan from Southeast Asia for the first time. In 1907, a massive rainstorm hit southern Hiroshima Prefecture.

1408: Elephants Arrive in Japan

In 1408, a ship dispatched by Aretsyuon from Southeast Asia arrived in Obama, Wakasa Province, carrying the first elephants recorded in Japan. This event illustrates the increasing exchange between Japan and the Asian region. Today, elephants can be seen in zoos and safari parks across Japan, but in the 14th century, they were a rare sight.

1907: Torrential Rain in Hiroshima

On July 15, 1907, southern Hiroshima Prefecture experienced severe torrential rain, causing the Sōtō River to break its banks. This disaster resulted in two deaths, the destruction of 11 houses, and significant agricultural damage in Saka Town. Such natural disasters are a part of Japan's climatic reality, and preparedness for rainstorms and typhoons remains essential today.