September 21 — Japanese History and Today

The 1911 Kagoshima Typhoon Disaster On September 21, 1911, a powerful typhoon struck Kagoshima Prefecture, destroying approximately 4,000 houses. Kirishima Onsen suffered complete devastation from accompanying landslides. This disaster highlights Japan’s vulnerability to natural calamities and the long recovery processes involved. For foreign residents, staying informed about typhoon warnings and evacuation procedures is vital for safety in Japan.

The 1931 Manchurian Incident and the Mukden Incident Also on September 21, 1931, Lieutenant General Hayashi Senjūrō of the Korean Army, acting without approval but receiving a request from the Kwantung Army, invaded Manchuria. The Mukden Incident, triggered by an explosion on a railway, escalated into a major international conflict. This event is a key moment in modern Japanese history and East Asian geopolitics. Foreign residents can gain deeper insights into Japan’s international relations by studying this history.