The region of northern Tohoku in Japan has been hit by a record-breaking rainfall, leading to the issuance of disaster warnings by the local authorities. The heavy rains have been reported over the last days, resulting in swollen rivers and minor floods already. Government, emergency services, and public are on high alert for the potential escalation into a major disaster.

Extreme weather events like this are of significant concern in Japan due to the country's vulnerability to natural disasters, especially floods and landslides. Japanese society is well-prepared, maintaining excellent emergency response systems and public awareness programs. It's also deeply rooted in their legal values, with relevant laws, guidelines, and protocols to handle such situations.

Unlike in the US or the EU, where geographical size and diverse terrains spread the risks, Japan's smaller landmass and high population density make acute weather events potentially more disastrous. Nonetheless, the highly structured response system and public alertness, often likened to practices in the EU more than the US, can limit damage and loss of life significantly.