As Typhoon Shanshan makes its way across southwestern Japan, fears are rising it will approach the Kanto region and the capital, Tokyo, within days.
People are preparing by rushing to buy items needed in times of disaster.
Some outlets are running out of such products. People were already on high alert after a series of earthquakes and typhoons earlier this month.
One home center in Tokyo has had a section for disaster goods near its entrance since the middle of the month. There have been plenty of customers.
Store workers say the number of buyers for such goods shot up after the government issued an advisory on August 8 warning of a possible mega-quake.
Sandbag sales have tripled from the same period last year. Those of water tanks have risen five times.
Sales of baby wipes have doubled.
The store has been running short of water tanks, as well as drinking water that can be stored for long periods.
Some customers who came to prepare for the typhoon were unable to find these items.
One couple who came to buy an emergency hand-held light say they wanted to be ready for a possible blackout.
Typhoon Shanshan has been approaching slowly, and its course is changing day to day.
The store manager says some people are still wondering if it is time to stock up on disaster goods. He says he hopes people come to his shop to prepare while it is still safe to do so.