Japan’s Flu Season Arrives Early: Second-Fastest Start Since 1999

Japan has officially entered flu season, the health ministry announced Friday. The number of influenza patients hit 4,094, or 1.11 per hospital, in the week through August 24, exceeding the 1.0 threshold that signals the season’s start. This marks the second-earliest start since 1999, about a month ahead of last year’s threshold date in late September.

Why the season started so early

The early onset coincides with the end of summer vacation and the start of the new school term across Japan. Tokyo’s government warned that children and students face increased contact with others as schools reopen. Okinawa reported the highest case rate at 4.43 per clinic, followed by Iwate at 2.10 and Aomori at 2.08. Tokyo logged 1.49 cases per institution, with seven outbreaks reported at schools and welfare facilities.

Historical context and 2023 exception

The 2009 flu season started earliest on record, with cases exceeding the threshold in the week of August 10-16. Except for 2023, when flu cases remained high year-round, this year’s start ranks as the second-fastest in 27 years of monitoring. The health ministry considers 1 patient per clinic as the threshold for declaring the start of the season.

Prevention measures and vaccination recommendations

Health experts are urging regular hand washing, ventilation, and “cough etiquette,” such as covering one’s mouth with a mask or handkerchief. The ministry recommends flu shots for high-risk people, including those over 65 and people with underlying medical conditions. Schools in Tokyo and other prefectures have already begun implementing preventive measures ahead of the full academic year.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s early flu season entry reflects post-summer congregation of schoolchildren and marks only the second-fastest start in 27 years. Vaccination and hygiene measures are critical as the season unfolds.

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