According to the Osaka Regional Meteorological Observatory, yellow sand was observed in various parts of the Kinki region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, on the morning of January 16, 2026. This marks the first time yellow sand has been observed in Osaka in January in 27 years, since January 26, 1999.
According to the observatory, yellow sand was observed at meteorological observatories in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, and Hikone in the Kinki region on the morning of January 16. Visibility in all cases was over 10 kilometers, and while it was not severe enough to cause traffic disruptions, it could stain laundry and cars, and affect the respiratory system.
The current yellow sand outbreak occurred due to conditions being met, with yellow sand being picked up in inland China and blown toward Japan by the jet stream above. It is expected that the sand will continue to arrive in the Kinki region until tomorrow, January 17.
