Norway’s crown prince stranded in Tokyo as typhoon disrupts travel

Typhoon Jangmi has grounded Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon in Tokyo, delaying his planned departure after a three-day official visit to Japan, Dagbladet reports.

The storm has brought extreme rainfall—up to 100mm expected within 24 hours—with local authorities warning of severe flooding, according to Japanese media. Flight disruptions are likely as the typhoon intensifies.

“For now, the plan remains unchanged,” Guri Varpe, the royal palace’s communications chief, told Dagbladet from Tokyo. “If changes are needed, we’ll handle them as best we can.”

The crown prince had been scheduled to travel to the port city of Hachinohe but canceled that leg of the trip earlier this week due to Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health concerns. Fisheries Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss will attend in his place.

Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, has cut short her stay in Australia to return to Norway, though the duration of her visit remains undecided, the crown prince confirmed during a Monday press briefing in Tokyo. He is set to hold another press conference at 09:10 Norwegian time on Wednesday.

Footage from Japanese news outlets showed flooded streets and pedestrians struggling against torrential downpours, with umbrellas offering little protection.