Overseas apps send incorrect info about Japan weather, including ‘heavy snow warning’ in May

Japan's weather agency is cracking down on overseas operators accused of distributing inaccurate weather information, including false warnings, to domestic smartphone apps. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has begun tightening regulations on unlicensed operators suspected of issuing forecasts without proper authorization.

In February, a major US IT company's weather app erroneously reported several weather warnings for Hyogo Prefecture. The JMA clarified that these were merely test broadcasts to local governments and businesses, not official public warnings. The agency has since informed the concerned organizations that the information was intended for testing purposes only.

Further confusion arose in May when the same company's app incorrectly displayed a "heavy snow warning" for Bunkyo Ward in Tokyo. This prompted widespread social media commentary and required the ward office to issue a correction. The company declined to comment when reached by The Japan News.

The JMA issues forecasts using sophisticated "numerical predictions" and considers regional characteristics. While a 1993 amendment allows private companies to issue forecasts using JMA data and their own networks, they must obtain a license after a technical screening. This is to prevent the spread of unsubstantiated forecasts that could endanger public safety. Violators face fines up to 500,000 yen. Currently, 89 licensed operators exist in Japan, but none are from overseas, despite reports of at least seven foreign operators suspected of operating without a license.

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We told organisations concerned that the information was for testing purposes, but it was released as is.