While Tokyo has made some efforts to modernize their sewer system, it clearly hasn’t been enough, and experts have long identified the city’s dated infrastructure as a “ticking time bomb.”

Now, it seems the ticking is over and the explosion has begun — as in, the sewer system is literally exploding.

Over the past few days, the city has seen about six inches of rain. Consequently, many parts of the city’s sewer system are failing all at once, resulting in flooded shops and train stations and manhole covers being shot into the sky.

Viral video in Japan: the ceiling was leaking at Shinjuku station after a heavy rain storm hit central Tokyo.pic.twitter.com/IthgcZW9JT

— Jeffrey J. Hall (@mrjeffu) July 11, 2025

#BREAKING#JAPAN#JAPONhttps://t.co/l4WLRgL13k

JAPAN : MOMENT OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE CEILING OF SEIBU SHINJUKU RAILWAY STATION IN TOKYO

No injuries.#Ultimahora#Storm#Tormenta#Tempêtepic.twitter.com/8x02tFePVG

— LW World News (@LW_WorldNews) July 10, 2025

Flooding in Tokyo – July 10 Update:
•Up to 120mm of rain fell in 1 hour across Suginami & Setagaya
•Meguro River and others at risk of overflowing
•Shinkansen service halted, major transit delays across the city
•Streets submerged, commuters seen wading through knee-deep… pic.twitter.com/XnFvWBfiI5

— Alias (@aliascontent) July 10, 2025

Heavy flooding occurred due to torrential rainfall in Suginami City, Tokyo, Japan (10.07.2025) pic.twitter.com/a9HADbPn5t

— Jacques Santim (@ReyRexon48849) July 11, 2025