
Kyodo / Reuters
A tornado is seen in Tsukuba, north of Tokyo, in this picture taken by a resident, May 6.
Firefighters and medical teams rushed to the area after the tornado struck about 40 miles from Tokyo. The city is a science center, with dozens of research and academic institutes, but the tornado appeared to be mostly in residential areas.
Officials say a 14-year-old boy died and more than 30 people were injured.
-- Reported by the Associated Press

Kyodo / Reuters
People walk near debris and damaged vehicles in a residential area after a tornado struck Tsukuba, Japan.

Kei Hashimoto / Jiji Press via AFP - Getty Images
This picture whows a tornado sweeping through Tsukuba, Japan.

Kyodo News via AP
A damaged residential area is seen after a tornado struck Tsukuba, Japan.

Kyodo / Reuters
A tornado is seen in Tsukuba, Japan.
One person is dead and dozens are injured in Japan after a tornado in a city northeast of Tokyo destroyed scores of houses. Today's Courtney Reagan reports.


More anger from GOD for Jpenese World War II.
by your logic Germany would be a smoking crater by now... or is your GOD that selective?
God is no respecter of persons. (individuals) He gave us all "free will" which means you have the mental capacity to think, unlike the animal world.
1 Kings 19:11 - 12:
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
Sounds like Neptune and Poseidon are angry at them for over fishing the seas.
The title of the article is somewhat misleading. Tsukuba City is in Ibaraki Prefecture (there are 47 prefectures in Japan and they are pretty much like our states), which is not even in the same prefecture as the city of Tokyo (which is in Tokyo Prefecture). To say that this tornado was "near Tokyo" is like saying that a tornado which occurred in Pennsylvania is "near New York." Yes, they might be neighboring states, but why not just say "Tornado in Northeastern US" instead of saying "near" a big city that everyone knows. In reality, Ibaraki Prefecture isn't even directly touching Tokyo Prefecture - you would have to go through at least one other prefecture to get there (Chiba Prefecture or Saitama Prefecture). So in reality, it is like saying that a Tornado that occurred in Ohio is a "Tornado near New York."
This is just one example of why so many people around the world think that Americans are stupid.... I got a little worried when I first saw the title because I have family in Tokyo, but this wasn't really "near" the city whatsoever.
Poor Japanese. Everything but a 120 ft. fire breathing lizard! But, since 3 out of every 4 tornadoes in the world hit in the USA, hopefully this tornado will be the last for a while. And they probably don't have too many idiots out chasing them, either.
Bless Japan. These people have been through ENOUGH! The Japanese people and culture set an example for the world. I can only ask, why did this have to happen? The people of this beautiful country do not deserve this. I will do anything I can, including volunteering, to help these fine people. Japan, you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Probably global warming caused by George Bush and the evil Dick Cheney.
Wait, I'm confused. Is it an Act of Nature or is it an Act of God? I am sure that God did not cause the tornado, but he could have stopped it and he could have stopped the tsunami. If he parted the Red Sea to let Moses lead his people out of Egypt, and he can raise the dead, he could have stopped this tornado. Just saying.
I already told you who is to blame. On second thought maybe it was Al Gore and his private jet. If just bought more carbon credits everything would be fine.
A lot of negative posts here, Japan is a beautiful and strong country, they've survived worse than a few natural disasters, and will thrive and rebuild as they have many times before. They have friendship of many nations to help them too, it is tragic the amount of loss they have suffered however it is not the end of the world, or even the end of Japan.
Poor Japan. first a Tsunami/hurricane now a tornado. I still wouldn't mind going there sometime though. Prayers are with them and all the people affected.
I pray for those hurt, lossed and affected in Japan.
What is happening in Japan is that it's being hit by bad Karma for pain and suffering they have caused throughout history. Now they need to watch out for Godzilla to come out of the water. Just saying.
The Finger Of Mother Nature Divine Retribution
I laugh at everyone and anyone making a comment that either God, politicians, or greed is the cause for this natural occurrence. You guys need to take a step back and realize that these things just happen and do not require an explanation. It is what it is and it will always be this way. 2012 or the year 5012.
Yeah honestly people shut up. Japan has had natural disasters since the beginning of their age. Earthquakes, Taifuns, tsunamis, fire, famine, etc. I would just say keep god out of this, because there is nothing really god can do about the natural occurrences of our Earth.
Condolences and prayers go to the victim's family and friends.
Is the west coast of U.S.A. ready for the tornado?
fer cryin out loud, Godzilla, cover your mouth when you sneeze!
Their having about bad weather as the USA does. We have had forest fires,landslides,flooding,tornadoes also. They no more recover from 1 disaster then they have another. I guess is like that all around the world,some where some place someone having a weather disaster. I think their paying for taking all our auto industries palnts away from us,and no their paying the price.
Yep, Obama's fault, Obama caused this tornado. Now, where in the hell is FEMA???
Just saw the pictures out of Tokyo. Brought back memories of the devastation we had at West Liberty and Salyersville Kentucky in March! Let's hope the death toll does NOT go up!
I lived in Japan for over 26 years and I can tell you they, like other countries, have all natural pheomenon. In fact, they even have their own "tornado alley". Being part of the Pacific Rim, they are also very prone to powerful tsumani and earthquakes for which they have extremely efficient warning and aftermath programs in place. All citizens are registered in local ward (government) offices which is why both survivors and dead can be identified more easily. A Japanese upbringing honors family and others so it is not surprising to see their honesty and aid to fellow citizens, even foreigners, at the forefront. Because of this philosophy it is fortunate, but not so amazing, that more fatalities did not occur. I also offer my condolences to the family of the young boy who lost his life as well as all the injured.
On the news about 6 months ago they had a quiz. The question was what were the two countrie were the only 2 nations that had tornados. 1 the United States the other being and Nepal being the other. That is the last time I am taking the word of a weather forcaster. there are several countries
I find it amusing that intelligent people can look at the Earth/Universe and think it is all just a random accident that sprang from nothing. No wonder Americans are so into the lottery!
I do think Earth's weather is on autopilot but it is influenced by our pollution. Japan is not in the crosshairs, we all are. RIP
I bet years to come twisters and tornado's will be world wide more often, global warming for a lack of a better term is Unprecedented up to this point.
What a twist of fate.