Authorities are warning of violent winds, heavy rain and high waves as the typhoon moves into Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures. There is also a risk that buildings could be damaged or collapse in the winds.
More than 500 flights have been cancelled and an evacuation order has been issued to almost 260,000 people in the affected area on Friday.
Companies are also preparing for the storm. For example, automotive giant Toyota has shut down operations at nine factories during the day.
