CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam explains how heavy rain has caused severe flooding in Japan. Widespread flooding and landslides in north-east Japan have forced more than 180,000 people to abandon their homes.
Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with high-rise-filled cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Tokyo, the crowded capital, is known for its neon skyscrapers and pop culture. In contrast, Kyoto offers Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens and cherry blossoms. Sushi, the national dish, is served everywhere from casual pubs to gourmet restaurants.
