A powerful typhoon was moving closer to southern Japanese islands Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, warning of high waves, strong winds and heavy rains, dpa reported.
Stormy weather travelling ahead of Typhoon Jelawat, the 17th of this season, had already enveloped Ishigaki Island, the agency said.
As of 2 pm (0500 GMT), Jelawat was 130 kilometres south of Ishigaki island, travelling north-northeast at a speed of 15 kilometres per hour (kph), the agency said.
The typhoon is feared to hit Okinawa Island Saturday, the agency said.
Jelawat had maximum sustained winds of 180 kph and gusts of 252 kph.