Typhoon Dolphin approached Japan's southern islands on Friday, forcing the closure of Okinawa's main airport, grounding all flights and sending hundreds of residents to evacuation centres.
The storm was near Yoron Island late on Friday morning and moving west towards Okinawa's main island with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Naha Airport on Okinawa Island suspended operations, cancelling all domestic and international flights.
By midday, about 240 people had taken shelter at evacuation centres across Okinawa, local authorities said.
Three men in their 70s sustained minor injuries, including two who were caught by strong winds and another who fell from a stool while preparing for the storm, according to Okinawa prefecture.
Heavy rain forecast
The weather agency warned of strong winds, heavy rain and high waves across Okinawa through Sunday, urging residents to remain indoors.
The typhoon is also expected to affect parts of Japan's southern main island of Kyushu, where residents whose homes were damaged in last week's deadly earthquake were covering roofs and walls with blue tarpaulins to limit water damage.
After passing Japan, Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to head towards China's eastern coast, where it is expected to make landfall by Monday.
