The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues various advisories and warnings for prevention and mitigation of natural disasters. JMA also provides the general public with weather forecasts which are now essential in their daily lives. For the accurate and timely provision of such information, it is indispensable to closely monitor natural phenomena. JMA therefore maintains detailed observations of the atmosphere with a variety of instruments such as satellites, radars and AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System).

Seismological and volcanological activities are also monitored by JMA round-the-clock with seismographs and seismic intensity meters, which were deployed across the country including the vicinities of active volcanoes. JMA issues earthquake and/or volcanic bulletins on the occasions of earthquakes and/or significant volcanic activities, and issues tsunami forecasts/warnings in dangers of tsunamis.

In recent years, the climate change has aroused a great concern in the world community. On this account, JMA carries out monitoring of ozone and greenhouse gases and makes announcement of the results with information on the present status of climate change.