Through the extensive efforts of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and its collaborating authorities in improving early warning and disaster management systems and in raising public awareness, the damage caused by natural disasters and the impacts on socio-economic activities have been signi cantly reduced in accordance with the development of infrastructure and enhancement of society’s coping and adaptive capacities to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. The lessons learned in Japan in the modernization of meteorological services and the experiences in international programs and projects can be utilized as comprehensive strategic guidance for developing countries.