TOKYO—A large and powerful typhoon was approaching Japan's southern islands Tuesday, bringing with it heavy winds and high waves, and prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its highest-level warning.

As of Tuesday morning, Typhoon Neoguri was located around 90 kilometers (55 miles) east of Okinawa's Miyako Island, slowly climbing north at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour with winds of up to 180 kph and gusts as strong as 252 kph, the agency said.

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