The slow-moving Category 1 typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 144 kph (89.5 mph), with gusts reaching 198 kph, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Dolphin was approaching a chain of islands between the Kyushu region and Okinawa prefecture on Friday, with authorities warning residents to prepare for severe weather.
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Evacuation orders were issued for residents in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures, while Toyota suspended operations at nine factories as the storm approached.
Forecasters expect the typhoon to maintain its strength as it moves toward Okinawa, raising concerns that powerful winds could damage or collapse some structures.
The storm could also trigger a linear rain band, a narrow zone of intense rainfall and thunderstorms capable of producing flooding and other hazards.
Typhoon Dolphin was already affecting large parts of southern Kyushu with strong winds, including Kumamoto prefecture, which is still recovering from last week’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake.
Around 6,700 people in Kumamoto remain in evacuation centers after numerous homes were damaged or collapsed in the earthquake.
The arrival of the typhoon adds another layer of danger for communities already dealing with the earthquake aftermath.
Japan’s weather agency has also warned of heatstroke risks, with temperatures expected to reach 36°C (97°F) in some areas.
Authorities are urging residents in affected regions to follow evacuation instructions and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as Dolphin approaches.
