ENGLAND: For most people, the 1940s conjures up images of rations, wartime struggle and sombre outfits.

Heavy rains and mudslides from powerful Typhoon Talas have killed at least 15 people in Japan as the storm moved north today past the country’s western coast.

Ten people were killed and five others were missing today as a powerful typhoon lashed southern Japan with strong winds and heavy rains, causing deadly mudslides and prompting the evacuation of thousands of homes.

Police said one person had died, at least six others were missing and 15 injured as a powerful typhoon lashed southern Japan with heavy rains today, disrupting air traffic, prompting the evacuation of thousands of households and leaving thousands more without electricity.

US Navy officers met today with local Japanese Government officials to explain possible disciplinary action facing the skipper of a submarine that sank a Japanese high school fishing training vessel.