date unknown – The Japanese 10 yen coin is issued with serrated edges for a 5-year period, beginning in 1953. All 10 yen coins since have had smooth edges.
June–August – Heavy massive rain, landslides, and flooding in western and southwestern Japan kill an estimated 2,566, and injure 9,433, mainly at Kizugawa, Wakayama, Kumamoto, and Kitakyushu.
January 4 – NHK Radio broadcasts its first live marathon coverage.
July 20 – 1953 Kii Peninsula flood, according to Japanese government official confirmed report, 1124 persons were human fatalities, 5819 persons were wounded.[page needed]
August 15 – 1953 South Yamashiro flood, 429 person were human fatalities, with 994 person were hurt, according to Japanese government official confirmed report.[page needed]
September 23 – 1953 Typhoon Tess, 478 person were human fatalities, with 2559 persons were hurt, Japanese government official confirmed report.[page needed]
December 25 – The Amami Islands are returned to Japan from the US military following 8 years of occupation.
A flood swept damage in Kokura of 1953 North Kyushu flood
Damage in Ōkawara station by 1953 South Yamashiro Flood