Microsoft's U.S. email service Outlook suffered a large-scale outage in the early hours of the 13th Japan time, disrupting email, reservations and front-desk operations at companies, government offices and universities, among others.
A large-scale outage centered on Microsoft's U.S. Outlook service occurred, leaving companies, government offices and universities in Japan, among others, unable to send or receive emails and causing work delays. Users were forced to rely on alternative methods, disrupting the progress of their operations.
A freelance female emcee sent documents by fax from a convenience store near her home. She was also unable to use generative AI services, significantly increasing the time required for her work, and said, “I hope it is restored soon.” Meanwhile, a male employee at a trading company in Tokyo switched to fax to contact business partners and had to make additional phone calls to confirm receipt.
The impact on companies also spread. Bic Camera experienced delays in its hold-for-pickup service, customer-service reservations and email responses through its online inquiry desk. Sagawa Express became unable to accept advance reservations for parcel storage and suspended reservation intake. System Core had been placing orders with business partners by email but switched to communicating by phone.
In response to the incident, the parties concerned are considering reviewing their safety measures.