Japan has marked a distressing milestone as temperatures in three cities exceeded 40°C, leading to heatstroke warnings across more than 40 of its 47 prefectures. This alarming trend follows the recent introduction of the term “cruelly hot day,” aimed at alerting citizens to the dangers of extreme heat.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
On Tuesday, Tajimi and Gujo in Gifu prefecture recorded temperatures of 40.3°C and 40°C respectively, while Toyota in Aichi prefecture reached 40.1°C. These readings represent the highest ever documented at their respective weather stations. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has classified days that hit 40°C as “kokushobi,” a term coined earlier this year to signify the severe heat, which surpasses the previously used “moshobi,” or extremely hot day, designated for temperatures over 35°C.
As a result of the oppressive heat, authorities have issued urgent advisories for residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, and limit outdoor activities.
Rising Health Concerns
The extreme weather has had tragic consequences. Two men, aged 70 and 40, were found collapsed in the streets of Odawara and Sanjo, respectively, and later succumbed to heat-related illnesses in hospital. Additionally, a woman in her 80s was discovered unresponsive in her home in Mitsuke, also due to heatstroke.
The Tokyo Fire Department reported a staggering 287 individuals—ranging in age from three to 103—were hospitalised on Tuesday alone with suspected heatstroke, marking the highest daily count for the year. Alarmingly, medical services are becoming overwhelmed, prompting a warning from the department about the strain on their ambulance resources.
A Widespread Crisis
The situation is dire across the nation, with 731 out of Japan’s 914 observation points recording temperatures above 30°C by mid-afternoon on Tuesday. Furthermore, 272 of these locations surpassed 35°C, indicating a widespread heat crisis. Cities like Nagoya and Kumagaya reported highs of 39.7°C and 38.6°C, respectively. Meteorological experts attribute the relentless heat to a high-pressure system that has enveloped the region since Sunday, predicting that elevated temperatures will persist.
This year’s extreme heat follows a record high of 41.8°C set last year in Isesaki, north of Tokyo. The rising frequency of heatwaves is a concerning trend linked to climate change, driven largely by human activities such as fossil fuel consumption.
Workplace Adjustments and Public Health
The impact of the heat is not confined to outdoor areas; it is also affecting workplaces. Last year, Japan recorded a record number of 1,803 heatstroke incidents in professional environments, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. In response, companies are encouraging employees in Tokyo to dress in lighter attire—t-shirts, shorts, and trainers—as part of the “Cool Biz” initiative, aimed at reducing reliance on air conditioning and conserving energy.
As the climate crisis intensifies, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe globally. Earlier this year, Europe faced its own record-breaking heatwave, which resulted in thousands of excess deaths. Japan, with its ageing population, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and effective strategies to combat heat-related illnesses.
Why it Matters
The emergence of “cruelly hot days” in Japan underscores a critical warning about the escalating effects of climate change worldwide. As extreme weather events become commonplace, the health and safety of vulnerable populations are increasingly at risk. This situation calls for immediate action and awareness, not only in Japan but globally, to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect public health.