Japanese agency warns of ‘cruelly hot days’ amid 40 degrees and above heat

Japan is experiencing "cruelly hot days," a new term from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Emergency officials have described the current heat as a "disaster." Heatstroke alerts have been issued nationwide, and at least 14 people have died from heat-related causes in the past week. Three central cities recorded temperatures above this new threshold, termed "kokushobi," on Tuesday.

Japan has experienced its first "kokushobi," or "cruelly hot day," as temperatures surpassed 40C (104F) in three central cities: Tajimi, Gujo, and Toyoda. This new term was introduced in April by Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) to specifically warn the public about days reaching this dangerous temperature threshold. The JMA anticipates the extreme heat will persist into next week. The country already uses terms for days exceeding 25C, 30C, and 35C, with "moshobi" denoting "extremely hot days" over 35C. The introduction of "kokushobi" highlights the increasing intensity of global extreme weather events.

Japan has officially recorded its first "cruelly hot day" (kokushobi) when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, a new designation introduced by the Japan Meteorological Agency in April to warn of increasing heat dangers. Cities in central Japan, including Gujo and Toyota, reached 40C or higher, with some setting all-time records. This extreme heat follows a trend of rising average summer temperatures and has led to heatstroke deaths and hospitalizations. The article notes impacts on agriculture, with farmers adapting crops, and sports, with the Koshien baseball tournament adjusting schedules. In response to the heat and concerns about electricity supply, office workers are now encouraged to wear shorts and other casual attire as part of "Cool Biz" initiatives.