kokushobi

Kokushobi, a new meteorological term meaning 'cruelly hot day,' was introduced by Japan's weather agency in April to specifically denote days where temperatures surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). This designation aims to provide a more effective warning system to the public about the dangers of extreme heat. The term has become newsworthy as Japan is currently experiencing its first instances of kokushobi, with several cities recording temperatures above the 40C threshold. These soaring temperatures have led to widespread heatstroke alerts across the country and are being described by emergency officials as a disaster. The current situation highlights the critical relevance of kokushobi as a public health alert, especially as at least 14 people have already died from heat-related causes amid these unprecedentedly hot conditions.