Japan endured its hottest day in recorded history on Tuesday as a searing heatwave continued to sweep across the country, pushing temperatures to unprecedented levels and placing immense strain on public health, agriculture, and cultural traditions.
The highest temperature was recorded in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, where the mercury soared to 41.8 degrees Celsius, breaking the national heat record that had stood for less than a week. The previous record of 41.2°C, set in Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture, was matched Tuesday in Kiryu, also in Gunma.
Across the Kanto region, wide swaths of cities and towns sweltered under extreme conditions:
- Hatoyama, Saitama Prefecture: 41.4°C
- Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture: 41.0°C
- Ome, Tokyo: 40.4°C
The unrelenting heat prompted Japan’s Meteorological Agency to issue heatstroke warnings for nearly the entire country — 44 of Japan’s 47 prefectures were under alert Tuesday, with warnings extended to 37 prefectures for Wednesday. Only Hokkaido, Akita, and Kochi, along with select areas in Okinawa, were spared from official advisories.
National Baseball Tradition Alters Course Amid Crisis
In a striking departure from more than a century of tradition, the National High School Baseball Championship — one of Japan’s most cherished summer events — shifted its opening ceremony to the late afternoon for the first time in its 110-year history. Held in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, the adjustment was made to protect players and spectators from the dangerous midday heat.
Tournament organizers also rescheduled game times to either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak of the day’s heat, reflecting growing concerns over heat-related illnesses among youth athletes.
Hospitals See Surge in Heatstroke Cases
The extreme temperatures have led to a sharp rise in heat-related hospitalizations. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs:
- 10,804 people were hospitalized for heatstroke in the week ending Sunday.
- 16 deaths were confirmed during this period.
- In June alone, 17,229 individuals were taken to hospitals, resulting in 26 deaths and 324 severe cases.
Authorities are urging citizens to stay indoors during peak hours, remain hydrated, and use air conditioning when available. Elderly residents and outdoor workers are considered especially vulnerable.
Rice Farmers Face Drought Conditions
Beyond public health, the heatwave is wreaking havoc on agriculture, particularly rice farming — a backbone of Japan’s food culture and rural economy. In Niigata Prefecture, a region renowned for its high-quality rice, just 3.5 millimeters of rain fell in July, compared to 376.5 mm in the same month last year.
Farmers warn of reduced yields and damaged crops, as the dual blow of high heat and drought threatens the coming harvest.
A Summer of Alarming Extremes
This latest heatwave underscores a troubling trend: Japan’s summers are becoming increasingly hot and dangerous, with records being shattered year after year.
Scientists attribute the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change, warning that without significant action, such conditions will become the new normal.
For now, Japan braces for more scorching days ahead — and a summer season that is fast becoming one of its most severe ever.
Tips to Stay Safe During the Heatwave:
- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty
- Avoid outdoor activity during midday
- Use cooling devices such as fans and air conditioners
- Check in on elderly neighbors or family members
- Seek immediate medical help if signs of heatstroke appear (dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion)
