Japan Experiences Record-breaking Temperatures Exceeding 40°C

WHO:

BBC News - The Japan Meteorological Agency introduced a new term to describe extreme heat conditions.

WHAT:

Yahoo - Japan is experiencing its first "brutally hot days" of the year, with temperatures expected to top 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in cities like Kumagaya and Nagoya.

Yahoo - Authorities reported that 4,580 people were taken to hospital for heat-related issues between July 6 and 12, including seven fatalities.

Yahoo - More than 100,000 people were hospitalized for heatstroke during the 2025 summer season, according to government data.

BBC News - Japan is experiencing record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).

Phys.org - Heatstroke alerts have been issued across nearly the entire country due to the intense heat.

WHERE:

Phys.org - Japanese cities are specifically mentioned as experiencing these "cruelly hot days."

WHEN:

BBC News - The term "cruelly hot day" was introduced in April of the current year.

WHY:

Yahoo - The introduction of the "kokushobi" category reflects the growing frequency of extreme heat in Japan.

Phys.org - The new meteorological term was devised to warn people of intense heat above 40°C.

HOW:

BBC News - The Japan Meteorological Agency's introduction of the term aims to raise awareness about extreme heat conditions.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 16:25 UTC)

Japan is facing its first "brutally hot days" of the year, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, in cities like Kumagaya and Nagoya. Between July 6 and 12, authorities reported that 4,580 people were hospitalized due to heat-related issues, which unfortunately included seven fatalities. This alarming trend is underscored by government data revealing that over 100,000 people were hospitalized for heatstroke during the 2025 summer season, prompting the introduction of the new "kokushobi" category to address the increasing frequency of extreme heat in the country.

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(UPDATED July 22, 2026 08:48 UTC)

Japan is currently facing unprecedented heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to introduce a new term, "cruelly hot day," to describe these extreme conditions. Heatstroke alerts have been issued across nearly the entire country, particularly affecting various cities grappling with this intense heat. The introduction of this term earlier this year aims to raise awareness and warn the public about the dangers associated with such extreme temperatures.