Japan endures record‑breaking heatwave with consecutive “kokushobi” days

Japan has been experiencing an unprecedented summer heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C for multiple consecutive days. The Japan Meteorological Agency introduced the term “kokushobi” for days over 40 °C, and five straight “kokushobi” days were recorded in July—a historic first. Cities such as Kuwana, Mino, Tenryu Ward (41.1 °C), and others reported peak temperatures of 40‑41 °C. Heat‑related health impacts surged: over 10,000 people were hospitalized for heatstroke, 14 deaths were confirmed, and a record 453 patients were admitted to Tokyo hospitals in a single day. Emergency services logged a historic 3,454 calls. Heat alerts were issued for 40 prefectures, and the government warned of severe heatstroke risk. In response, companies launched “Do Hiemon Box,” a portable human‑cooling cabin, while a nation‑wide “暑すぎる夏を終わらせる WEEK” campaign sought to raise climate‑change awareness. The extreme temperatures have been linked to a strong Pacific high‑pressure system and are attributed to ongoing climate change.