Japan records heatwave disaster with 453 hospitalisations in Tokyo

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 °C in central and western prefectures such as Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu and Toyama. The Japan Meteorological Agency has labelled the extreme days “kokushobi” (awfully hot day) and issued heat‑stroke alerts for most of the country’s 125 million residents.

In Tokyo, a record 453 people were taken to hospital on 22 July, the highest daily total since the fire department began keeping records in 2010 and surpassing the previous peak for emergency interventions set in 1963. One person died, four are in critical condition and 18 are seriously ill. Nationwide, 10 857 patients sought emergency treatment for heat‑related illness between 13 and 19 July, and at least 14 deaths have been confirmed over the past week.

Authorities have urged the public to stay hydrated, use air‑conditioning and limit outdoor activity. The heatwave is expected to continue into August, with forecasts of further 35‑40 °C temperatures across large swathes of the archipelago.