Japan heatstroke prevention initiatives

In late July 2026, Fukuoka City launched a pilot that equips construction workers with sensor‑filled helmets to monitor body temperature, pulse and heat‑index, sending alerts to workers and supervisors when heatstroke risk rises. The program targets the construction sector, which has recorded the nation’s highest heatstroke fatalities for five consecutive years.

A week later, Fukui Prefecture expanded the public‑health response by designating most FamilyMart convenience stores as cooling shelters and installing public‑screen warnings. In partnership with Otsuka Pharmaceutical, the stores display short videos on heatstroke prevention and train staff as certified ambassadors. The shift from a workplace‑focused trial to community‑wide shelters and media outreach shows a rapid scaling of heat‑risk mitigation across different regions of Japan.