On July 21, Japan faced a sweltering heatwave as a dominant high-pressure system propelled temperatures beyond 40°C in several areas, marking the ninth consecutive year such intense heat has been recorded. This summer, for the first time since the term “kokushobi” or “cruelly hot days” was introduced in April, temperatures soared to this level.
The city of Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture experienced the highest temperature of the day at 40.3°C, with nearby Gujo not far behind at 40°C. In Aichi Prefecture, the city of Toyota also saw temperatures reach 40.1°C. This widespread heatwave affected large parts of eastern and western Japan, with 255 out of the nation’s 914 weather observation stations reporting temperatures of at least 35°C by mid-afternoon.
In light of these soaring temperatures, Japan’s Environment Ministry and Meteorological Agency issued heatstroke alerts for 42 prefectures, the highest number of alerts issued this year. Authorities strongly recommended the use of air conditioning and stressed the importance of staying hydrated and replenishing salt levels to prevent heat-related illnesses.