Japan records its first ‘cruelly hot day’ as cities swelter in 40-degree heat
Japan has officially recorded its first 'cruelly hot day' (kokushobi) as temperatures in several cities exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat is causing significant public health concerns and forcing changes in agricultural and sporting practices.
Why it matters
The introduction of new terminology for extreme heat underscores the escalating impact of climate change on daily life and public safety in Japan.
Japan’s meteorological agency coined the term kokushobi – or “cruelly hot day” to warn the public of dangers tied to extreme heat. Photograph: Nicolas Datiche/SIPA/Shutterstock Japan’s meteorological agency coined the term kokushobi – or “cruelly hot day” to warn the public of dangers tied to extreme heat. Photograph: Nicolas Datiche/SIPA/Shutterstock Japan Japan records its first ‘cruelly hot day’ as cities swelter in 40-degree heat In April Japan coined new term kokushobi for days above 40C as country advises workers to wear shorts to the office to cope with stifling heat
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