Japan records first ‘kokushobi’ as multiple cities hit 40°C amid heat alerts

Japan logs its first ‘kokushobi’ as multiple cities reach 40°C amid nationwide heat alerts, prompting urgent public health and safety measures.

Japan records first ‘kokushobi’ as multiple cities hit 40°C amid heat alerts
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Publish: 22.07.2026
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Japan records first “kokushobi” as multiple cities hit 40°C amid heat alerts

Japan recorded its first “kokushobi” when temperatures in Tajimi, Gujo and Toyoda rose above 40°C, the Meteorological Agency said, and authorities issued heatstroke alerts across more than 40 prefectures on Tuesday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency introduced the term in April to mark days reaching 40°C and to warn the public about extreme heat. Nearly 300 of the country’s 914 observation points recorded “moshobi” conditions above 35°C on Tuesday, Kyodo News reported.

Local health and emergency services reported a surge in heat-related cases. The Tokyo Fire Department said 287 people aged three to 103 were taken to hospitals on Tuesday with apparent heatstroke, the highest daily figure so far this year, and it issued an ambulance overload alert on Wednesday.

Authorities advised residents to use air conditioning, stay hydrated, consume salt, and avoid prolonged outdoor activity. The report noted that last year Isesaki reached 41.8°C and that workplace heatstroke cases last year reached a record 1,803 with 19 fatalities, according to Kyodo.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The Meteorological Agency’s designation of “kokushobi” marks the first official instance of the new 40°C category as recorded in Tajimi, Gujo and Toyoda; widespread moshobi readings and extensive prefectural heatstroke alerts accompanied the announcement, while Tokyo emergency services reported a sharp rise in hospital admissions for apparent heatstroke.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • First recorded “kokushobi” occurred as Tajimi, Gujo and Toyoda exceeded 40°C.
  • Nearly 300 of 914 observation points reported temperatures above 35°C (moshobi).
  • Tokyo reported 287 apparent heatstroke hospital admissions on Tuesday and issued an ambulance overload alert.
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Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
A digital news platform delivering developments in Türkiye and the world to its readers with an objective and principled perspective. Liberal TR Haber Merkezi.
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