Japan has officially introduced the term 'kokushobi' to describe days when temperatures reach a scorching 40°C (104°F) or higher. This decision follows a summer marked by record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures significantly exceeding historical averages across the country. The term, translating to 'cruelly hot day,' was chosen after a nationwide survey conducted by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), highlighting growing concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.