Japan Names Extreme Heat Days as 'Kokushobi' After Record Summer
Japan Names Extreme Heat Days as 'Kokushobi' After Record Summer
US · Published Apr 18, 2026
Japan has named days with temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or higher as 'Kokushobi' ('cruelly hot' or 'severely hot').
This follows Japan's hottest summer on record, with temperatures significantly above historical averages.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of heat-related dangers and encourage preventative measures against extreme heat.
Japan names extreme heat days 'Kokushobi'
Japan has introduced the term 'Kokushobi' to identify days when temperatures reach 40°C (104°F) or higher, acknowledging the country's record-breaking summer heat. This decision, influenced by a nationwide survey, underscores the urgent need to address the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. The summer of 2025 marked the highest temperatures since 1898, prompting heightened awareness and proactive measures.
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