Japan introduces new category for extreme heatwave conditions

The record

Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.

Japan's weather agency has launched a new label, 'Kokushobi' or 'Brutally Hot Day', for days when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher, as several parts of the country were forecast to hit that mark.
Heat stroke alerts have been issued, and people have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary, drink plenty of water and use air conditioning.
The new category was introduced because such extreme days, once rare, are becoming more frequent, with Japan recording its highest-ever temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius last year.
In the week of July 6-12, 4,580 people were hospitalised for heat stroke and seven died, and over 100,000 people were hospitalised during the summer of 2025.

Whether temperatures in cities like Kumagaya and Nagoya actually reach 40 degrees for a second consecutive day
How many days are officially labelled 'Brutally Hot Day' under the new category this summer
Heat stroke hospitalisation and death figures in the coming weeks, especially among the elderly, children and the sick

1 report

Indian-language1

All filed from India

Named Japan · Kumagaya · Nagoya · Tokyo · Fire and Disaster Management Agency · Japan Meteorological Agency

The 1 report is listed beside the record.

Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.