Key Facts
• June 16: 22 locations in Japan recorded temperatures above 35°C.
• Tokyo’s forecast for June 17 predicts a high of 35°C, marking a potential heatwave.
• Ehime Prefecture’s Saijo City recorded the highest temperature on June 16 at 36.5°C.
• Free water stations, now exceeding 3,000 nationwide, are increasingly common for heat relief.
• A Tokyo ramen shop reported indoor temperatures exceeding 38°C despite cooling measures.
• The shop’s staff experienced perceived temperatures of 45–50°C near cooking areas.
• Last year, the shop temporarily switched to a cold-only menu, reducing perceived heat by 5°C.
• However, the change halved sales as customers sought warm dishes.
• June 16: 42 individuals aged 1–96 in Tokyo were hospitalized for suspected heatstroke.
• A 70-year-old man collapsed during a morning walk and was diagnosed with heatstroke.
• Experts warn of ‘rainy season heatstroke,’ caused by high humidity hindering sweat evaporation.
• Authorities issued heatstroke alerts for four prefectures, including Kagawa and Wakayama, on June 16.
Summary
Japan is experiencing extreme heat, with 22 locations surpassing 35°C on June 16. Tokyo is forecasted to hit 35°C on June 17, raising concerns about heatstroke. Free water stations, now exceeding 3,000 nationwide, are helping residents cope. A Tokyo ramen shop reported indoor temperatures over 38°C, with staff enduring perceived heat of up to 50°C. Last year, the shop switched to a cold-only menu to combat heat, but sales dropped by half. On June 16, 42 people in Tokyo were hospitalized for suspected heatstroke, including a 70-year-old man who collapsed during a morning walk. Experts highlight the risk of ‘rainy season heatstroke,’ caused by high humidity. Authorities issued heatstroke alerts for four prefectures, marking the year’s first outside Okinawa. As Tokyo braces for another heatwave, residents are urged to stay hydrated and monitor both temperature and humidity levels.
