Key Facts
• July 7: Kyoto recorded 37.9°C, marking the 9th consecutive day of extreme heat.
• Gion Festival, one of Japan’s top three festivals, is ongoing amid heat concerns.
• At Yasaka Shrine, ground temperatures exceeded 55°C, raising heatstroke risks.
• Uji City reported 43°C; a 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for heatstroke.
• A 70-year-old man in Uji crashed his truck, likely due to heat-induced unconsciousness.
• Uji’s heatstroke-related ambulance calls surpassed last year’s record pace.
• Riverbed dining areas in Kyoto reached 48°C, forcing some to halt weekday lunch services.
• Businesses like takoyaki stalls and kimono rentals reported sales drops of up to 40%.
• Nationwide, July 7 saw record temperatures: Tajimi City hit 38.8°C, Tokyo 35.6°C.
• Aichi Prefecture reported two deaths suspected to be heatstroke-related.
Summary
Kyoto’s Gion Festival, a major cultural event, is grappling with unprecedented heat. July 7 marked the 9th consecutive day of extreme temperatures, with Kyoto reaching 37.9°C and Yasaka Shrine’s grounds exceeding 55°C. Uji City faced similar challenges, recording 43°C and multiple heatstroke incidents, including a truck accident linked to heat-induced unconsciousness. Businesses, including riverbed dining areas and kimono rentals, reported significant revenue losses due to the heat. Nationwide, July 7 saw record-breaking temperatures, with Tajimi City reaching 38.8°C and Tokyo experiencing its first heatwave of the year at 35.6°C. Aichi Prefecture reported two suspected heatstroke deaths, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave.
