Key Facts
• July 19: Northern Tohoku declared end of rainy season, completing nationwide transition.
• Tokyo recorded 33°C, first time in 9 days exceeding this temperature.
• 3,500 lanterns lit up the night sky at a Kawasaki event.
• Unagi fry harvest doubled compared to last year, reducing prices by nearly 50%.
• Takao Mountain saw fewer visitors despite fare discounts for children.
• Saitama amusement park launched “Saitama Too Hot Discount,” offering free entry on 35°C+ days.
• 860 visitors attended the park on July 19, up 180 from last year’s summer start.
• Ice desserts and cooling measures introduced for animals and staff at various locations.
• Heat-related challenges included 42.4°C kitchen temperatures and increased heatstroke risks.
Summary
Japan’s rainy season officially ended on July 19, ushering in summer vacation alongside intense heat. Events like Kawasaki’s lantern festival and Takao Mountain’s discounted fares aimed to attract visitors, but extreme temperatures deterred many. Unagi fry harvests reached a decade-high, potentially lowering prices. Saitama’s amusement park introduced a “Too Hot Discount,” offering free entry on scorching days, boosting attendance by 180 visitors compared to last year. Heat countermeasures, such as ice desserts for animals and cooling systems for staff, were implemented across various locations. Despite efforts, the heat remains a significant challenge for businesses and visitors alike.
