Japan records its first cruelly hot day as cities swelter in 40-degree heat

In April Japan coined the term kokushobi for days above 40C as the country advises workers to wear shorts to the office to cope with the stifling heat.

Published 22 July 2026 179 words
WORLD A2
Japan records its first cruelly hot day as cities swelter in 40-degree heat

Japan had its first official 'cruelly hot day' on Tuesday. This is a new name for days when the temperature goes above 40 degrees Celsius. The Japan Meteorological Agency created the name to warn people about the dangers of very hot weather, which is happening more often.

Three cities in central Japan reached 40C: Gujo and Tajimi, and Toyota. Gujo and Toyota recorded their highest temperatures ever.

Across Japan, 278 weather stations showed temperatures over 35C. This is called 'extremely hot days'. Before the new term 'cruelly hot day', this was the highest warning level.

Sadly, two men may have died from the heat. One man in his 40s was found dead on a street. Another man in his 70s also died. Heatstroke is a serious danger.

More than 100,000 people went to hospital last year because of the heat. The number of deaths from heatstroke has also gone up. This rising heat affects many parts of life in Japan, like growing rice.

Some companies are trying to help people stay cool. Office workers are now allowed to wear shorts to work on hot days. This is part of a plan to save electricity by using less air conditioning. Other plans have allowed workers to wear short-sleeved shirts instead of jackets and ties.

Vocabulary

temperature — how hot or cold something is
official — approved by a government or authority
dangerous — likely to cause harm
rarely — not happening often
reached — got to a particular level or amount
air conditioning — a system that cools the air in a room or building

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the new term Japan uses for days with temperatures above 40C?
  2. Why are office workers in Japan allowed to wear shorts to work?
  3. How does the hot weather affect farming in Japan?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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