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

Japan’s meteorological agency coined the term kokushobi – or “cruelly hot day” to warn the public of dangers tied to extreme heat. Photograph: Nicolas Datiche/SIPA/Shutterstock

Japan logged its first official kokushobi or “cruelly hot day” on Tuesday since the new term for when temperatures top 40 degrees Celsius was introduced in April. The Japan Meteorological Agency coined the new designation to warn the public of the heat dangers of days that were once freak weather events but have now become more common.

The central Japan cities of Gujo and Tajimi in Gifu prefecture, along with Toyota in Aichi prefecture, all hit 40C. Gujo’s 40C and Toyota’s 40.1C were all-time highs recorded at their respective weather stations.