On July 25 (local time), according to Xinhua, many areas in Japan continued to record temperatures exceeding 40°C, marking the fifth consecutive day of extreme temperatures - the longest streak since the country began comparing data statistics in 2010.
According to the latest weather forecast from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), on July 25, 6 cities in central Japan recorded temperatures from 40°C or higher. These localities belong to all four prefectures of the Tokai region including Shizuoka, Gifu, Mie and Aichi.
The highest temperature was recorded in Mino city (Gifu prefecture) with 40.8°C, followed by Tajimi city in the same prefecture with 40.7°C. In Kuwana city (Mie prefecture), the temperature reached 40.6°C.
Hamamatsu City (Shizuoka Prefecture) recorded 40.3°C, while Toyota City (Aichi Prefecture) reached 40°C.
Kofu city in Yamanashi prefecture, located northeast of Shizuoka, also recorded 40°C, becoming the first locality outside the Tokai region to see "kokushobi" this year.
Kokushobi" is a new term officially introduced by the JMA from April 2026, used to refer to days when temperatures reach 40°C or higher. According to this agency, the addition of the term aims to help people better recognize the severity of extreme heat waves and raise awareness of health risks.
Previously, Japan only used concepts like "moushobi" (hot days from 35°C or higher). However, as heat waves become increasingly intense and appear more frequently, the JMA believes that a new level of warning is needed to accurately reflect the actual weather.
Meteorological experts also recommend that people limit outdoor activities during hot weather, supplement enough water, use air conditioners or appropriate cooling measures to reduce the risk of heatstroke and diseases related to high temperatures.
The current heat wave continues to affect many areas across Japan, as the country is experiencing a summer considered the harshest in many years.
