Japan sets new record as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius

Temperatures continued to soar sharply in parts of Japan on Saturday, with readings exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for the fifth consecutive day nationwide, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The agency reported that temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius or higher in six cities in central Japan on Saturday, including all four prefectures in the Tokai region: Shizuoka, Gifu, Mie, and Aichi. This marks the fifth consecutive day the country has recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or more, the longest such streak since comparable data became available in 2010.

The agency added that the city of Kwan in Mie Prefecture recorded 40.6 degrees Celsius, while the cities of Mino and Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture recorded 40.8 degrees Celsius and 40.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Meanwhile, the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, located northeast of Shizuoka, also recorded 40.0 degrees Celsius, becoming the first area outside the Tokai region to register a “Kokushobi” or “extreme heat day” this year, according to agency data.

The agency introduced the term “Kokushobi” in April, referring to days when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius, in order to warn the public more effectively about severe heatwaves.