Japan has warned of the risk of heatstroke due to extreme heat and humidity. Authorities advise people to avoid physical activity and use “cooling shelters” in Tokyo and other areas. Japan’s environment ministry issued top-level heat alerts on Tuesday, warning Tokyo and nearby areas. Many people have been hospitalized, with some fatalities. Hisako Ichiuji, a 60-year-old resident, called the situation a life-threatening emergency after visiting a cooling shelter at Tokyo Tower. These shelters, equipped with air conditioners, are located in community centers and libraries to provide relief. The Asahi newspaper reported that an 86-year-old farm worker was found deceased on Monday in Fukuoka, surrounded by towels and water bottles. On the same day, Shizuoka recorded a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the highest ever for the city. Other areas, including parts of Tokyo, have also experienced record temperatures for this time of year.

Due to high demand, JERA, Japan’s largest power provider, increased output at some plants and restarted others in maintenance. Tokyo’s main electricity supplier, TEPCO, had to buy power from another utility to manage the anticipated demand spike. Trade Minister Ken Saito assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure a stable electricity supply with the necessary actions. The agriculture ministry reports that higher temperatures are affecting crop quality, particularly rice, and reducing fish catches, including salmon. The farming and fishing sectors are bracing for the challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave, which could have a significant impact. Japan’s severe heatwave has led to health emergencies, power supply challenges, and impacts on agriculture and fishing. Authorities are taking measures to protect people and ensure stable electricity supply amidst the extreme conditions.