Japan has officially recorded its highest temperature in history — a scorching 41.8°C — in the city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, on Tuesday (Aug 5), surpassing the previous national record of 41.2°C logged just last week in Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture.
The ongoing heatwave has prompted the government to issue heatstroke alerts across Tokyo and several other prefectures, urging citizens to remain indoors and stay hydrated. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, more than 53,000 people have been hospitalized with heatstroke-related symptoms so far this summer.
The intense heat is also raising alarm bells in Japan’s agricultural sector. July marked the third consecutive year of record-breaking average temperatures, while northeastern regions along the Sea of Japan are battling critically low rainfall levels. These conditions are threatening rice production — a cornerstone of the Japanese diet.
Pest outbreaks have worsened the situation, with a surge in stink bugs reported in key rice-producing areas. In response, the Japanese government is expected to implement a new rice production policy aimed at preventing future shortages. Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stressed the urgency of the matter at a press conference, stating, “We need to act with speed and a sense of crisis to prevent damage.” He announced government support for pest control and drought countermeasures.
Last year’s heatwave severely impacted rice quality and created a shortage crisis after the government misjudged supply and demand — driving prices of the staple food to historic highs. Authorities are now working swiftly to avoid a repeat of that crisis in 2025.
