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The Mainichi
a day ago
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Tokyo gov't launches detailed 'heat map' to help people avoid heatstroke
TOKYO -- As part of its heatstroke prevention efforts, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the "Tokyo heat map" in collaboration with the Japan Weather Association. The map divides the capital into 1-square-kilometer sections and displays the "heat index" for each area, aiming to provide residents and visitors with detailed data to help avoid heatstroke. The heat index is a value calculated from the temperature, humidity and "radiant heat" from surfaces such as roads and building walls. The higher the value, the greater the risk of heatstroke. The map allows users to view hourly changes in the heat index up to 48 hours in advance, as well as the highest values for the coming week. The risk of heatstroke is categorized into seven levels, from "generally safe" (below 21) to "disaster-level danger" (35 and above), and is color-coded. Especially at "danger" (31 and above, red) and higher, the risk of heatstroke is significantly increased, and the map is intended to help people adjust their plans accordingly. Additionally, the metropolitan government has published a map of "designated cooling shelters" equipped with air conditioning, as it did last year. When a "special heatstroke alert" is issued, municipalities are required by the Climate Change Adaptation Act to open these shelters to the public. There are about 1,800 such locations in Tokyo, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku Ward and Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward, but awareness about the shelters has been limited. The metropolitan government has also created a search system for "Tokyo cool share spots," which allows people to find places to cool off regardless of whether a heatstroke alert is in effect. There are about 1,980 such spots in the capital. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, 7,996 people were transported to hospitals due to heatstroke in the capital between June and September 2024, an increase of 884 from the same period the previous year, and the number tends to rise annually. At a regular press conference July 18, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike urged people to "hydrate frequently, use air conditioning without hesitation, and use parasols and hats when going outside." She added, "We have set up cooling shelters in various locations, so please make use of them. I ask everyone to take sufficient precautions against the heat based on these measures." The heat map is available at (in Japanese only.)
The Mainichi
12-05-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Heat acclimation measures in spotlight as summer weather approaches Japan
TOKYO -- "Summer days," with high temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius or above are forecast over a wide area of Japan from May 13, drawing attention to acclimation measures such as exercise and bathing to help the body sweat and prevent heatstroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts cloudy or rainy weather from northeast Japan's Tohoku region to the Kinki region in the west on May 12. From May 13 onward, however, clear skies are expected nationwide, with maximum temperatures reaching around 25 C in many areas excluding Hokkaido. In some regions, highs may even approach 30 C. Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature effectively and retains heat, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and cramps in the limbs. In severe cases, it can cause impaired consciousness or even death. Since 2010, there have been years in which Japan's annual heatstroke death toll exceeded 1,500. Preventive measures include spending time in cool places, hydrating and taking in salts. In recent years, heat acclimation measures have garnered attention for heatstroke prevention. Before the full onset of summer, engaging in manageable levels of exercise or bathing to induce sweating can help the body adapt to the heat. According to the Japan Weather Association, successful heat acclimation makes it easier to sweat and reduces the likelihood of heat retention in the body. As it can take anywhere from a few days to about two weeks to get used to the heat, it is recommended to start this practice by around late May. Specific activities include 15 minutes of jogging or 30 minutes of walking (five times a week); 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as muscle training or stretching (five times a week); 30 minutes of cycling (three times a week); and bathing in a tub rather than just showering (about three times a week). However, it is crucial not to overdo it. If efforts to acclimate to the heat result in heatstroke, it defeats the purpose. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government urges individuals to "engage in these activities within a comfortable range, considering personal physical conditions and the day's temperature and environment."
Japan Times
24-03-2025
- Climate
- Japan Times
Cherry blossom season kicks off in Tokyo after warm weekend
Tokyo's cherry blossom season kicked off Monday, five days earlier than last year, as the Meteorological Agency declared a cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine has bloomed. The Somei-Yoshino variety, known for its pale pink blossoms, serves as the official indicator for the agency's announcement. Data is gathered from 58 preselected trees nationwide, with Tokyo's declaration hinging on a single specimen at the shrine in Chiyoda Ward. At approximately 2 p.m. Monday, the agency announced the famous tree was officially in bloom. The agency designates a tree as having blossomed once five or six flowers have opened on its branches. Full bloom is declared when about 80% of the tree's flowers have opened. Warm weather over the last week is believed to have spurred the blooming, according to the Japan Weather Association. Peak viewing time is predicted to be in about a week — potentially sooner if the warm conditions persist. On Sunday, the agency declared Somei-Yoshino trees in Kochi and Kumamoto prefectures had also started blooming. Kochi matched last year's date, while Kumamoto's blooms came three days earlier. Compared with average years, both cities bloomed just one day later than usual. People take photos of cherry blossoms at Yasukuni Shrine on Monday. The Meteorological Agency uses the Somei-Yoshino variety, known for its pale pink blossoms, as its official indicator of sakura season. | JIJI
