Record-Breaking Heat in Japan: A New Warning
On an alarming Tuesday in July 2025, Japan experienced two unprecedented temperature highs, registering 41.6 degrees Celsius (106.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and then 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.2 degrees Fahrenheit), as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency cautioned that even hotter days may be looming.
These extreme temperatures were recorded in Isesaki, located in Gunma Prefecture in the northern Kanto region. This marked a new high, surpassing the previous record of 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.2 degrees Fahrenheit) set just last week in Hyogo Prefecture. Historical data indicates that the former peaks were 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) noted in 2018 and 2020.
The scorching heat comes on the heels of the hottest month ever recorded in Japan since record-keeping began in 1898, with July’s average temperature exceeding the typical figures by 2.89 degrees Celsius.
In Kyoto, a prominent tourist destination, temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), marking an unprecedented record for the city, which has monitored temperatures since 1880.
In response to the intense heat, heatstroke warnings were issued across 44 of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Last year also witnessed an extreme summer, tying for the hottest on record, followed by a notably mild autumn—the warmest in 126 years.
The impacts of climate change are increasingly felt in Japan, with experts noting alterations to seasonal patterns. Cherry blossoms are blooming earlier, or in some cases, failing to flower at all due to inadequate cold during autumn and winter months. Mount Fuji, typically adorned with a snow cap, experienced its longest absence of snow last year, appearing late into November.
Neighboring South Korea faced its second-hottest July, averaging 27.1 degrees Celsius (80.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since meteorological records began in 1973—just shy of the record 27.7 degrees Celsius (81.9 degrees Fahrenheit) set in 1994.
Japan’s agriculture is also suffering, with widespread water shortages affecting dams and rice paddies. Farmers have reported that the extreme heat, coupled with insufficient rainfall, is hampering rice production. The rainy season ended nearly three weeks early across western Japan, leading to record-low precipitation.
Each summer, officials in Japan emphasize the importance of guarding against heat-related illnesses by seeking air-conditioned shelter, staying hydrated, and minimizing outdoor activities during peak temperatures. The elderly population, which is among the highest in the world after Monaco, is particularly vulnerable.
This summer’s extreme temperatures are mirrored in Western Europe, where June 2025 also broke records, subjected to back-to-back heatwaves that have raised serious health concerns. Daily average temperatures reached unprecedented levels, exacerbated by climate change, increasing the risk for vulnerable populations.
As global warming continues to disrupt weather patterns, Japan’s heat crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action to protect future generations.