Japan is currently in the middle of the worst heat wave on record. In Tokyo on Saturday, the temperature exceeded 95 degrees for eight days straight, only ever happening once since 1875. On Friday, the temperature passed over 104 degrees.
Around 4,500 people, most of whom are over 65 years old, have been hospitalized due to effects of the heat wave, such as exhaustion and heat stroke. This year’s hospitalizations are four times greater than the same period last year.
Authorities have been asking people to stay inside as much as possible, use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, and use face masks sparingly. Deputy cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara said, “I’d like to ask people to take their masks off when walking, jogging and cycling to work.” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other officials have recommended people to air condition for their own safety but cut back on other uses of power. The governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike said on Friday, “Most lights in my office are off. It’s dark.”
Power companies have warned that the heat wave would put the grid under strain. Luckily, there have been no outages as of Saturday. Tohoku Electric Power Company said that it would be “extremely difficult” to keep electricity flowing for all the people. Power blackouts can be bad business for Japan because it relies on liquified natural gas, which has grown more expensive since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Many are urging people to take care of themselves. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” said Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Around 4,500 people, most of whom are over 65 years old, have been hospitalized due to effects of the heat wave, such as exhaustion and heat stroke. This year’s hospitalizations are four times greater than the same period last year.
Authorities have been asking people to stay inside as much as possible, use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, and use face masks sparingly. Deputy cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara said, “I’d like to ask people to take their masks off when walking, jogging and cycling to work.” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other officials have recommended people to air condition for their own safety but cut back on other uses of power. The governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike said on Friday, “Most lights in my office are off. It’s dark.”
Power companies have warned that the heat wave would put the grid under strain. Luckily, there have been no outages as of Saturday. Tohoku Electric Power Company said that it would be “extremely difficult” to keep electricity flowing for all the people. Power blackouts can be bad business for Japan because it relies on liquified natural gas, which has grown more expensive since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Many are urging people to take care of themselves. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” said Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency.
