Japan has been battling an ongoing heat wave, resulting in temperatures of over 104 degrees, for over a week; it has disrupted the daily lives of Japanese citizens as well as the nation’s infrastructure.
Tokyo, where temperatures have surpassed 95 degrees, has not seen this heat since 1875, when the capital started record-keeping. Other Japanese cities, such as Isesaki, have almost broken records from 2 years ago after reaching temperatures of over 104 degrees.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, over 4,500 people with symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion have been hospitalized, and at least 2 have died.
This leaves much of the aging and younger population vulnerable to such symptoms. Even healthy adults are at risk of being affected by the extreme heat. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency, said.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors if possible and use protection, such as umbrellas, and not wear face masks when going outside. People have been trying to get by, using the extra free time due to canceled events, to explore new places and hobbies. “Thanks to this spare time, we are off to a bookstore and a short trip for something delicious,” said Yoko Koguchi, whose daughter’s catchball practice had been canceled.
Aside from residents, the heat wave has threatened power companies as well. Much of Japan’s nuclear and coal-fired power plants have been shut down in recent years. The country relies heavily on liquified natural gas, which has risen in price, so it is vulnerable to power blackouts. Officials and companies have suggested people leave their air-conditioning on, but save as much power as possible. Residents should turn off lights when possible, set refrigerators to higher temperatures, and switch off heated toilet seats.
Link to Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
Tokyo, where temperatures have surpassed 95 degrees, has not seen this heat since 1875, when the capital started record-keeping. Other Japanese cities, such as Isesaki, have almost broken records from 2 years ago after reaching temperatures of over 104 degrees.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, over 4,500 people with symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion have been hospitalized, and at least 2 have died.
This leaves much of the aging and younger population vulnerable to such symptoms. Even healthy adults are at risk of being affected by the extreme heat. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency, said.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors if possible and use protection, such as umbrellas, and not wear face masks when going outside. People have been trying to get by, using the extra free time due to canceled events, to explore new places and hobbies. “Thanks to this spare time, we are off to a bookstore and a short trip for something delicious,” said Yoko Koguchi, whose daughter’s catchball practice had been canceled.
Aside from residents, the heat wave has threatened power companies as well. Much of Japan’s nuclear and coal-fired power plants have been shut down in recent years. The country relies heavily on liquified natural gas, which has risen in price, so it is vulnerable to power blackouts. Officials and companies have suggested people leave their air-conditioning on, but save as much power as possible. Residents should turn off lights when possible, set refrigerators to higher temperatures, and switch off heated toilet seats.
Link to Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
