Japan has recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, prompting the government to advise residents to stay indoors and take steps to mitigate weather-related damage to rice crops.
The extreme heat, which is part of a prolonged heatwave that has been affecting the country since July, has already claimed over 53,000 hospitalizations due to heat stroke this summer. The government has promised to provide support for pest control and measures to tackle drought in areas where rice production is affected.
Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent damage from high temperatures. He stated that the extreme heat in 2023 had damaged the quality of rice, leading to a national crisis last year, including historically high prices of staple food.
The government has adopted a new policy on increased rice production to prevent future shortages and is expected to offer support for affected farmers. With temperatures set to continue climbing, Japan’s residents are advised to take precautions and stay indoors whenever possible.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/05/asia/japan-record-high-temperatures-intl-hnk