Risk of heat stroke rises as heat wave continues

Jul 16, 2018 | News On Japan

Jul 16, 2018 (NHK) - People in many parts of Japan are sweltering as temperatures have soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is likely to continue this week with the risk of heatstroke remaining high in areas including those hit by recent heavy rain.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says powerful high-pressure systems over Japan are bringing scorching weather to a wide part of the country.

The daytime high in Ibigawa Town in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday hit this year's national high of 39.3 degrees Celsius.

In central Tokyo, the mercury rose to 34.4 degrees.

Temperatures above 35 degrees were recorded in and around areas where recent downpours caused disasters.

The risk of heatstroke is particularly high in disaster zones in western Japan, where evacuees are living in unfamiliar environments.

Authorities are advising survivors, volunteers and recovery workers to take precautionary measures including resting in shade from time to time.

Japan Faces Economic Fallout From Nvidia Leadership Crisis

The resignation of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on November 12 following allegations involving a woman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence has raised concerns in Japan over the potential impact on semiconductor investment, financial markets and the yen, as uncertainty surrounding the American AI chipmaker threatens to disrupt the global technology industry.

Major Earthquake Could Strike Japan at Any Time

Japan launched a new national disaster management agency on November 2nd to strengthen its response to major emergencies, just days before a powerful earthquake struck Aichi Prefecture, injuring 24 people and renewing concerns over the possibility of a catastrophic Nankai Trough earthquake.

Russia Calls JT Takeover a Countermeasure Against Sanctions

Russia's Foreign Ministry on November 11 defended the government's unilateral decision to place the local subsidiary of Japan Tobacco (JT) under the management of a Russian company, describing the move as a countermeasure against what it called Japan's "blatantly hostile actions."

Touch-Free Ticket Gates Coming to Tokyo's Yamanote Line

East Japan Railway (JR East) announced on November 10th that it will introduce touch-free ticket gates at 40 stations, including every station on Tokyo's Yamanote Line, from spring 2028, allowing passengers using Mobile Suica to pass through without taking their smartphones out of their pockets or bags.

Japan Unveils Guidelines for Children's Internet Use

Japan's Children and Families Agency unveiled its first national guidelines on November 10th for parental involvement in children's internet use, dividing those aged 0 to 18 into six developmental stages as the government considers tighter regulations on social media platforms to protect young people from online bullying, exploitation, and other growing risks.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Osaka Gang Membership Falls From 10,000 to 1,000

An anti-organized crime convention was held in Osaka City, bringing together police, government officials, and business representatives to reaffirm their commitment to eliminating organized crime groups, as authorities warned that shrinking yakuza organizations are increasingly cooperating with loosely organized criminal networks involved in fraud and robbery.

Two Kabukicho Bars Raided Over Tourist Scam

Tokyo police have raided two establishments in Shinjuku's Kabukicho entertainment district suspected of repeatedly overcharging customers brought in by foreign street touts, with investigators believing the businesses were targeting international tourists visiting Japan.

Woman Admits Forcing Housemate to Sew Lips Shut

A 50-year-old woman accused of forcing her housemate to sew her own lips shut with a needle and thread admitted all charges at her first court hearing on November 11th, as prosecutors played disturbing audio recordings of the threats used to coerce the victim during an incident in Koga, Ibaraki Prefecture, in June 2026.

13 Men Sucked Into 26-Year-Old Woman's Romance Scam

A 26-year-old woman from Nagoya has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding men by encouraging them to develop romantic feelings for her before repeatedly requesting money, with 13 men reporting losses totaling approximately 30 million yen in a scheme resembling the notorious "Itadaki Joshi" romance fraud case.

Rare Coca-Cola Bench Stolen From Chiba Shop

A rare red Coca-Cola bench was stolen from outside a prepared-food shop in Nagareyama, Chiba Prefecture, in the early hours of October 24th, with the owner suspecting the thieves intended to resell the collectible item to enthusiasts after similar benches were found listed online for as much as 180,000 yen.

Emperor Presents Grand Cordon to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda

Emperor Naruhito presented prestigious Grand Cordon decorations to Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda and other recipients of Japan's autumn honors at a ceremony held at the Imperial Palace on November 10th, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the country and society.

Yakuza Arrested for Eighth Time Over Cambodia Scam

A 26-year-old yakuza member suspected of sending young women he met in Tokyo's Kabukicho entertainment district to Cambodia to work as telephone scammers has been arrested for the eighth time, this time on suspicion of conspiring with two women to defraud a man in his 30s of 9.5 million yen.

Chinese National Arrested Over Fake Mobile Base Station in Tokyo

A 31-year-old Chinese national has been arrested in Tokyo on suspicion of operating an illegal mobile phone base station that forced more than 10,000 smartphones onto a 2G network in less than two hours, allowing phishing messages to be sent to unsuspecting users in busy shopping districts including Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya.

< 2 3 4 5 >