News On Japan

Japan Sets All-Time High Temperature

GUNMA, Aug 05, 2025 (News On Japan) - In a historic heatwave, the city of Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture recorded a scorching 41.8 degrees Celsius on August 5th, setting a new all-time high for the highest temperature ever observed in Japan.

As of 5 p.m., temperatures in Isesaki remained close to 40°C. At around 2 p.m., the official reading hit 41.8°C, surpassing previous national records. Although the temperature dropped slightly to 39°C by late afternoon, the extreme heat continued to affect the area.

"The heat felt like stepping into a parked car with no air conditioning," said a reporter on the scene. "The sunlight has eased, but the heat rising from the ground is relentless."

In response to the soaring temperatures, a record-breaking number of heatstroke alerts were issued. A total of 45 areas across 44 prefectures were placed under a "Heatstroke Alert"—the largest such coverage since the system was introduced.

Authorities warn that the severe heat is expected to persist into the night across the Kanto region, urging residents to remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A tropical depression developing near the Chuuk Islands is expected to become a typhoon by the evening of August 19 before continuing to strengthen over unusually warm waters and reaching the vicinity of the Mariana Islands as a strong typhoon by August 23.

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.

About 10,000 fireworks illuminated the Kumano-nada Sea in brilliant colors on August 17 as the Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival was held in Kumano, Mie Prefecture, drawing about 80,000 spectators, according to organizers.

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Nagoya's municipal subway will introduce a contactless credit card payment service at all 87 stations from September 3, allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates simply by tapping a compatible card.

Kyoto's traditional Gozan Okuribi bonfire ceremony was held on the night of August 16, lighting the skies above the ancient capital as residents marked the end of the Obon season by sending off the spirits of their ancestors.

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are preparing to coordinate schedules on some domestic routes as the longtime rivals seek ways to maintain air services.