Japan: Three Dead Due to Extreme Heatwave – Over 220 Seek Medical Care

The extreme heatwave that Japan has been facing since the start of the week has claimed at least three lives, with dozens requiring medical attention, according to an announcement on June 18, 2025, by Japanese authorities. Fourteen cities recorded record-high temperatures for the month of June in Japan, with thermometers rising to 34.4 degrees Celsius in central Tokyo, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). At least three heat-related deaths have been recorded in areas where ‘heat advisories’ have been issued. Today, at least 57 people received emergency care in Tokyo due to the heat, following the 169 cases reported yesterday, Tuesday, of individuals needing treatment. While residents of the Japanese capital are largely accustomed to the heat, like 73-year-old Junko Kobayashi, who showed a reporter from AFP her damp towel used to cool herself down. “I soak it in water and then wrap it around my neck. It’s very refreshing. And I also use an umbrella. It blocks out the sun and heat, so you feel cooler,” she explained. Authorities are advising the population, especially the elderly, to stay indoors and consume fluids. “There’s no need to drink large amounts of water; just sip occasionally. It’s important to remember that,” noted 80-year-old Naoki Ito. Every summer, Japanese authorities urge citizens—particularly the elderly—to protect themselves by staying in air-conditioned spaces. In the last five years, the elderly have accounted for over 80% of those who died due to heat-related causes, while last summer was the hottest ever recorded in the archipelago. Additionally, Japan is seeing record-breaking tourist arrivals, with a 21% increase in foreign visitors in May compared to last year. “It’s truly suffocating heat,” said 31-year-old Australian tourist Jack Bard, who was seeking shade with his travel companion. “Even the air feels hot, so unless you go inside, it’s hard to escape the heat,” he added.