Over 120 Deaths in Tokyo Due to Heatstroke During July

Health authorities in Japan report that over 120 people in Tokyo and its suburbs died from heatstroke during an unprecedented heatwave that persisted throughout July. The Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office stated in a release on Tuesday, August 7, that most of the 123 deceased were elderly individuals. All but two of these individuals died at home, and most did not use their air conditioning units despite having them. Health authorities and the Japan Meteorological Agency repeatedly advised the public throughout July to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, drink more water and fluids, and to use air conditioning while avoiding conditions that could lead to dehydration. The emphasis on using air conditioning stems from the fact that many elderly people believe these devices are harmful to their health and refrain from using them. The Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office added that the number of heatstroke-related deaths in July this year is the highest since 2018. In that year, there were 127 heatstroke-related deaths in Tokyo and its suburbs. According to the Japan Disaster Management Agency, over 37,000 people sought treatment in hospitals for heat-related issues in July. The European Union reported that July 21 was the hottest day recorded in history. The average temperature in July across Japan was 2.16 degrees Celsius higher than the average for this time of year over the past 30 years, making it the hottest July since records began in 1898. On Tuesday, August 7, a heatstroke warning was issued for Tokyo and western Japan as temperatures in central Tokyo reached 34 degrees. A resident of Kyoto told reporters, 'I feel like the hot season is getting longer every year. I try not to go outside. I keep the air conditioning on during the day and even while sleeping.' A French tourist showed reporters a small portable fan he bought in Tokyo, saying, 'This simple device is very effective, and you can't walk outside in this intense heat without a fan.' The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that the heat will continue into August, with temperatures possibly reaching 35 degrees or higher. In a statement on Tuesday, they urged people to pay attention to weather forecasts and heatstroke warnings and to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.