Japan Introduces “Cruelly Hot Day” Category for 40°C Temperatures ⋆ The Costa Rica News

Climate change is forcing governments to redefine their vocabulary. As summers shatter historical records year after year, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has taken an unprecedented step: the official creation of a new category for days exceeding 40°C (104°F), naming them “Kokusho-bi”—literally translated as “Cruelly Hot Day.”

A New Scale for a New Reality

Until recently, the highest alert level in the country was Mousho-bi (Extremely Hot Day), applied when temperatures reached 35°C (95°F). However, with cities now frequently hitting marks near 42°C, officials realized the existing terminology failed to convey the life-threatening nature of the current heatwaves.

Japan’s Updated Thermal Classification:

  Summer Day: 25°C (77°F) or higher.

  Midsummer Day: 30°C (86°F) or higher.

  Extremely Hot Day (Mousho-bi): 35°C (95°F) or higher.

  Cruelly Hot Day (Kokusho-bi): 40°C (104°F) or higher.

The Voice of the People: Why “Cruel”?

The choice of name was not arbitrary. The JMA conducted a massive public survey involving nearly half a million citizens. The term “Cruel” emerged as the winner over options like “Boiling Day” or “Sauna Day” because it effectively communicates a sense of urgency and immediate physical threat.

 “The goal is for the population, especially the most vulnerable, to understand that a ‘Cruelly Hot Day’ is not fit for outdoor activities,” meteorological authorities stated.

Public Health Impact and Prevention

This semantic shift is accompanied by a reinforcement of emergency protocols. In Japan, heatstroke is a leading cause of hospitalization during the summer months. With the introduction of this new alert level, the government plans to:

 1. Activate climate shelters in major urban centers.

 2. Issue strict recommendations for air conditioning use, regardless of energy costs.

 3. Suspend outdoor activities, including student sports and high-risk labor, during peak hours.

The creation of “Kokusho-bi” serves as a stark reminder that global warming is not just a statistic; it is a reality transforming how we live and communicate. Japan continues to lead the way in climate adaptation, prioritizing precise information to save lives in an increasingly warming world.

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