Japan is experiencing its most intense heatwave this year, with 170 locations nationwide registering as "extremely hot." The advent of the heatwave has sparked concerns over potential health risks, particularly amidst the vulnerable elderly population, and has strained energy resources due to increased air-conditioning use. Proactive measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of the heatwave and public advisories have been issued to encourage residents to stay hydrated and cool.

Extreme heatwaves are a perennial issue in Japan, which can sometimes lead to life-threatening situations due to heatstroke, especially among the elderly. It is also a significant concern for Japan's energy efficiency as electricity demand spikes due to increased usage of air conditioning. The local governments and community organizations rally together during these times, setting up cooling stations and offering advice on heatstroke prevention.

Similar to the US and EU, Japan faces the challenge of increased temperatures due to global warming. However, the dense population and the high proportion of elderly in Japan can make heatwaves even more detrimental to public health. Unlike in some parts of the US and EU where homes may not be equipped with air conditioning, almost all homes in Japan utilize air conditioning during summer, leading to significant energy consumption peaks.