Tragedy struck the Kyuden rugby team when one of its players passed away during practice, amid a staggering 35-degree Celsius heat. The cause of death has yet to be determined, though the temperature at the time is presumed to have played a role. This death heightens concerns about the risks athletes face while training in extreme weather conditions.

In Japan, work ethic is highly revered. This is particularly marked in sports, where hard training and resilience, sometimes even in extreme conditions, are valued. However, this incident has sparked discussions about player safety, and may potentially trigger revisions in training guidelines and practices, particularly during heatwaves.

In comparison, the US and EU have strict guidelines to protect athletes from extreme weather threats, especially heat-related illnesses. This is enforced by various sports authorities and organizations that monitor weather situations and adjust training schedules accordingly. This incident emphasizes the cultural and systemic differences between Japan and the Western world's approach to player safety.