Japan records its first ‘cruelly hot day’ as cities swelter in 40-degree heat
The News
Japan experienced its first officially designated 'kokushobi' (cruelly hot day) on Tuesday, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several central Japanese cities. The term was introduced by the Japan Meteorological Agency in April to warn of increasingly common extreme heat events. Gujo and Toyota recorded all-time highs at their weather stations. This development highlights the growing frequency of dangerous heatwaves in Japan.
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The Analysis
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Multiple cities hit 40°C, with Gujo and Toyota setting all-time records.
The cities of Gujo and Tajimi in Gifu prefecture and Toyota in Aichi prefecture all reached 40°C.
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Key findings
The Japan Meteorological Agency coined 'kokushobi' to warn the public about heat dangers that were once rare but have become more common.
The Guardian- Multiple cities hit 40°C, with Gujo and Toyota setting all-time records.
- The new term is specifically for warning about heat dangers.
Plain English
Loaded language removedIn April Japan coined new term kokushobi for days above 40C as country advises workers to wear shorts to the office to cope with high temperatures. Japan logged its first official kokushobi or "day above 40°C" on Tuesday since the new term was introduced in April.
Emotionally neutral rewrite. Same facts, calmer framing.
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Claims
The Japan Meteorological Agency coined 'kokushobi' to warn the public about heat dangers that were once rare but have become more common.
The GuardianThe term 'kokushobi' was introduced in April.
The GuardianThe cities of Gujo and Tajimi in Gifu prefecture and Toyota in Aichi prefecture all reached 40°C.
The GuardianGujo's 40°C and Toyota's 40.1°C were all-time highs at their respective weather stations.
The Guardian