Japan Names 40°C Days ‘Kokushobi’ as Extreme Heat Intensifies

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Tokyo: Japan has introduced a new term for days when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher, as the country faces increasingly intense heat linked to climate change.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on Friday that the term 'kokushobi' will be used in official weather forecasts starting this summer. The word combines the 'kanji koku', meaning harsh or cruel, and is being translated as “severely hot day.”

The move comes after Japan recorded its hottest summer on record last year, with extreme heat becoming more frequent across the country.

The new name was selected through a nationwide online survey held in February and March, which drew around 478,000 responses. Participants chose their preferred term from 13 options, with kokushobi emerging as the clear favorite.

Japan already uses established weather terms for hot days above 25°C, 30°C and 35°C, but officials said the growing number of days crossing the 40°C threshold required a separate classification.

Authorities hope the new label will raise public awareness of dangerous heat conditions and encourage stronger precautions during the summer months.