Japan is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave that has shattered temperature records and raised serious concerns about food security, public health, and climate resilience. On August 5, 2025, the city of Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture recorded a scorching 41.8 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature ever observed in the country. The record comes just days after another high of 41.2 degrees was noted in Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued heat alerts for 44 of the nation’s 47 prefectures, warning of the continued risk of extreme temperatures across much of the country. Citizens described conditions as unbearable, with one Tokyo resident calling the weather "murderously hot."
The ongoing heatwave has already led to the hospitalization of over 53,000 people due to heatstroke, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Most of the patients are elderly individuals, highlighting the country’s vulnerability due to its aging population.
The heat has also had a devastating impact on agriculture, especially rice farming. The critical Tohoku region, known for rice production, has seen significantly below-average rainfall in July, leading to dry fields and reduced crop health. Compounding the problem is a surge in stink bug infestations, which pose a major threat to rice plants weakened by heat stress.
In response to the agricultural crisis, Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized urgency in pest control and drought relief measures. The government is also releasing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rice from its emergency reserves to stabilize the market. However, only a small fraction of this rice has reached retailers so far, creating bottlenecks in supply and contributing to soaring prices. As of late July, retail rice prices were around 3,467 yen per five kilograms, nearly double compared to the same period last year.
Amid rising food prices and shrinking yields, the government is preparing a significant policy shift. For decades, Japan has restricted rice production to avoid oversupply, but Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is now expected to reverse this stance. Beginning with the fiscal year 2027, Japan will encourage expanded rice production, including the reuse of abandoned farmland and the opening of more sales channels for farmers. The long-term goal is to boost rice exports to 350,000 tonnes annually by 2030.
The July 2025 average temperature in Japan was 2.89 degrees Celsius above the 30-year norm, making it the hottest July since national records began in 1898 and the third consecutive year of record heat. Experts say these developments are consistent with broader global warming trends that are increasingly impacting Japan’s agriculture, infrastructure, and population health.
As Japan braces for further temperature spikes, the government is under pressure to enhance its preparedness strategies and infrastructure. The coming months will be critical, particularly for rice farmers and vulnerable communities facing the harsh realities of a changing climate.