Japan has unveiled a new term to describe days when temperatures reach or exceed 40°C (104°F), as the nation grapples with unprecedented heat waves. This term, 'kokushobi', translates to 'cruelly hot', and marks a significant linguistic response to the record-breaking climate conditions experienced last summer.
After conducting a national survey that garnered approximately 478,000 responses, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that 'kokushobi' emerged as the favored descriptor, followed closely by 'super extremely hot day'. The introduction of this term highlights the pressing need for public awareness regarding the health risks associated with extreme heat.
Last summer was noted for breaking temperature records, with an average national temperature that exceeded the average by 2.36°C. On several occasions, the mercury surpassed the 40°C mark, setting a peak high of 41.8°C in Isesaki.
The term 'kokushobi' utilizes the Japanese word 'koku', which conveys a sense of harshness or cruelty, a fitting description given the rising frequency of extreme weather events attributed to global warming and human activities. With heat waves becoming a more common occurrence worldwide, Japan is taking proactive steps to prepare its citizens for the challenges posed by climate change.
Notably, the JMA has already established terms for days that experience temperatures above 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C, making 'kokushobi' a critical addition as the climate becomes increasingly erratic. As the country braces for further extreme weather conditions this summer, with predictions of above-normal temperatures, the introduction of this term is timely and significant.
