Japan records first-ever 'kokushobi' as three cities hit 40°C

On July 21, 2026, Japan logged its first official "kokushobi" — a heat category JMA created in April 2026 for days reaching 40°C or above. Toyota (40.1°C) and Gujo (40°C) set all-time station records; Tajimi also hit 40°C. JMA adopted the tier after 40°C readings became recurrent enough to warrant their own classification. Life-threatening heat was forecast to persist past July 22.