Japan Sizzles in First 'Brutally Hot' Days of the Year Japan is no stranger to sweltering summers, but this year's extreme heat has reached new heights.
The country's first "brutally hot" day of the year saw temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius in some cities. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, but what does this mean for Japan's future?
A Growing Concern The introduction of the "kokushobi" category – a term literally meaning "brutally hot day" – reflects a growing concern over extreme heat in Japan.