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Asahi Shimbun
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Asahi Shimbun
Turn up the AC: Japan records hottest June in almost 130 years
Visitors to the Osaka Kansai Expo use sun umbrellas and handheld fans to avoid the intense heat on June 27. (Hiyori Uchiumi) Following an unseasonably intense heat wave, last month was officially declared the country's hottest June since record-keeping began in 1898, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The nationwide average temperature for the month was 2.34 degrees higher than a typical year, surpassing the previous record set in 2020 by a significant margin, the ageny announced on July 1. Five years ago, the figure for June was 1.43 degrees higher than usual. The extreme heat is attributed to the northward shift of westerly winds and a strong Pacific high-pressure system that created atmospheric conditions more typical of July or August across much of the country. Clear skies dominated the Pacific side of Japan, contributing to widespread high temperatures throughout the month. The heat was particularly intense in the latter half of the month. Beginning around June 16, warm air masses from the south swept over the archipelago and brought a stretch of days with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees. Notable highs included 38.2 degrees in Kofu and 37.8 degrees in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture. Of the 914 locations monitored by the JMA, 196 sites broke their June temperature records. Forecasters warn that the oppressive heat is likely to continue into the new month—120 locations across the country hit temperatures of 35 degrees or higher on July 1.
Asahi Shimbun
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Asahi Shimbun
Rainy season ends in western Japan, earliest on record
Visitors walk with parasols and portable fans under the scorching sun at the Osaka Kansai Expo site in Osaka on June 27. (Hiyori Uchiumi) The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on June 27 that the rainy season likely ended more than two weeks earlier than usual in southern and northern Kyushu in addition to the Shikoku, Chugoku and Kinki regions. If confirmed, the end of rainy season in northern Kyushu, Shikoku, Chugoku and Kinki would mark the earliest since record-keeping began in 1951. For southern Kyushu, the end would be the second earliest on record. Rainy season usually ends in mid-July in each of these regions, but this year, the seasonal rain front was pushed northward much earlier due to a strong Pacific high-pressure system. Compared to last year, rainy season ended 19 days earlier in southern Kyushu, 20 days earlier in northern Kyushu and Shikoku, 24 days earlier in Chugoku and 21 days earlier in Kinki. Compared to the average year, rainy season ended 18 days earlier in southern Kyushu, 22 days earlier in northern Kyushu, 20 days earlier in Shikoku and 22 days earlier in Chugoku and Kinki. The earliest end to rainy season ever recorded was July 1 in northern Kyushu and Shikoku, and July 3 in Chugoku and Kinki. The records of the beginning and end of the rainy season announced by the JMA are preliminary, with official figures to be announced in September after a review of the summer meteorological records and other factors. In the past, there have been revisions of about one month to the announcements of the preliminary end of the rainy season.
Asahi Shimbun
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
South Korean culture, history get day to shine at Osaka Expo
A parade modeled on Korean diplomatic missions during the Edo Period marches below the Grand Ring in Osaka's Konohana Ward on May 13. (Hiyori Uchiumi) OSAKA—A historical parade and other events to celebrate South Korea's 'National Day' highlighted the festivities at the Osaka Kansai Expo on May 13, one month after the expo's opening. To promote international exchanges, countries participating in the world's fair will hold individual National Days to present their culture and history at the expo venue in Osaka's Konohana Ward. On South Korea's day, a parade modeled on diplomatic missions from the Joseon Dynasty to Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867) departed from outside the Korean Pavilion. The procession of people dressed in colorful court uniforms marched below the Grand Ring, the symbol of the expo. After the parade, an official ceremony was held. South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun gave a speech at the ceremony, saying, 'We hope this expo will become the starting point for South Korea and Japan to take initiatives together for the future of society over the next 50 years.'
