🌡️ 41,174 Heatstroke Cases in July 2026

❓ What was announced

On August 25, 2026, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) released confirmed figures for heatstroke ambulance transports in July 2026. Nationwide, 41,174 people were taken to hospital by ambulance — the third-highest total for any July since the monthly survey began in 2008, and about 1,800 more than the 39,375 recorded in July 2025. By age, people aged 65 and over accounted for 24,769 cases (60.2%), followed by adults aged 18–64 at 13,116 (31.9%), those aged 7–17 at 3,086 (7.5%), and infants at 202 (0.5%). By severity at first examination, cases requiring hospital admission — 15,718 moderate (38.2%) plus 1,324 severe (3.2%) — reached 41.4%, and 79 people died. In July 2025 there were 48 deaths and 873 severe cases, so the share of serious cases has risen. By location, homes ranked first with 17,160 cases (41.7%), followed by roads at 8,643 (21.0%), workplaces such as road construction sites, factories and workshops at 4,090 (9.9%), and outdoor public spaces such as open station platforms and stadiums at 4,088 (9.9%). The single worst day was July 22 with 4,134 cases, with transports concentrated from mid- to late July as temperatures climbed. The FDMA states that extreme heat causing this many hospitalizations and deaths can fairly be called a disaster, and urges thorough prevention.

👥 Who is most at risk

• ●Adults aged 65 and over (60.2% of all transports, including those living alone or apart from family)
• ●People working at outdoor construction sites, factories or workshops (4,090 workplace cases)
• ●Anyone spending time at home — homes were the top location at 41.7%
• ●Commuters on foot or by bicycle and travelers on the move (roads: 21.0%)
• ●People waiting outdoors, e.g. open station platforms and sightseeing spots (9.9%)

🌏 What this means for foreign residents and visitors

The most important takeaway is that over 40% of heatstroke cases happen at home. Japanese summers combine high temperature with high humidity, so sweat evaporates poorly and body heat does not escape even indoors. People used to little or no air conditioning back home, or who hold off on using it to save on electricity bills, face a higher risk of symptoms developing inside their own room. Roads come second at 21.0%. Cycling or walking to work, and long sightseeing walks, mean extended exposure to midday sun. If you work outdoors in construction, manufacturing or agriculture, note that workplaces accounted for 9.9% of transports. If your condition suddenly worsens, call 119 without hesitation. Calling an ambulance has nothing to do with your residence status or nationality. If explaining in Japanese worries you, save a note on your phone with your address and a nearby landmark — it also helps family or coworkers who may make the call for you.