Summer Has Arrived! Tokyo Hits First 35°C Day as Rainy Season Ends in Kanto and Tokai Regions

On July 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that the rainy season (tsuyu) has likely ended in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions. This arrival of summer is one day later than average, and 22 to 23 days later than last year, which saw a historically early end to the rainy season. While many are excited for the long-awaited summer, concerns are mounting over "dangerous heat" due to a sudden surge in temperatures across the country.

Tokyo Records First "Extremely Hot Day" of the Year; Heatstroke Alerts Issued in 39 Prefectures

Coinciding with the announcement, the Japanese archipelago was hit by intense sunshine. Central Tokyo recorded its first "extremely hot day" of the year (defined as temperatures reaching 35°C/95°F or higher). With Heatstroke Alerts issued across 39 prefectures, it marked a scorching start to the mid-summer season. On social media, posts urging precautions surged, with many sharing safety tips like, "The real heat is finally here," and "Frequent hydration is absolutely essential."

"Finally Over!" Social Media Abuzz with Anticipation for Summer Traditions

As the announcement coincided with the "Marine Day" national holiday, many expressed excitement for summer leisure and seasonal traditions. Online spaces were filled with enthusiastic posts such as, "Time to dry the plums starting tomorrow!", "It's the midsummer season, I want to eat eel!", and "Festival season is finally here!"

Adding to the excitement, pop singer Takanori Nishikawa (T.M.Revolution) trended on social media after posting, "I hereby declare the end of the rainy season for Kanto-Koshin and Tokai." Fans joyfully reacted, commenting, "I was waiting for his annual declaration!" and "Now summer has truly begun."

Perceptions of "Early Summer" and Regional Gaps

Conversely, because sunny weather had already persisted for a week, some voiced skepticism, feeling that "the rainy season had practically ended much earlier." There was also some confusion regarding regional divisions. While the announcement covered "Kanto-Koshin," it excluded Niigata Prefecture (which is typically grouped into the broader "Kanto-Koshinetsu" region). This led puzzled Niigata residents to ask, "Has summer not come for Niigata yet?" and "When will our season officially end?"

A sudden shift to extreme heat puts a heavy strain on the body. To enjoy a healthy summer, people are advised to use air conditioning appropriately, take sufficient rest, and practice thorough self-care.

The Context: Understanding Japan's Summer Customs

To help non-Japanese readers understand this seasonal transition, here are some unique aspects of Japanese culture and climate referenced in the article:

  • Tsuyu (The Rainy Season): Spanning from June to mid-July, this highly humid period is essential for Japan's agriculture but can be gloomy. The "end of the rainy season" (tsuyu-ake) is highly anticipated as the official start of sunny summer.
  • Umeboshi and Eel: Making pickled plums (umeboshi) is a traditional summer activity where salted plums are dried in the hot sun for three days immediately after the rainy season ends. Additionally, eating grilled eel (unagi) on Doyo no Ushi no Hi (the Midsummer Day of the Ox) is a centuries-old tradition believed to build stamina against the debilitating summer heat.
  • T.M.Revolution's Summer Connection: Singer Takanori Nishikawa is famous for his 1998 hit song "HOT LIMIT" and its iconic, skimpy outfit. In Japan, he is widely regarded as a symbol of summer, and his annual "declarations" of the season's start are a beloved internet meme.

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