Tokyo International News Agency

Following a major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Daikin Industries has announced the emergency provision of commercial-grade mobile air conditioners (spot coolers) to evacuation shelters in the disaster-affected areas. As a vital measure against heatstroke during the intense midsummer heat, the initiative has drawn widespread attention on social media. The products being supplied are floor-standing portable air conditioners typically used in industrial settings such as factories. Although cooling an entire large facility like a gymnasium is difficult, these units can blow cold air directly from their spouts, allowing pinpoint cooling for areas where evacuees gather. Transport of the units to the disaster region began sequentially as soon as inventory was secured following a request from the national government. Additionally, Daikin is offering support measures for municipalities in Kumamoto where the Disaster Relief Act applies, including free initial inspections of damaged Daikin ...

On July 8, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that the rainy season is believed to have ended in northern Kyushu, Chugoku, and the Kinki regions. This marks the arrival of summer 11 days earlier than the average year (typically around July 19). The sudden announcement sparked a wave of surprise and excitement on social media. Users posted about experiencing the harsh summer sun firsthand, with comments like "It's so hot outside" and "The type of heat has completely changed." Many also urged others to take precautions against heatstroke and to stay hydrated as the country enters the peak of summer. On the other hand, some users expressed confusion over the early transition or wondered why southern Kyushu has yet to see its rainy season end. While the character of this year's rainy season varied greatly by region—some experiencing a dry spell known as "kara-tsuyu" and others facing heavy downpours—this latest announcement signals a...