Japan sweltered through its hottest summer on record last year and parts of the country have hit 40 degrees in recent days
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAgence France-PressePublished: 11:17am, 27 Aug 2026Sumo chiefs are planning measures to beat Japan’s increasingly punishing summer heat, including avoiding venues that do not have air conditioning and lightening the load on weary wrestlers.Japan sweltered through its hottest summer on record last year and parts of the country have hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days.
Across the nation, 246 of 914 observation points reported 35 degrees or higher during the day, crossing the threshold of “extremely hot”. When the mercury tops 40 degrees, it is classified as “cruelly hot”.
Like elsewhere, human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather in Japan, scientists say. The weather agency expects high temperatures will continue for about a month, advising people to stay hydrated and avoid heat sickness.
Sumo wrestlers have been in action throughout August, taking part in a gruelling annual summer tour that sees them perform at venues all around the nation.
