Record heat in Japan: rice crop at risk

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 06. 10:03

Japan has recorded its highest temperature ever recorded: 41.8 degrees Celsius (106.5 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded in the city of Isesaki, near Tokyo, on August 5, 2025. More than 53,000 people have been hospitalized with heatstroke due to the extreme heat, the Japanese disaster management agency said.

According to the meteorological agency, average temperatures have been rising for the third year in a row, with this summer setting new records. The Japanese government has urged the public to be cautious and announced new support measures to protect agriculture.

The situation is particularly serious in the northeastern part of the country, along the Sea of Japan, where a lack of rainfall and persistent heat are threatening the rice crop. The increase in field bugs is further exacerbating the damage. According to Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, rapid and targeted intervention is needed in the areas of drought management and pest control. The ministry promises to support affected producers.

Last year, similar weather extremes caused a nationwide rice shortage and price hike in Japan. The government is continuously monitoring the expected effects of the current summer period.