The rise in temperatures shows no sign of stopping. Japan is beset by such high summer temperatures each year that the expression “record-breaking heat“ has already become a cliché, and severe health impacts are becoming clearly visible. The number of heat stroke deaths has surged, surpassing 2,000 mark, reaching in 2024. This is 5.5 times the number of deaths due to natural disasters. Furthermore, the number of heat-related deaths—deaths due to the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or respiratory illness triggered by the heat—is estimated to be about seven times the number due to heat stroke. Excessive heat has serious effects on health and a variety of diseases. Scientists say that initiatives covering society as a whole are crucial, as it is no longer possible to avoid these effects through individual efforts alone.