A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player has died in Japan after suffering suspected heat stroke during training amid an intense nationwide heatwave.

Simonyi Vunilagi, a back-row forward with Fukuoka-based Kyushu Electric Power, was reportedly taken to hospital after developing symptoms consistent with severe heat stroke while training on Monday. He died on Friday morning.

His club said players, staff and associates were devastated by his sudden death.

The tragedy comes as Japan experiences extreme temperatures, with some areas recording temperatures above 40°C. Fukuoka recorded a high of 35°C on Monday.

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, nearly 18,600 people were hospitalized for heat stroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 people pronounced dead on arrival.


Japan Heatwave Tragedy | Fijian Rugby Player Dies After Suspected Heat Stroke During Training

Six people have died of heatstroke in Tokyo as Japan swelters under a rare rainy season heatwave, prompting authorities to issue a flurry of health warnings.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, the central Shizuoka region became the first in Japan to see the mercury reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) this year, far surpassing the 35-degree threshold classified by weather officials as "extremely hot". &nbsp;

Such severe heat in the middle of Japan's rainy season is "rather rare", caused in part by a strong South Pacific high-pressure system, a weather agency official told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-issues-heatstroke-alerts-for-26-prefectures-amid-intensifying-heatwave-739015" hreflang="en">Japan issues heatstroke alerts for 26 prefectures amid intensifying heatwave</a>

Temperatures also hit record highs near 40 degrees Celsius on Monday at observation posts in Tokyo and in the southern Wakayama region, according to local media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The past few days have seen authorities issue heatstroke alerts in much of the country, urging residents to avoid exercising outside and to use air conditioning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The capital logged three deaths linked to heatstroke on Saturday and three more on Monday, when the mercury hovered around 35 degrees Celsius at midday, according to the city's medical examination office.&nbsp;

"Without the AC on, I find it difficult to survive," Tokyo resident Sumiko Yamamoto, 75, told AFP, adding she feels "it's gotten drastically hotter" since last year.&nbsp;

"Through the advice given on TV, I try to stay hydrated as much as possible. Because I'm old, I'm being careful not to collapse," she said.

Heatstroke is particularly deadly in Japan, which has the second-oldest population in the world after Monaco.

Yamamoto's age puts her in the demographic flagged by health experts as particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, along with infants and those living alone or who are too poor to afford airconditioning.&nbsp;

The Japanese Association for Acute Medicine on Monday warned of the rising death toll from heat exhaustion nationwide, which grew from just a few hundred per year two decades ago to around 1,500 in 2022.&nbsp;

The sheer number of fatalities suggests that heatstroke now poses a danger on par with that of "a major natural disaster", the group said, warning against non-essential outings.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scorching-heatwave-set-to-sear-northeastern-us-break-records-and-spark-health-concerns-732975">Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns</a>

Tokyo business executive Mikio Nakahara, 67, says the difference between Tokyo 50 years ago and now is stark.&nbsp;

"Tokyo wasn't as hot as it is now," he told AFP.&nbsp;

But these days, "I try to work remotely as much as possible so I don't have to go outside."&nbsp;

With ever-hotter summers becoming the norm around the world, tourists like Ainhoa Sanchez, 29, aren't too surprised by Tokyo's temperatures.&nbsp;

"So the plan is going sightseeing a little bit. Drinking a lot of liquids. Maybe when we get too hot, we can get into a shop, look around, chill a bit and then go back to the street," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Six people have died of heatstroke in Tokyo as Japan swelters under a rare rainy season heatwave, prompting authorities to issue a flurry of health warnings. Over the weekend, the central Shizuoka region became the first in Japan to see the mercury reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) this year, far surpassing the 35-degree threshold classified by weather officials as "extremely hot".

Six people have died of heatstroke in Tokyo as Japan swelters under a rare rainy season heatwave, prompting authorities to issue a flurry of health warnings. Over the weekend, the central Shizuoka region became the first in Japan to see the mercury reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) this year, far surpassing the 35-degree threshold classified by weather officials as "extremely hot". Such severe heat in the middle of Japan's rainy season is "rather rare", caused in part by a strong South Pacific high-pressure system, a weather agency official told AFP. Also read: Japan issues heatstroke alerts for 26 prefectures amid intensifying heatwave Temperatures also hit record highs near 40 degrees Celsius on Monday at observation posts in Tokyo and in the southern Wakayama region, according to local media. The past few days have seen authorities issue heatstroke alerts in much of the country, urging residents to avoid exercising outside and to use air conditioning. The capital logged three deaths linked to heatstroke on Saturday and three more on Monday, when the mercury hovered around 35 degrees Celsius at midday, according to the city's medical examination office. "Without the AC on, I find it difficult to survive," Tokyo resident Sumiko Yamamoto, 75, told AFP, adding she feels "it's gotten drastically hotter" since last year. "Through the advice given on TV, I try to stay hydrated as much as possible. Because I'm old, I'm being careful not to collapse," she said. Heatstroke is particularly deadly in Japan, which has the second-oldest population in the world after Monaco. Yamamoto's age puts her in the demographic flagged by health experts as particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, along with infants and those living alone or who are too poor to afford airconditioning. The Japanese Association for Acute Medicine on Monday warned of the rising death toll from heat exhaustion nationwide, which grew from just a few hundred per year two decades ago to around 1,500 in 2022. The sheer number of fatalities suggests that heatstroke now poses a danger on par with that of "a major natural disaster", the group said, warning against non-essential outings. Also read | Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns Tokyo business executive Mikio Nakahara, 67, says the difference between Tokyo 50 years ago and now is stark. "Tokyo wasn't as hot as it is now," he told AFP. But these days, "I try to work remotely as much as possible so I don't have to go outside." With ever-hotter summers becoming the norm around the world, tourists like Ainhoa Sanchez, 29, aren't too surprised by Tokyo's temperatures. "So the plan is going sightseeing a little bit. Drinking a lot of liquids. Maybe when we get too hot, we can get into a shop, look around, chill a bit and then go back to the street," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rare rainy season heatwave grips Japan: Six dead in Tokyo, authorities issue warnings

Japan’s meteorological agency on Monday (July 8) issued a heatstroke alert for 26 of the country’s 47 prefectures after the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius for the first time this year on Sunday.

Japan’s meteorological agency on Monday (July 8) issued a heatstroke alert for 26 of the country’s 47 prefectures after the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius for the first time this year on Sunday. A report by The Guardian said that the meteorological agency urged people not to go outside unless absolutely necessary, to use their air conditioners during the day and at night, and to drink plenty of water. Also read | Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns Earlier this year, the agency warned that temperatures were expected to be higher than average again this summer, perhaps exceeding those last summer. The Guardian reported that at least four people died due to the intensifying heatwave. Nearly 200 people hospitalised in Tokyo Citing local media, the report further said that 198 people were hospitalised in Tokyo with suspected heatstroke on Sunday. On Monday, the temperature in some parts of the capital city reached at least 35 degrees Celsius. On Sunday, Shizuoka in central Japan reported a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The temperatures in Shizuoka, recorded shortly after 1 pm, were the highest in the city since records began in 1940. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan issues heatstroke alerts for 26 prefectures amid intensifying heatwave

The searing heat across the planet has not only affected humans but animals as well. Now, a Tokyo-based clothing maker named Sweet Mommy has come up with a novel clothing solution that may help pet animals brave the scorching heat.&nbsp;

Working with a group of veterinarians, the clothing company has added wearable fans to the clothes of pets. Attached to a mesh outfit is a wearable fan that weighs 80 grammes and is operated by a battery.

Reportedly, the device blows air, all around the animal's body and comes in five different sizes. The reception has been fairly decent as well. Since its debut in July, the company has already received more than 100 orders. A single piece costs as much as $74.&nbsp;

<img alt="83mr83hg" src="https://c.ndtvimg.com/2022-08/83mr83hg_cats_625x300_01_August_22.jpg" />

Speaking about the motivation behind the ingenious&nbsp;design, Rei Uzawa, the president of the company said, "There was almost no rainy season this year, so the hot days came early, and in that sense, I think we developed a product that is right for the market,"

Pet owners in Japan have been using dry-ice packs to keep their pets cool. However, with pets roaming around frequently, it becomes harder to keep it strapped on. The ergonomic design of the device by Rei Uzawa and her company is expected to bring relief to both the pets and their owners.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;Japan: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-government-calls-for-highest-level-of-vigilance-as-covid-cases-rise-499841">Government calls for `highest level of vigilance` as Covid cases rise</a>

Why has the need for such clothes arisen in Japan?

It is pertinent to note that Japan has already witnessed its hottest day ever in the month of June when the temperature crossed the 35ºC barrier. It was the highest temperature ever recorded since record-keeping began in 1875.&nbsp;

The rise in mercury was unusual for the month of June as it is considered a rainy season. However, after the hot weather persisted,&nbsp;the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) was forced to declare an end to the rainy season in the capital city of Tokyo and surrounding areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The searing heat across the planet has not only affected humans but animals as well. Now, a Tokyo-based clothing maker named Sweet Mommy has come up with a novel clothing solution that may help pet animals brave the scorching heat.

The searing heat across the planet has not only affected humans but animals as well. Now, a Tokyo-based clothing maker named Sweet Mommy has come up with a novel clothing solution that may help pet animals brave the scorching heat. Working with a group of veterinarians, the clothing company has added wearable fans to the clothes of pets. Attached to a mesh outfit is a wearable fan that weighs 80 grammes and is operated by a battery. Reportedly, the device blows air, all around the animal's body and comes in five different sizes. The reception has been fairly decent as well. Since its debut in July, the company has already received more than 100 orders. A single piece costs as much as $74. Speaking about the motivation behind the ingenious design, Rei Uzawa, the president of the company said, "There was almost no rainy season this year, so the hot days came early, and in that sense, I think we developed a product that is right for the market," Pet owners in Japan have been using dry-ice packs to keep their pets cool. However, with pets roaming around frequently, it becomes harder to keep it strapped on. The ergonomic design of the device by Rei Uzawa and her company is expected to bring relief to both the pets and their owners. Read More: Japan: Government calls for `highest level of vigilance` as Covid cases rise Why has the need for such clothes arisen in Japan? It is pertinent to note that Japan has already witnessed its hottest day ever in the month of June when the temperature crossed the 35ºC barrier. It was the highest temperature ever recorded since record-keeping began in 1875. The rise in mercury was unusual for the month of June as it is considered a rainy season. However, after the hot weather persisted, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) was forced to declare an end to the rainy season in the capital city of Tokyo and surrounding areas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wearable fans in clothes? Pet animals in Japan get a breather from the scorching heat

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Japan Heatwave Tragedy | Fijian Rugby Player Dies After Suspected Heat Stroke During Training

Rare rainy season heatwave grips Japan: Six dead in Tokyo, authorities issue warnings

Japan issues heatstroke alerts for 26 prefectures amid intensifying heatwave

Wearable fans in clothes? Pet animals in Japan get a breather from the scorching heat