What is Kokushobi, Japan’s new word for deadly extreme heat?

Amidst deadly heat waves, Japan faces a growing crisis marked by significant hospitalizations and loss of life. These soaring temperatures are thwarting recovery initiatives in earthquake-impacted areas. In a heartbreaking occurrence, three lions at a Tokyo zoo succumbed to the heat. In response, officials have issued a heatstroke warning for vast regions of western and southern Japan, introducing the term ‘kokushobi’ to highlight these dangerously hot days.