123 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July, health authorities say

Incredibly sad to read about this. Don’t go out in the day unless you need to especially if you are of advanced years. Don’t worry about the electricity bill, bang on the AC, your life is more important.

were found dead indoors, and most were not using air conditioners despite having them installed.

Don't be stinky, just turn on your AC. It's worth, buy new AC which conserve more energy. Don't depend on Japanese building, those building were insulated badly.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/why-are-japanese-homes-so-poorly-insulated

Sakura

Your comments and mind get the usual down votes, seems like the regulars here would prefer to see the vulnerable die.

Cant make head nor tail of peoples mindset these days, we need to care about each other, especially the vulnerable.

Sadly most of those elderly probably felt they couldnt afford to have their air conditioning on.

Buchailldana

Possibly in many cases, but better to be in debt than dead, am I right?

Power bills for the elderly should be subsidised by Govt.

Lots of fat that can be trimmed from other areas of the nations budget. And a media/TV campaign aimed at the elderly.

Japanese people need to be told what to do in many cases.

@falseflagsteve

JGovt can provide financial assistance for people from various background

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14862770

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15037238

They could provide financial assistance for those elder to buy and pay air conditioning if they want but do they do that?

Just go out if you need.

Unless you are going to spend hours outside or exercise, the heat will not kill you for a few minutes. And air is flowing outside.

Regarding elderly not using A/C because it’s perceived as unhealthy:

How about the tradition of self-sacrifice held more dearly by the older folks? Do you remember “setsuden” after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake? People were scolded into using as little electricity as possible. Companies’ doors were knocked on by checkers. (Even now, ANY government affiliated buildings have to restrict temperatures to a stifling windows-closed 28 degrees)

Well, the elderly probably took that injunction, in addition to their already reticence.

There are people convinced that microwave ovens are dangerous. Some of the elderly think that about air conditioning. Friends, family, and neighbors could help by checking on these people every so often. It's hard to make people change their minds if they are set on something.

 It's hard to make people change their minds if they are set on something.

Nevertheless, some people just would rather die than change their minds, strange society.

Part of the responsibility resides on media and services that still allow people to disregard the warnings about extreme heat as "fear mongering" or exaggerations made to push a supposed global conspiracy of climate change. The people in charge know these kind of disinformation can put in risk the health and lives of the people being exposed to the lies, but apparently that is not something that have any weight on them. I would not be surprised to find out comments here saying this is not something out of the ordinary or that this is natural and the deaths nothing to worry about.

@sakurasuki

Nevertheless, some people just would rather die than change their minds, strange society.

Very sad but true on many cases I’ve seen here. There’re so many scenarios for cases like this, what about the elderly who are bedridden without AC or fans? As one of the commenters wisely put, there is access to obtain help but some either do not know of such support or simply decide to let things be. I’ve even heard of myths that having AC and fan on without ventilation will suffocate people to death, and that belief is stuck with them for life.

Keep the AC on.

If you don't pay your power bills the next month your supply will be disconnected.

Gov needs to support elderly with their electricity bills.

Lady under the blue umbrella is wearing a mask.

 I guess media and services that still allow people to disregard the warnings about extreme heat as "fear mongering"  are to blame.

123 people would represent an extremely small percentage of Tokyo's total population, likely less than 0.001%. Death is a common problem for the human and in Tokyo, based on recent data, it is estimated that approximately 4,000 people died in Tokyo in July 2024. It's a big city. Remember to check on those who live close by and say hi to someone with a friendly smile because tomorrow maybe our last day. Jesus is the only Way to life.

I guess media and services that still allow people to disregard the warnings about extreme heat as "fear mongering"  are to blame.

For people being mislead into thinking there is no special risk from the extreme heat being experienced? definetely there is a component there, why else would people openly lie and say this is natural or even good if not to fool people that are not well informed? Of course the media that let people indirectly contribute to the tragedies is also to blame for allowing open disinformation.

123 people would represent an extremely small percentage of Tokyo's total population

So, how many thousands of unnecessary deaths would be required for you to care? Health authorities are well justified in warning people about a cause of death that has no reason to happen. Disregarding the loss of life of other people as unimportant is a weird "way to life".

There are ways to keep cool indoors without turning on your AC. I've done it before and it just takes preparation and the adjustment of one's expectations. Open all windows and let your electric fan do the cooling. Of course, it won't be as cool as an AC, but it will take the edge off. Also, if you're going to sleep at night, ditch the futon. When going out, dress lightly and ease off the caffeine and dairy.

With the rapidly aging population, this will happen more and more in the future even if the temperatures stay the same.

It depends on what is classed as extreme heat ,. Seem to be used to explain rising death numbers of the elderly. What days have been class as extreme ? The warmest it been this year is 35c on the 4 th of July Ok the body temperature 37c so how can these death be claim as heatstroke when it as not been over 35c. Caught out again by pushing misinformation. You can not died from heatstroke when temps are under 35c. Heatstroke occurs when temps are of 38c and over. Show me one day this years in Tokyo that the temp has be over 35c. These are normal death not deaths due to extreme heat So who is the blame for this fearmungering???

For people being mislead into thinking there is no special risk from the extreme heat being experienced? definetely there is a component there, why else would people openly lie and say this is natural or even good if not to fool people that are not well informed?

Right, so no reason to stay inside without a/c turned on, wearing masks outdoors in open spaces etc.

One thing that doesn't get brought up much is that this is partly a result of the woefully poor quality of Japan's housing. Insulation isn't just useful in the winter, it also helps keep places cooler in the summer.

My own electricity bill is sky high right now due to the constant need for air conditioning. It would be way cheaper if my house actually had something in the walls to maintain the temperature. Instead the heat from outside permeates the walls easily, and the cool from inside disipates quickly.

Probably the reason so many are dying of heat in rooms with AC is that they can't afford to run the damn things because the houses and apartments here are so damn inefficiently constructed.

"123 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July, health authorities say."

That's one too many heatstroke related deaths. Please stay cool and drink lots of water not only when outside but indoors too.

 how can these death be claim as heatstroke when it as not been over 35c

35 degrees is completely temperature enough to kill over long periods of time, and that of course only reflects measurements done in ideal conditions, a room under the sun would be even hotter.

Heatstroke occurs when temps are of 38c and over.

No, that is false, there was even an article here explaining how this is not the case.

 These are normal death not deaths due to extreme heat So who is the blame for this fearmungering???

As predicted people came trying to mislead others into taking higher risks based only on their personal misunderstanding of the situation, the health authorities are much more capable of determining why the deaths happened than someone that apparently don't understand the situation at all.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/environment/measuring-climate-change-it's-not-just-heat-it's-humidity

Right, so no reason to stay inside without a/c turned on, wearing masks outdoors in open spaces etc.

Commodity could lead a person to keep their mask the couple of minutes it takes to walk from a crowded train/station to a crowded office without it becoming a situation of risk.

Trying to persuade others that the extreme heat is "natural" "good" or "nothing to worry about" definitely would put some of those people in risk.

Wife , works in aged care, bless her soul, tells me the elderly feel the cold but less so with heat.

Could be associated with an aging body and mind...I dont know....but I'll restate my earlier point about many Japanese people needing to be told, or given permission, to do things that are simply logical to others.

And thanks to the poster who linked Govt. assistance schemes for power bills.

Never heard the media in Japan give advice about keeping the AC on nor have I seen local authorities coming door to door checking on people.

So I find it very strange that heat related deaths are higher then the last low to summer which were warmer. I think these are normals deaths that are assigned Heatstroke so Life insurance companies can justified rising premiums. Because the data don,t match up. So is the media in collusion with insurances companies in pushing false narratives so to rise premiums???

Wife , works in aged care, bless her soul, tells me the elderly feel the cold but less so with heat.

Yeah my wife works for a local clinic and often visits outpatients with the doctors. She says pretty much the same thing. She hates it because their rooms are always too hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

I've been to Japan 9 times. Loved it every time, except for the one time I was there in July. You can't explain to people about the heat and humidity, of a Japanese summer. My advice don't go Japan in the summer. Go in the fall it's so beautiful.

Commodity could lead a person to keep their mask the couple of minutes it takes to walk from a crowded train/station to a crowded office without it becoming a situation of risk.

No reason to wear the mask outside just to go shopping like the girl in the picture.

zibala

No reason to wear the mask outside just to go shopping like the girl in the picture.

She looks more woman than a girl. So you know what her personal needs are?

I wonder how many of those died wearing masks?

Which can increase body temperatures and make it much, much harder to breathe in the hotter days.

No reason to wear the mask outside just to go shopping like the girl in the picture.

Making up imaginary reasons you think people have to be outside is not an argument, much less a demonstration of actual risk, for all you know the person needs to be outside for a minute or less making it a negligible amount of time to keep the mask. Not to mention that she is in close proximity to someone else, which means it can be enough so the risk from contagion is higher than the heat.

I wonder how many of those died wearing masks?

Which can increase body temperatures and make it much, much harder to breathe in the hotter days.

If they were in company of people outside of their household (to justify use of masks) they would also have them to warn them about not using the AC, it makes no sense to think a factor not even mentioned in the article would be of importance instead of the actual thing being mentioned that clearly is a risk.

I wonder how many of those died wearing masks?

Probably none. Almost all were indoors.

If they were in company of people outside of their household (to justify use of masks) they would also have them to warn them about not using the AC, it makes no sense to think a factor not even mentioned in the article would be of importance instead of the actual thing being mentioned that clearly is a risk.

lolz.

Yet the Ministry of Health gave guidelines in May 2022 not to wear masks in summer to prevent heatstroke during the height of the so-called pandemic.

Which means they may be a factor in heatstroke which this article is about.

From your experts:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2006/

Don't be silly and trust the science.

From the link above:

"The new guidelines state that people do not need to wear masks outdoors, except when having close conversations. During summer, people are encouraged to remove their masks to prevent heatstroke".

Probably none. Almost all were indoors

Yeah you are probably right.

No one wears a mask indoors in Japan.

Oh. Wait.

the so-called pandemic

Sigh.

I wonder how many of those died wearing masks?

I’d guess not many based on what’s written in the article:

“According to the Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office, many of the 123 people who died were elderly. All but two were found dead indoors”

Can’t imagine they were wearing masks indoors.

Do you think they were?

In recent weeks, I’ve seen two elderly collapsed on the street - one had been on a bike and was visibly struggling, the other had been walking and suddenly sat down in the middle of the street. The outside temperature was 35+ and both wore mask s and continued to wear them even when collapsed and struggling for air. There needs to be more ‘sensible’ information given about risk especially for those who are vaccinated.

Probably none. Almost all were indoors

Yeah you are probably right. 

No one wears a mask indoors in Japan. 

Oh. Wait

I think you’ve embarrassed yourself enough here mate.

I’d let this one go.

There will be other opportunities to get upset about masks.

In recent weeks, I’ve seen two elderly collapsed on the street - one had been on a bike and was visibly struggling, the other had been walking and suddenly sat down in the middle of the street. The outside temperature was 35+ and both wore mask s and continued to wear them even when collapsed and struggling for air.

Dropping like flies, eh?

There needs to be more ‘sensible’ information given about risk especially for those who are vaccinated.

?

Can’t imagine they were wearing masks indoors.

Do you think they were?

Yes.

They most likely all wearing them.

I have seen plenty of people wearing masks indoors. In fact people were directed to where them while indoors. Didn't you know that?

So the answer is yes.

Most likely indeed.

If poor souls died indoors, it is not because of anything else than just heat exhaustion (no activity) which transformed into heat stroke.

Ofuro is your life saver.

Again no absolute need of A/C for two reasons : first if your body needs A/C, it means you die as soon as there is no A/C, second if every elderly person was turning A/C on all the time, Japan would be crippled with electricity power cut.

More elderly, more heat exhaustion statistically. And nothing shows life expectancy is falling because of those minor numbers. One has to die from some reason.

Drinking more, helping each other, cooler places is key, not air-conditioning everywhere for the sake of it.

I bet elder Japanese were migrating more in the mountains in summertime than staying in urbans areas in previous eras.

Yet the Ministry of Health gave guidelines in May 2022 not to wear masks in summer to prevent heatstroke during the height of the so-called pandemic.

Even less reason to think they would be wearing any, this point completely contradict your argument.

Which means they may be a factor in heatstroke which this article is about.

No they don't, not only because of the guideline you posted, but because the only reason anybody would be wearing them indoors is the same reason they would have plenty of warning about not using the AC, you made exactly zero counterarguments against this reasoning.

Don't be silly and trust the science.

The science contradicts your imaginary situation, not to mention the clear mention of a factor on the deaths and the clear absence of the factor you want to imagine may have happened.

No one wears a mask indoors in Japan.

When alone or only with members of their household? no, that comes completely from your forced scenario.

In recent weeks, I’ve seen two elderly collapsed on the street

Of course you can understand hearsay is not exactly an argument to prove something is actually happening, this article on the contrary clearly mentions a reason, and in no way mentions masks, so it is perfectly valid to assume the reason given is actually involved while the one not mentioned is in the same situation as any of the many other reasons not mentioned either and had no role.

There needs to be more ‘sensible’ information given about risk especially for those who are vaccinated.

Why is there any reason to treat vaccinated people in a special way? do you think people with less risk from covid automatically are at higher risk for heatstroke? that makes no sense.

I think you’ve embarrassed yourself enough here mate.

I’d let this one go.

Not listening to health guidelines that state not to wear masks in the summer to prevent heatstroke is much more embarrassing.

Why let go talking about a major factor of heatstroke in Japan on an article about preventing heatstroke in Japan?

Yes.

They most likely all wearing them.

I have seen plenty of people wearing masks indoors. In fact people were directed to where them while indoors. Didn't you know that?

So the answer is yes.

Most likely indeed.

As previously demonstrated this scenario you want to force on the victims makes no sense, nor would it fail to be reported if true. That means your understanding of the situation is flawed and your theory irrational and much more likely to be simply wrong.

There is no realistic possibility mask were a factor on these deaths, lack of AC on the other hand is the clear risk factor involved. And as usual hearsay is not evidence to refute what is reported in the article.

Why let go talking about a major factor of heatstroke in Japan on an article about preventing heatstroke in Japan?

The obvious reason? because it had nothing to do with the deaths, it would be the same as heavy excercise or lack of acclimatization of people leaving an environment with a very different temperature. They are not mentioned because they had no actual role in these deaths, meanwhile the lack of AC is clearly mentioned because it has been identified as something that actually had something to do with them.

Pretending the victims HAD to be wearing masks has the same value as pretending they HAD to be doing weight lifting or coming out of a walk in freezer.

Why let go talking about a major factor of heatstroke in Japan on an article about preventing heatstroke in Japan?

Wearing masks in the heat is a bad idea but the vast majority of these deaths are elderly people who died at home, many of whom didn’t switch on their ACs.

You are running with the idea that the majority of these people were wearing masks indoors.

Let it go mate.

You’re not doing yourself any favours.

There is no realistic possibility mask were a factor on these deaths, lack of AC on the other hand is the clear risk factor involved.

Yes there is and yes no AC was a likely factor too.

Plenty of people wear masks while driving in their car and alone. You can see them everyday. I just saw one 2 mins ago outside the window.

Plenty of people also wear masks while at home, either as an elderly couple or alone.

My wife visits them as a home care nurse and sees the masks in a filthy state like they have had the same one on for weeks.

They are realized a factor in contributing to heatstroke.

Hence the guidelines stating not to wear during summer.

I would imagine the factor is compounded especially wearing them indoors and without AC on.

Don't wear masks in the summer to prevent heatstroke. Trust the science.

How hard is it to say ‘Sorry, I didn’t read the article properly and got a bit hysterical about masks’?

Sad.

Yes there is and yes no AC was a likely factor too.

You have made no argument about having a reaslitic possibility, just hearsay (which is not an argument) and irrationally expecting something that is not mentioned being inexplicably important. Once again it is as possible, as likely that heavy excercise was involved (as in not likely at all).

Plenty of people wear masks while driving in their car and alone. You can see them everyday. I just saw one 2 mins ago outside the window.

And they are at zero risk of heat stroke, the same reason that makes their use of mask not something unconfortable is what makes them not likely to overheat at all, the cars AC.

My wife visits them as a home care nurse and sees the masks in a filthy state like they have had the same one on for weeks.

Can you find this being reported anywhere? the thing is anybody can use hearsay to "prove" anything, but without an actual report (by people with names and positions writing them) it is never an argument, if someone came and say that the 70 nurses under his care all report elderly patients only putting the mask to open the door and a new mask every single time they would have "better evidence" than you, would this be enough to convince you?

There are so many old people struggling even to do their shopping in this weather.

You can see them everywhere.

Probably living in apartments with no elevators and minimum pensions.

Not to mention all these poor ojisans doing the traffic guiding job for a pittance.

They were masks rightly or wrongly because they are afraid of getting sick.

Of course you can't take care of everyone but it's quite callous not to realise their suffering.

This heat is a killer literally and metaphorically.

No reason to wear the mask outside just to go shopping like the girl in the picture.

Odd that those who cry most loudly about government telling people what to do are always first to tell people what to do.

Not good. However, I'm sure the heat stroke deaths are not anything new, but now it is known more with the internet. Also, articles like this can warn people and educate people on how to prevent and protect themselves.

So Anti did they undress these elderly victim of heatstroke to see how many layers they were wearing. If they were checking A/C to see if they were working or on or off. One would assume they would undress the victims when examining. Like if know the old frail, you realise that they get cold very easy and have many layers on this too can be a cause of their deaths. A combination of mask and layers and no A/C on 35c day yeah could happen easy. But I still no good with the story and convince th

Koreans often like to say that Japanese houses have poor insulation, but that's not actually the case.

The reason why heatstroke is common among the elderly is simply because their body's ability to regulate its temperature weakens with age. They also often do not take in the amount of fluids they need.

Not only water, but salt and sugar are also necessary to some extent to live, and they can also cause dehydration.

It is certainly understandable that electricity bills are a "waste," but the Japanese summer has already exceeded the level that can be endured by endurance.

Common sense, just take care, stay hydrated and on the shadows the most possible, and of course, turn on the AC..

All rational comments above downvoted LOL.

I am specialised in building HVAC and work as expert in all types of building disorders especially overheating in summertime about "occupant comfort" and risks associated, at national level...know your limits people.

Some common wrong thinking :

going to very cool place from a very warm temperature ambiance is good : NO, over 10°C difference sudden change could harm you body. Elderly people at risk because their system to regulate their body temperature is getting limited with age

having layers of clothes makes you overheat : NO, at least commonly speaking, because if still breathable clothing (like cotton, wool...) with a minimal space between body and first clothes, it insulates your body from the outside heat while your your skin can reduce faster its temperature thanks to sweating.

colour of clothes not that important : no, black clothing accumulates up to three times more radiant energy than white clothes. So if outside, sunrays have large effects and in urban areas too.

Completely senseless to wear masks indoor at home when alone.

Completely senseless to wear masks indoor at home when alone.

That depends on whom you want to surprise with your own massive virus load. Only yourself, or also a family member, guest, visitor, neighbors, postman, pizza delivery staff, and so on? If you're permanently and really alone, then you're of course right.

Completely senseless to wear masks indoor at home when alone.

Since this is not something that played a role in the deaths that is not a problem, anybody can make up a scenario that does not make sense, that does not make it part of the problem.