Japan’s sumo chiefs trim tour dates, demand air con to beat summer heat

Sumo chiefs are planning measures to beat Japan’s increasingly punishing summer heat, including avoiding venues that do not have air conditioning and lightening the load on weary wrestlers.

Japan sweltered through its hottest summer on record last year and parts of the country have hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days.

Hakata ward in the southwestern city of Fukuoka on Wednesday saw the temperature hit 40.4 degrees, caused by hot, moist air from a typhoon flowing into the surrounding region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Across the nation, 246 of 914 observation points reported 35 degrees or higher during the day, crossing the threshold of “extremely hot”. When the mercury tops 40 degrees, it is classified as “cruelly hot”.

Like elsewhere, human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather in Japan, scientists say. The weather agency expects high temperatures will continue for about a month, advising people to stay hydrated and avoid heat sickness.

Sumo wrestlers have been in action throughout August, taking part in a gruelling annual summer tour that sees them perform at venues all around the nation.