Japan’s Summer Came Early — And It’s Already Breaking Records – Experiences – Life

It’s barely early July, and stepping outside already feels like walking into a furnace. Here in Gifu, the sun is blazing down with a fierceness we’d usually expect in late August. And it’s not just me sweating it out — this isn’t a normal summer anymore.

According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, June 2025 was the hottest June on record. Nationwide, average temperatures soared over 2°C above the usual. Over 200 weather stations recorded heat above 35°C, a level we typically associate with mid-summer heatwaves, not the supposed “early” days of summer.

Today in Nagoya, for instance, the thermometer hit 37°C by early afternoon — and the clouds aren’t doing much to help. The sticky heat lingers well into the evening, making it hard to escape, even at night.

But this isn’t just an annoying spike in temperature. It’s part of a global trend that scientists have been warning us about for years: climate change is pushing the boundaries of when and how heat strikes.

Japan’s New Summer Reality

As someone who has come to deeply appreciate Japan’s connection with the seasons — the anticipation of sakura, the buzz of cicadas, the scent of rain on stone — this sudden shift feels disorienting.

When you live close to nature, whether through gardening, drone flying, or simply paying attention, you notice when the rhythms shift. And they have. Drastically.

I used to love summer’s slow arrival — the build-up to matsuri nights and the buzz of fireworks overhead. But now it seems we’re diving headfirst into the heat without warning.

Staying Safe and Sane in the Heat

Whether you’re in the city or countryside, it’s time to take this heat seriously:

Stay hydrated: Not just water — consider salt or electrolyte drinks too.
Avoid peak sun hours: If you’re like me and love filming or flying drones, aim for early mornings or just before sunset.
Use A/C wisely: Don’t be shy about using your air conditioner. This isn’t the time to tough it out.
Check on loved ones: Elderly neighbors and kids are especially vulnerable during these heatwaves.

What This Means Going Forward

This isn’t just “a hot summer.” It’s part of a bigger shift, and we’ll likely see more of it in the years ahead. For content creators, nature lovers, and just about anyone trying to live meaningfully in this beautiful country, it’s worth asking: how do we adapt?

For me, it means more sunrise shoots, drone flights over shaded rivers, and finding quiet moments in the early morning stillness before the heat sets in.

But it also means paying attention — not just to the beauty of Japan’s seasons, but to how they’re changing.

Have you felt the heat where you live? Does it feel different from the summers you remember? Let me know in the comments — and stay safe out there.