Takaichi Attends First Heatstroke Measures Ministerial Meeting
Overview
On July 31, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the first ministerial meeting on heatstroke measures and said the government had compiled “Heatstroke Measures to Get Through Extreme Heat.” She outlined plans to strengthen efforts to protect older people, children, and workers, bolster staffing and organizational capacity, and secure funding. She instructed relevant ministers to step up coordination with local governments and strengthen school air conditioning and evacuation shelter conditions. She urged the public to take preventive action.
Key points
- Strengthen efforts to protect older people, children, and workers.
- Bolster staffing, organizational capacity, and funding for heatstroke measures.
- Accelerate measures in local governments, schools, and evacuation shelters.
Overview
On July 31, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the first ministerial meeting on heatstroke measures at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting discussed measures to get through extreme heat, and the Prime Minister explained the measures compiled by the Takaichi Cabinet.
In response to consecutive observations of “extreme heat days,” the Prime Minister set out a policy of coordinated government action to make the measures more effective.
Impact
The public was urged to consistently take heatstroke prevention measures, including replenishing fluids and salt, actively using air conditioning, and using cooling shelters.
The government said standard households would see a cost reduction of approximately 5,000 yen through electricity and gas bill support over the three months from July to September.
Details
Environment Minister Ishihara was instructed to expand the heatstroke prevention promotion program; use and disseminate new technologies, such as systems that automatically activate air conditioners based on room temperature; broaden user participation; coordinate with local governments; publicize good practices; and promote the designation of cooling shelters. Measures to prevent heatstroke, particularly among older people, will be strengthened.
Education Minister Matsumoto was asked to work with Internal Affairs Minister Hayashi to intensify outreach to local governments, with a view to bringing forward the target of achieving 100 percent air conditioner installation in school gymnasiums and other facilities by 2035.
Disaster Management Minister Akama was instructed, alongside the response to the “2026 Kumamoto Earthquake,” to support the provision of cooling equipment and power supply vehicles for evacuation shelters and strengthen efforts to ensure good shelter conditions.