Japan Preparing Ways to Combat Heat during Tokyo Summer Games

June 26, 2018

Tokyo- Japan is preparing measures to prevent heat-related health problems at the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, such as improved air temperature forecasts and cooler roads paved with heat-blocking materials.

The measures were reported from government agencies at a meeting June 7. Fight against heat was a major issue also at past Olympic and Paralympic events.

The 2020 Olympics will be held between July 24 and Aug. 9, and the Paralympics between Aug. 25 and Sept. 6, during the hot and humid period. The situation may be exacerbated by the so-called urban heat island effect.

Coming up with measures to prevent heat-related health problems among athletes and spectators is a "pressing task," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency hopes to improve its temperature forecast accuracy by making full use of data from its Himawari-8 and -9 weather satellites and supercomputer system. The satellites are said to have the world's leading observation capabilities.

"Our aim is to provide detailed information as soon as possible," a government official said.

Heat and humidity are expected to affect marathon runners and spectators particularly strongly.

The land ministry plans to pave the marathon course with heat-blocking materials. It will also adjust pruning of roadside trees to create more shade for spectators.

The economy ministry hopes to encourage owners of buildings along the marathon course to apply heat-blocking paint to their outside walls.

Another important issue is support for spectators not used to the weather in Japan.

The health ministry plans to make medical institutions more accessible to foreigners.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has created a guide for ambulance services in seven languages, including English and Korean.

The agency also plans to introduce a voice translation app for ambulance crew.

Meanwhile, the Japan Tourism Agency will make available more information on medical institutions good for foreign visitors.

The government will promote heat countermeasures in hopes of making this field of expertise a legacy of the Tokyo Games, officials said. Jiji Press