A hot summer day in Shibuya: August 6, 2025

 

Japan has been in an extroadinary strong heat wave for the past few days. A record-high temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius was recorded yesterday (on August 5) in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture.

Today, a temperature of 41.4 degrees was recorded in Shizuoka City. In Tokyo, temperatures reached 37 degrees, exceeding body temperature.

Fewer people were out than usual, and many were using parasols.

At Shibuya's famous scramble crossing, many people were opening their parasols in white, pink and many other colors.

The buildings of Shibuya Station are currently under reconstruction. I found many construction cranes in the redevelopment sites.

Redevelopment projects are also underway at stations including Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Humans are not the only ones affected by the heat. Near an Odakyu Line station in Setagaya City, pigeons were hunkering down in the shade, trying to withstand the heat.

August 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. A memorial ceremony was held in the area.

Last year, I visited the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Today, in Tokyo, I quietly put my hands together in prayer.