heat stroke Prevention – Communication Project

Climate change impacts

In 2010 and 2013, 56,119 and 58,729 people, respectively, were hospitalized by ambulance for heat stroke in Japan between June and September. In terms of age group, it was reported that the most commonly affected were the elderly over 65. (Note 1). In total, the percentage of deaths from heat stroke among people aged 65 years and older increased significantly from 54% in 1995 to 81% in 2015 (Note 2).

Adaptation activity

In 2011, the public-private partnership “heat stroke Prevention – Spread the Word” project was launched to broaden public awareness on the prevention of heat stroke. It aims to disseminate scientifically-validated information on heat stroke, and, with the collaboration of local authorities and participating private businesses, to promote the following five precautions to prevent heat stroke: "pay attention to the temperature", " carry a drink", "take a break", "maintain proper nutrition", and " call out to each other," through the use of a common logo and posters (Figs. 1 and 2).
With the higher temperatures of the summer months, awareness-raising events are held in various locations, and in the off-season, events such as the "Hito Suzumi Award (Cool Yourself Award)" are held to recognize the efforts of supporting organizations. From 2016, a variety of events and videos have been created to promote heat stroke prevention for overseas visitors in the "Spread the Word to the World" program. In addition, web-based courses and accreditation systems for heat-illness mitigation advisors have been developed, in which practical skills for the prevention of heat-illness in the workplace, at events, sports meetings, in education and childcare, and in nursing can be learnt. As of October 2019, the number of organizations supporting the "heat stroke Prevention - Communication Project has reached 7,228.

Outputs / Expected benefits

There are three initiatives in “heat stroke Prevention – Spread the Word”: the "Initiative to make towns ‘summer resorts’", in which stores and offices throughout Japan provide spaces to escape the heat; the "Initiative for building relationships," in which the aim is to increase social bonding by encouraging people to reach out to those around them; and the "Initiative for chilled lifestyles," which highlights aspects of food, clothing, and shelter that cool the body and mind that are particular to Japanese culture. These initiatives aim to make the summer a more enjoyable experience, in addition, the Japanese customs of “hito suzumi” can be promoted globally and aid in the prevention of heat stroke.

Footnote
Note 1: Based on data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Note 2: From Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Demographic Statistics