Japan records historic October temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius

On October 21, 2026, Tokyo and Osaka experienced temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, a phenomenon known in Japan as "Manatsubi" or "midsummer day." According to Kazuhiro Shirono, an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), this is the first time since records began in 1875 that such high temperatures have been documented this late in October in the Japanese capital.

This event sets a new historical milestone, surpassing the previous record of such late-season heat which was set on October 19, 2024. The JMA confirmed that both Tokyo and Osaka reached this threshold during the early afternoon, marking an unusual climatic occurrence for late autumn in the region.

The JMA notes that these record-breaking temperatures highlight a significant deviation from long-term climate patterns. Authorities continue to monitor weather data as such late-season heatwaves become increasingly rare and notable in meteorological history.