Heatstroke emergency transports exceed 100,000 for the first time | Fire and Disaster Management Agency final 2025 figures

In October 2025, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced confirmed figures for emergency transports due to heatstroke from May to September of that year. The cumulative total was 100,510 people, the highest since the survey began in Heisei 20 (2008), and the first time it exceeded 100,000. As the heat eases around this time of year, we look back at the summer’s record in numbers.

Background to the record high

According to materials from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, in 2025 the rainy season ended earlier than ever in many regions since statistics began, and Japan’s average summer temperature was also the highest on record. The number of heatstroke alert announcements was also the highest ever, and the agency says the prolonged severe heat led to the high number of transported people. By month, June saw the highest number ever, while September saw the second-highest number on record.

Looking at the trend over the past five years, the number has continued to rise: 47,877 people in 2021, 71,029 in 2022, 91,467 in 2023, 97,578 in 2024, and 100,510 in 2025.

Breakdown for May-September 2025 (confirmed figures)
・Age: elderly people (65 and over) 57,433 (57.1%), adults 34,096 (33.9%), children and adolescents 8,447 (8.4%)
・Severity at initial diagnosis: mild 63.1%, moderate 34.2%, severe 2.2%, deaths 117 people (0.1%)
・Location: residences 38.1%, roads 19.7%, outdoor public places 12.1%, workplaces (construction sites, factories, etc.) 10.5%

Many cases among older adults and in “residences”

By age category, elderly people aged 65 and over accounted for nearly 60% of the total. This trend is almost the same every year, and the figure was 57.4% in 2024 as well. In terms of severity at initial diagnosis, moderate cases requiring hospitalization and severe cases together amounted to about 36%.

By location, residences were the most common, with 38,292 people (38.1%). The share of residences has stayed at around 40% over the past five years. The statistics also show the background behind calls to pay attention to heat not only during outdoor work or outings, but also during time spent indoors.

During the summer period, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency releases preliminary figures for transported people every week. If the usual schedule is followed, confirmed figures for summer 2026 are expected to be announced in autumn. Global statistics on aging and health are also covered in the article on WHO and aging as well.

Reference: Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, “Emergency Transport Situation Due to Heatstroke in Reiwa 7 (May-September)”

※This article introduces statistics and system information published by public institutions and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any specific disease. If you have health concerns, please consult a medical institution.

—The Value Village Editorial Team