Japan's government has come up with measures to reduce the risk of heatstroke among the public amid the prospect of a hot summer.

The new steps were compiled at a meeting of officials from relevant government entities on Wednesday.

Officials have expressed a greater sense of urgency than in usual years to address the risk, since more people will likely use less air conditioning due to surging electricity bills. Concerns are also growing about tight electricity supplies.

The officials say they fear that, due to the effects of global warming, temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius in Japan.

The measures call for appropriate use of air conditioning. The officials also plan to set up cooling centers in cooperation with other organizations.
The plans also include installation of air conditioners in public facilities; implementing thorough anti-heatstroke steps for children in and outside school; and promoting more effective use of alert systems.

Japan achieved its target of keeping heatstroke-related deaths below 1,000 in 2021, when the yearly death toll from the condition was about 700 nationwide. The government has kept the target for this year.

Environment Minister Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi, who chaired the meeting, says the government will do all it can to keep the number of heatstroke-related deaths as low as possible.