2026 Guide to Heatstroke Prevention in Minato City

Understanding Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a condition in which the body’s ability to regulate its temperature is impaired due to exposure to hot and humid conditions. This can disrupt the balance of fluids and salts (electrolytes), leading to dehydration, and may reduce the body’s ability to release heat effectively through sweating.

Examples of Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps

In Severe Cases

• Impaired consciousness
• Convulsions

May be lifethreatening.

People Requiring Special Attention

Older Adults
As we age, our sensitivity to heat and thirst decreases, and our ability to regulate body temperature declines. This makes it easier to develop heatstroke without realizing it. If you feel that something is “not quite right” compared to usual, take extra care.
Infants and Young Children
Infants and young children are closer to the ground, where temperatures can be higher than the surrounding air. Because they may struggle to communicate how they feel, be sure to give them frequent breaks and keep them well hydrated.

Prevention Measures

• Hydrate before you feel thirsty
  Drink about half a glass of water every hour. When you sweat, be sure to replenish both fluids and salt.
• Maintain a balanced diet and get sufficient sleep
  Improve your overall physical condition to help prevent heatstroke.
• Acclimatize your body to the heat
  Start getting your body used to the heat during the cooler months by walking or doing light exercise at a comfortable pace. This helps you to become accustomed to hot conditions and sweat more efficiently.
• Wear cool clothing and protect yourself from the sun
  When going out, wear breathable clothing that allows sweat to evaporate easily. Hats and parasols are also effective. At night, use bedding with good ventilation.
• Avoid excessive heat
  Use air conditioning and other measures to keep indoor temperatures around 28°C and humidity below 70%.

Minato City Initiatives

Designated Cooling Spaces

Facilities within the city that meet certain criteria are designated as places to stay cool (Cooling Shelters / “Hitosuzumi” cooldown spots).
Please feel free to use them as temporary rest areas to escape the heat when you are out.
Period: Until October 21 (Wed)
Inquiries
Environmental Section, Environmental Policy Subsection
Tel: 03-3578-2486

Minato City Website

Installation of Free Water Refill Stations

Free water refill stations compatible with reusable bottles are available at the City Office main building and each Regional City Office. Water dispensers are also available at cooling shelters in selected cityowned facilities.

*Paper cups are not provided. Please bring your own container.

Inquiries
Bring Your Own Bottle Water Stations
Minato Recycling and Waste Management Office, Waste Reduction and Recycling Promotion Subsection Tel: 03-3450-8025
Other Water Dispensers
Environmental Section, Environmental Policy Subsection
Tel: 03-3578-2486

Delivery of Drinking Water to Older Residents

Bottled beverages are delivered to residents aged 75 and over who live at home, along with information on heatstroke prevention. Delivery staff also check on the residents’ health status. If they determine that a resident is at risk of heatstroke, followup visits by community support staff will be arranged.
Period: June to August (one delivery per person)
Delivery Details: Six 500 ml bottled drinks
Inquiries
Call Center Tel: 0120-507-855
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (including weekends and holidays)
Service period: Until August 31, 2026
Section in Charge
Support Services for Senior Citizens Section, Home Care Support Subsection

Minato City Website

Subsidies for Air Conditioner Purchase and Installation for Older Householders Who Don’t Have Air Conditioning

Subsidies are provided to households in which all members are aged 65 or over and are exempt from resident tax, and that either do not have an air conditioner or have one that is broken and unusable.
Maximum Subsidy Amount : Up to JPY 111,000 (onetime per household)
Inquiries
Support Services for Senior Citizens Section, Home Care Support Subsection
Tel: 03-3578-2400 to 2406

Minato City Website

Protecting Lives from Climate Change
Minato City to Declare a Climate Emergency

In recent years, extreme weather events believed to be linked to climate change have been occurring more frequently, with serious impacts on our daily lives. In response to this situation, Minato City will issue a Minato City Climate Emergency Declaration.
Through this declaration, the City will share the various risks posed by climate change with residents and promote initiatives to address these risks.

Declaration Date: Friday, May 15 at Heatstroke Prevention Symposium Following the declaration, Minato City will strengthen measures to protect residents from heat and other climaterelated risks, promote efforts to mitigate climate change, and provide clear and accessible information about climaterelated issues.