Japan coins term 'Kokushobi' as deadly heatwaves trigger mass hospitalizations

Japan is grappling with a severe heatwave crisis that has led to widespread hospitalizations and multiple deaths. The extreme temperatures are also hampering recovery efforts in regions still rebuilding after recent earthquakes. In a notable incident, three lions at a Tokyo zoo died due to the intense heat. Authorities have issued heatstroke alerts across large parts of western and southern Japan in response to the escalating danger. Officials have introduced the term 'kokushobi' to formally identify and communicate exceptionally dangerous hot days to the public.