Japan’s hub near Tokyo; dense, populous, economically pivotal
Japan has recorded a string of 40°C temperatures in several cities, prompting new kokushobi warnings. Heatstroke alerts have been issued across many prefectures as officials urge cooling measures and casual office attire to reduce electricity use.
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Ibaraki, Japan, at a depth of 70 km. No tsunami threat has been reported. About 37 people have been injured across Tokyo and five prefectures as residents woke to the tremor; trains faced delays but Shinkansen services run normally. A government task force is evaluating damage and authorities urge caution for a week.