Japan's New Heat Stroke Alert System

It seems like every summer is hotter and longer than the last. I was interested in the special heat stroke alert system that Japan's Environment Ministry launched this year, as part of efforts to address the ever increasing number of deaths due to summer heat. 

Each prefecture will have their own special alert, based on the heat stress index calculated from temperature and humidity at observation points within the prefecture. If widespread and dangerous heat is forecast, the Ministry will make an announcement around 2 pm the day before to call for cancelling or postponing sports and other events. Municipalities will open designated facilities such as libraries and community centers to residents as cooling shelters.  

This new system was created as annual deaths from heat stroke have exceeded 1000 in recent years in Japan. Average temperatures in the summer of 2023 were the highest since the Japan Meterological Agency becan recording data in 1898. 

The heat stroke alert system will be in effect through October 23 of this year.

Monday Morning Star Count 5/20

More individual hexagons for the flip edge.

More hand quilting.

This is a long slow project.

Mishima Taisha Shrine

The last time I visited this shrine was during the New Year Holiday and it was very crowded. When I visited this week there were still quite a few people there, but no where near what it was during the holiday time.

Sano Art Museum, Mishima

After visiting the park and the river, my next stop was the Sano Art Museum in Mishima to see the "Rhythm of Life, Artworks of Fumiko Hori". The exhibit continues through June 9th, 2024, the museum is closed on Thursdays, adult tickets are 1100 yen, and all museum information is in Japanese.  Also, photos are not allowed to be taken in the museum.

A large poster of one of Fumiko Hori's pieces is in the glass window of the museum. It is a wonderful exhibit!

On the museum grounds is a fabulous Japanese garden called Ryusen-en. The front gate and Japanese-style house in the garden are designated as tangible cultural properties by the national government.

Genbe River, Mishima

After leaving Rakujyuen Park, I continued to the Genbe River, passing by the Hasunuma River. 

There are many signs so you don't get lost and also to inform visitors of the history of places. Helpful and interesting!

It is always helpful to find English signage.

The river walk starts on this wood walkway.

After a very short distance on the wood walkway, there are stone squares in the center of the river.

The river water is crystal clear.

I recommend visiting this calm, cool walkway!

Rakujyuen Park, Mishima

Rakujyuen Park is located across the street from the south exit of Mishima Station. The Japanese government has designated the park as a National Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty. The park is closed on Monday and adult admission is 300 yen.

When I first entered, it appeared that it was a children's play park, with rides and a little train and a small zoo.

There were also pretty woodsy areas, 

a kind of challenge course for young children,

and a stationary bit of train for children to play on.

It wasn't at all what I expected, but there were some pretty woodsy spots.