By Abbas Nazil
Japan is facing a severe threat to its rice harvest this year as record-breaking heat and persistent drought continue to impact the country’s agricultural regions.
The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that June and July 2025 recorded the highest average temperatures since data collection began over 30 years ago.
In addition to unprecedented temperatures, the lack of rainfall—caused by a strong high-pressure system—has led to extremely low water levels in key dams that supply irrigation to rice-producing areas such as Tohoku and Hokuriku.
The ongoing crisis has already affected crop growth in these regions, with farmers reporting that rice plants are withering due to dehydration and heat stress.
At Naruko Dam in Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture, water levels have dropped below the minimum required level.
Gosho Dam in Morioka and Naruko Dam both reported 0 per cent water storage as of July 31, while Shozenji Dam in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, was at only 12 per cent.
To cope with the crisis, authorities have begun emergency water releases and imposed restrictions on water intake from 19 rivers across the Tohoku and nearby regions.
An official at Naruko Dam warned that without rain, the dam’s water reserves could be entirely depleted within two weeks.
Rice farmers, such as one in Asahi, Yamagata Prefecture, have resorted to transporting water in tanks from distant sources to try to save their crops.
Despite their efforts, many are uncertain how long they can sustain these costly and labor-intensive measures.
To support affected farmers, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced plans to subsidize the installation of pumps and related equipment.
The situation is worsening public health as well.
In June alone, a record 17,229 people were hospitalized for heatstroke, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
In July, over 4,500 locations recorded temperatures of 35°C or higher, the most since 2010 when such data began being tracked.
Emeritus Professor Hisashi Nakamura of the University of Tokyo attributed the ongoing extreme heat to global warming and shifts in climate patterns.
He noted that a strengthened Pacific high-pressure system has moved the jet stream northward, causing persistent heatwaves in northern Japan.
Weather forecasts predict that August will remain hot, with some rainfall expected in drier areas.
However, experts warn that any rain may not be sufficient to reverse the water shortage or fully recover this year’s rice crop.
Both central and local governments continue to urge residents and farmers to conserve water amid the deepening crisis.
