The Sapporo Board of Education recently announced plans to equip all 312 schools in the city with air conditioning by the summer of 2027. Currently, only about 10% of schools have air conditioning, Mainichi reported on 28/7.
This announcement comes amid a period of extreme summer heat in Japan. On 23/7, Sapporo, nicknamed Japan's "winter capital," recorded temperatures of 35.7 degrees Celsius, forcing over half of the city's schools to dismiss students early. The first school semester ended on 25/7.
Toen Elementary School is among the schools that installed fixed air conditioning units this summer. Last summer, the school relied on portable units to combat the heat.
"The classroom is cool and comfortable, making it easier to listen to the teacher," said sixth-grader Aoi Kobayashi, explaining that not having to use a fan helps her concentrate better.
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Newly installed air conditioning at Toen Elementary School, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo. Photo: Mainichi |
Newly installed air conditioning at Toen Elementary School, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo. Photo: Mainichi
Sapporo, located in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, is famous for its long winters and heavy snowfall. It was the first Asian city to host the Winter Olympics in 1972. The city is also known for its February Snow Festival and numerous ski resorts.
Temperatures in Sapporo typically range from around -12 degrees Celsius to 25.6 degrees Celsius, rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. However, recent summers have seen significant temperature increases due to climate change.
"Even Sapporo is now experiencing dangerously hot days. Air conditioning is not only necessary for an effective learning environment, but also to protect students' lives," said principal Miki Okada.
Sapporo recorded its all-time high temperature of 36.3 degrees Celsius in the summer of 2023. The Japanese government has been promoting the installation of air conditioning in classrooms nationwide since a first-grader died from heatstroke in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, in the summer of 2018.
In addition to installing air conditioning, Sapporo schools will make independent decisions regarding heatstroke prevention measures. On 23/7, over 200 schools in the city shortened their school days.
In the 7 days since 21/7, Japan has seen over 10,800 people hospitalized and 16 deaths due to heat-related symptoms, with hundreds of locations recording temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.
The intense heatwave is expected to continue throughout the country. The government advises people to stay hydrated and use air conditioning appropriately.
Duc Trung (According to Mainichi, Asahi)
