Heatstroke prevention is 2020 Tokyo Olympics priority

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The measured temperature in Tokyo exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on Monday, a new record in the metropolis’ history. With the 2020 Summer Olympics only two years away, many are concerned by the possibility of intense heat. Yuriko Koike, Tokyo's governor said that heatstroke prevention is very important, according to Tencent Sports.

“We are very concerned with the intense heat. If the over 40℃ temperature becomes a normal state in the future, situation will be grave [for the 2020 Summer Olympics]. Prevention policies against heatstroke will be an important part of the preparation work,” said Koike.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike splashes water on the ground during a water sprinkling event called Uchimizu which is meant to cool down the area, in Tokyo on July 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Tokyo government has already worked with the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to prepare for possible heat problems. Their work includes paving roads with special materials that can help bring temperatures down by eight to 10 degrees, reducing the thinning of trees to have more shadows along the roads, setting up rest areas and growing green plants on the walls of venues.

Tokyo is also implementing a policy of splashing water on the streets to help lower the temperature. “We will promote water-splashing. It has to become a habit in people’s lives to splash the water used for bathing in the morning and the evening on the streets,” said Koike.

People splashing water on the streets in Tokyo /VCG Photo

The Governor also had high expectations for volunteers. Starting from September, Tokyo will recruit about 30,000 volunteers to act as guides for overseas tourists during the 2020 Summer Olympics. These volunteers will first participate in heatstroke prevention training before transferring their knowledge to the tourists.

Koike proposed water-splashing when she was Minister of the Environment. When asked about her term as the Tokyo Governor being complete by July 30, 2020, Koike said she will not consider running for reelection but will focus on Olympic preparation, according to Tencent Sports.