Japan's Farms Rewrite Clock to Survive Extreme Heat

As Japan's summers become survival tests due to fierce heatwaves, farmers are increasingly adopting nocturnal work schedules. Flower farmer Motoaki Iijima now harvests pink and orange gerberas under halogen lights after sunset, a dramatic shift from his family's traditional rice farming. He implemented this change after a worker suffered heatstroke, as greenhouse interiors can exceed 40 C when outdoor temperatures surpass 35 C.

This phenomenon is not isolated to Nikko; farmers globally are adjusting to cooler nighttime and early-morning hours. In Japan, approximately 70% of farmers are 65 or older, a demographic particularly vulnerable to heat stress, amplified by high humidity. In 2024, a record 59 agricultural workers died from extreme heat, more than double the 2021 toll.

The economic impact is substantial, with heat exposure costing Japan's agricultural sector 926 million labor hours in 2024. This translates to a loss of approximately $46 billion in income, about 1% of the nation's GDP. To combat this, some farmers start work up to two hours earlier, racing against the clock before temperatures climb.

Poultry farmer Tetsuya Usuba lost over 500 laying hens to heatstroke six summers ago. Now, his routine includes waking hens at 2:30 a.m. to eat before the oppressive heat sets in, despite implementing measures like extra fans and water sprays. Even with these precautions, he lost 130 birds in a recent heat spike.

The government is responding with new workplace regulations for 2025, mandating heatstroke reporting and emergency response plans, alongside promoting smart farming technologies. However, for many, adaptation remains a manual effort, with workers hurrying to check and load harvested flowers before the morning sun becomes unbearable.