Tokyo experienced a record 10 consecutive days with temperatures of 35°C or higher, the meteorological service said, after the country experienced the hottest June and July in its history.

Scientists say heat waves are becoming more intense and frequent around the world due to human-induced climate change, and Japan is no exception.

This is "the first time since records began" in 1875 that such a streak has been recorded, the Japan Meteorological Agency told AFP.

It said today was the 10th day of the hot streak.

This happened after a city on the northern island of Hokkaido was hit by record rainfall on August 26, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Toyotomi recorded more than the monthly rainfall for August in just 12 hours, the report said.

In the western prefecture of Yamaguchi, nearly 400 households in the city of Hagi were urged to evacuate, NHK added, due to the high risk of landslides.

This year, Japan experienced its hottest June and July since records began in 1898, and in August, the country recorded its highest temperature ever, with the thermometer reaching 41.8 °C in the central city of Isesaki.

Japanese authorities are urging citizens to seek refuge in air-conditioned rooms during the summer to avoid heatstroke.

Older people in Japan — which has the second-oldest population after Monaco — are particularly at risk.

Last week, more than 8,400 people were hospitalized in Japan, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, and 12 of them died. | BGNES