隅田川花火大会 92万人を魅了　猛暑の中、熾烈な場所取り 人の密集に熱中症リスクも【もっと知りたい！】【グッド！モーニング】(2026年7月26日)

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, held on the 25th amidst scorching heat, saw people enjoying the summer night in their own ways, from fiercely vying for viewing spots to seeking out hidden gems to avoid the crowds. ■920,000 people swept up in the heat… The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, featuring 20,000 fireworks that filled the night sky, was a major summer event that captivated 920,000 people on the 25th. The atmosphere was electric even before the fireworks began. Three hours before the launch, people were already laying out blue tarps and reserving spots in the blazing sun… "I've been drinking since midnight, and I brought this fan to cope with the heat, taking naps along the way." Others had tents and parasols to protect themselves from the strong sunlight. The area around Kaminarimon Gate was bustling with people, filled with both sun and anticipation for the fireworks. Three hours before the launch, people were already laying out blue tarps to reserve their spots in the blazing sun… "I've been drinking since midnight, and I brought this fan to cope with the heat, taking naps along the way." Others had tents and parasols, each taking their own measures to avoid the strong sunlight. The area around Kaminarimon Gate was packed with people, filled with both sunshine and anticipation for the fireworks. On the 25th, central Tokyo recorded a temperature of 37.1℃, the hottest day of the year so far. This marked the sixth consecutive day of extreme heat. "It was so hot, I had some shaved ice. It's already melting... It hasn't even been 5 or 10 minutes." Sweat glistened on his forehead. This man, who sets up a stall on this day every year, was hit hard by both the high temperature and the heat of the griddle. "It feels like the fire is directly on me. (The temperature) is really hot this year. The hottest." On the 25th, the hottest place was Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, at 40.8℃. Six locations nationwide recorded temperatures above 40℃, a level of heat considered a disaster, and marking the first time in Japan's statistical history that there have been five consecutive days of extreme heat. ■Fierce competition for viewing spots The area in front of Asakusa Station, the nearest station to the fireworks venue, was extremely crowded. Police officers used tape to guide people to prevent them from overflowing onto the road. At 6 PM, one hour before the main event, police vehicles were parked at the intersection, blocking traffic, and traffic restrictions began. A large area enclosed by a blue line was closed to general traffic, creating a tense atmosphere as police officers with white fences blocked off the road. Meanwhile, on the roads where the fireworks could be seen up close, people were leaning forward, holding blue tarpaulins. "(Q. What are you here for?) To reserve a spot." "(Q. How long have you been here?) Since around 1:30 PM today." People were eagerly awaiting the moment the road became a pedestrian zone to secure their spots. Some were even helping with preparations, eager to sit down as soon as possible. The police signal allowed people to reserve their spots, and residents of the apartment building were also very interested to witness the fierce competition. The competition to reserve spots began from the back. Everyone moved forward. They started spreading out their blue tarpaulins. In just a few seconds, the road was filled with spectators. ■Beware of Crowded Spaces Then the fireworks display began. The man who won the fierce battle for a good viewing spot was all smiles. "It's so moving. Truly moving. I'm glad I secured a spot from 1:30 (PM). Today is a milestone. Another year has passed." As night fell and the temperature dropped... The fireworks display was crowded with people. Thermal camera footage shows that the temperature was particularly high in areas where people were gathered. Professor Katsuaki Yoshida, a visiting professor at Kanazawa Medical University, warns about the risk of heatstroke due to this "trapped heat." "When many people gather, it's called 'human heat,' and the risk of heatstroke can double, triple, or even five times higher in some cases." "Human heat" occurs when the heat, breath, and moisture from sweating have nowhere to escape, causing the surrounding temperature to rise. Not only the temperature but also the humidity rises, increasing the risk of heatstroke, so caution is necessary. ■“Prime Viewing Seats” at Tokyo Skytree Meanwhile, some people enjoyed the fireworks in a cool and elegant setting. The special fireworks were viewed from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan. 634 people, matching the Skytree's height of 634 meters, won a lottery with odds of 56 to 1 to secure these prime viewing spots. A first-time viewer from Skytree: "It was incredibly beautiful. There weren't many people. I was even in the front row just now." A person who won the lottery for the first time on their thi...