Japan experienced the hottest summer ever recorded in 2025, which increased pressure on fruit and vegetable production and accelerated the transition to heat-resistant varieties and cooling technologies, according to the latest climate impact report published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The report shows that the country's average temperature gap reached +2.36 °C, the highest since records began in 1898. In response, farmers have expanded the cultivation of heat-resistant rice varieties by 42,000 hectares, bringing the total area to 248,000 hectares, or 18.2% of the total table rice production. CropsHigh temperatures affected a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops across Japan. For apples, poor fruit set due to heat during flowering was reported in 40 to 50% of production areas nationwide, with this figure reaching 60 to 70% in northern regions. Grapes and satsuma mandarins also exhibited delayed or irregular reddening, particularly in western Japan, where impacts were recorded in 40 to 60% of cultivation areas. Vegetables suffered similar stress. Tomato crops experienced reduced flowering and fruit set in 40 to 50% of planted areas nationwide, while strawberries saw delayed bud formation in up to 70 to 80% of production areas in western Japan. MeasuresProducers are increasingly adopting practical adaptation tools to stabilize yields. For fruit crops, the switch to better-colored varieties has proven effective, while mandarin producers use nighttime cooling systems. In vegetable production, shading materials, heat protection covers, and plant cooling techniques are widely implemented to maintain crop development during heat periods. The report also notes a gradual diversification of production towards crops better suited to hotter conditions, including the cultivation of avocado and okra in several prefectures. The MAFF expects climate change adaptation to remain a key priority for Japan's horticultural sector, as rising temperatures continue to alter crop performance and regional production strategies. The ministry encourages a broader adoption of proven heat mitigation practices to support a stable supply and protect agricultural productivity in the coming seasons. Source: maff.go.jp Photo: MAFF via facebook.com