Opinions and Responses

Regarding Heatstroke Measures for the Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School Kendo Club (Urgent Request)

The Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School Kendo Club is currently practicing in a dojo without air conditioning. Amid the recent intense heat, the members wear thick kendo uniforms and hakama, along with protective gear such as kote, do, and men, exercising with their entire faces covered. We have heard that some members are already experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and poor physical condition.
On the other hand, other indoor sports clubs within the same school use the air-conditioned gymnasium for their activities, and we have strong concerns about the current situation where the kendo club, which has a particularly high risk of heatstroke, is placed in an environment without air conditioning.
We understand that permanent air conditioning installation requires budget and construction time. However, considering that there are already members experiencing health issues, we believe that alongside examining permanent measures, urgent heatstroke countermeasures for this summer are also necessary.
At least for this summer, we would appreciate your consideration of immediately implementable measures such as introducing portable spot coolers and large air coolers, temporary use of facilities with air conditioning, activity restrictions based on the "Heat Index (WBGT)" which takes into account not only temperature but also humidity and radiant heat, and securing sufficient rest and cool-down environments.
Furthermore, we believe this issue concerns not only Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School but also heatstroke measures across all school facilities in the city.
Once an accident occurs, it cannot be undone. We kindly ask you to consider prompt action to protect the lives and health of the children.

Response

Regarding the matter you raised, we confirmed with Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School through the Board of Education that, since it is currently difficult to install air conditioning equipment as a heat countermeasure, one spot cooler and three large fans have been installed in the martial arts hall. Activities are conducted in the morning before the temperature rises, and during the summer vacation period, the use of the gymnasium is coordinated with other clubs, with alternating use of the gymnasium. Additionally, going forward, two spot coolers will be borrowed from other schools, and activities will be conducted using three spot coolers.
Also, the Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School martial arts hall has many glass sections, and especially sunlight from the skylights is one of the causes of the room temperature rise. Therefore, the Board of Education plans to install sunshades on the skylight sections during FY2026.
Currently, reconstruction work is underway at Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School, and after the scheduled relocation to the new school building in September 2027, air conditioning equipment from the current building that can be relocated is planned to be used at other schools. Accordingly, we have instructed that the Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School martial arts hall be considered as one of the candidate locations for relocation.
We will also convey the concerns raised regarding the methods of conducting club activities to the school through the Board of Education.

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