Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission.
August 7 was Risshū — the traditional calendar date marking the beginning of autumn. In theory, the air should start to carry a hint of cool by now. In practice: Ehime has been under consecutive Heat Stroke Alerts, with public health advisories urging people to avoid unnecessary time outdoors, use air conditioning, stay hydrated, and take frequent rest.
The gap between the traditional calendar and the actual climate grows wider every year. We’re currently in the Shosho period (roughly August 23 to September 6), when morning and evening are supposed to bring some relief and the sound of insects signals the turning of the season. Whether that holds this year remains to be seen.
The heat is hitting everyone hard — and production sets are no exception. Over the years, we have supported numerous summer shoots in Ehime, and the conditions have become genuinely taxing. I have personally known crew members who became ill on set.
In response to growing concern, the Japan Motion Picture Appropriate Organization (映適, Eigateki) added heat stroke prevention to its on-set safety management guidelines on June 1, 2025.
Under these guidelines, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 28°C, or ambient temperature exceeds 31°C, productions must:
1. Designate a responsible contact person at each production to receive reports of heat-related symptoms or illness.
2. Establish clear procedures for removing affected individuals from work, cooling them down, and accessing medical care as needed.
3. Communicate these protocols clearly to all crew and staff.
Beyond the basics of hydration and rest breaks, outdoor shoots require careful attention to shade availability and the provision of rest areas. This is especially important for extras and community volunteers — who are already giving their time and deserve particularly careful consideration. We have always done our best on this front, but the new guidelines raise the standard further.
This year, we have received multiple inquiries asking: “If someone becomes ill from heat on set, what should we do?”
In Ehime, we direct productions to the Ehime Prefectural Nursing Association for support. Specifically, productions can consult the Association’s office and access its Nurse Center staffing services.
Ehime Prefectural Nursing Association (General Office): 089-923-1287
Ehime Prefectural Nurse Center: 089-924-0848
When a crew member falls ill, filming can stop entirely. During the COVID-19 years, the Nursing Association was an invaluable partner. As summers grow more intense, they may become an even more essential part of our production support network. The script always has to be earned — and that means making sure every person on set gets home safely.