Tokyo considers reducing burden on air conditioner purchases as elderly and disabled households suffer from heatstroke

From Kyodo via Yahoo! Japan

August 18 2025

TOKYO – In light of the recent spate of indoor heatstroke cases due to the record-breaking heatwave, it was learned on the 18th that Tokyo has decided to implement measures to reduce the financial burden on elderly and disabled households who purchase energy-efficient air conditioners. On the same day, four Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly factions each submitted requests to Governor Koike Yuriko as part of their heat countermeasures.

Tokyo already has a system in place that offers a set discount based on the performance and cooling capacity of energy-efficient air conditioners when purchasing new ones or replacing broken ones. However, the city is currently adjusting the system to increase the discount amount for purchases by elderly and disabled households.

Koike responded, “I will issue instructions to the relevant bureaus based on which form is most effective and quickest.”