Risk of "Once-in-a-Decade" Heat Wave in Mid-September Protecting Transportation Infrastructure from Extreme Weather Caused by Climate Change At a Kyoto-based transportation infrastructure company, requests for repairs and replacements believed to be caused by the heat have increased to about 3.1 times the level seen in the spring.

Kansai Signal Service Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Masahiro Mitsuno,Headquarters: Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; hereinafter “the Company”) announces that among cases of equipment malfunctions and replacements handled from May to July 2026, the number of cases presumed to be caused by extreme heat totaled 125—an increase of approximately 3.1 times compared to the 40 cases recorded from February to April 2026.

Western Japan experienced record-breaking heat, with the seasonal average temperature in mid- to late July 2026 reaching the highest level since records began in 1946.As September began, lingering summer heat persisted even after the peak of summer had passed. On September 7, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an “Early Weather Advisory Regarding High Temperatures” for the Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions, stating that starting around September 13, there is a high probability of extreme heat—the kind that typically occurs only once every 10 years for this time of year.

We recognize that during such periods of high temperatures, the importance of checking the condition of traffic signal equipment and performing maintenance increases significantly, and we are committed to conducting inspections and maintenance to ensure the stable operation of road traffic infrastructure.

[Risk of “Once-in-a-Decade” Extreme Heat in Mid-September]

On September 7, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an “Early Weather Advisory Regarding High Temperatures” for the Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions. An Early Weather Advisory is issued when the likelihood of “significantly high” temperatures—which typically occur only about once every 10 years for that time of year—is higher than usual.

Record-breaking high temperatures have persisted in western Japan this year, with the average temperatures for both mid- and late July reaching their highest levels since records began in 1946.

In recent years, much of the social infrastructure—such as roads, bridges, and electrical equipment—has exceeded its expected service life, highlighting the growing importance of maintenance and management that accounts for high-temperature environments.Traffic signals and other traffic control equipment are also devices that operate outdoors on a daily basis. Taking into account the strain that high temperatures place on electronic components and control devices, we believe it is crucial to monitor the condition of this equipment and respond swiftly with maintenance in the event of any abnormalities.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, “Early Weather Information on High Temperatures”

https://www.data.jma.go.jp/cpd/souten/?reg_no=0&elem=temp　

[Requests for Repairs and Replacements Presumed to Be Caused by Heat Rise to About 3.1 Times the Spring Level]

Among the equipment malfunctions and replacement requests handled by our company, the number of cases presumed to be caused by heat increased approximately 3.1-fold, from 40 cases between February and April 2026 to 125 cases between May and July.

In light of this increase, we recognize that the importance of inspecting the condition of traffic signal equipment and performing maintenance during periods of high temperatures becomes even greater. Traffic signals are public facilities that operate daily, and since any malfunction could affect traffic safety and the smooth flow of traffic, prompt restoration is essential.

[Comprehensive Support from Design to Maintenance and Logistics: Supporting Transportation Infrastructure for Over 50 Years]

Since our founding in 1972, we have provided one-stop services covering the design, manufacturing, sales, installation, maintenance, and logistics of traffic infrastructure equipment, with a focus on traffic signals. By consistently managing every stage—from design to on-site construction and post-commissioning maintenance—we ensure the stable operation of road traffic infrastructure.

Working in collaboration with public agencies, we not only respond to malfunctions but also perform routine inspections and maintenance, striving to maintain a safe and smooth traffic environment in the local community.

[Future Developments]

In recent years, due to the effects of climate change, the risk of severe weather conditions—such as record-breaking heat and intense late-summer heat—impacting social infrastructure has increased more than ever before.

We do not view these changes in the weather environment as merely temporary anomalies, but rather as one of the challenges we must continuously address in the maintenance and management of transportation infrastructure.Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our strength in providing integrated services from design to maintenance. By strengthening our inspection, maintenance, and technical response capabilities—including during periods of high temperatures—we will contribute to the stable operation of road traffic facilities and the creation of a safe and secure transportation environment for local communities.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Kansai Signal Service Co., Ltd.

Representative: Masahiro Mitsuno, President and CEO

Address: 39-6 Kichijoin Nakagawara Sato-kita-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8391

Established: July 1972

Business Activities: Comprehensive Infrastructure Services

　　　　　 (Design, manufacturing, sales, installation, and maintenance of road traffic equipment)

URL: https://www.k-signal.co.jp/