Japan has introduced the Do Hiemon Box, a portable cooling booth designed to provide immediate relief from extreme heat. Developed by TRUSCO Nakayama and Sanden Retail Systems, this human-sized refrigerator-like structure is aimed at combating rising temperatures, particularly during the country’s grueling summer heatwaves. Standing two meters tall and resembling a stainless steel telephone box, the booth features a glass panel door, polystyrene insulation, and a bench for users. Inside, temperatures are maintained at 15°C, with air being circulated at a chilling 5°C. Initially intended for workers exposed to hazardous heat conditions, the booth is now being marketed to businesses for approximately 1,500,000¥ (£6,973) and could serve emergency needs in disaster situations.
Why It Matters
This innovation comes as Japan faces increasing heat-related health risks, with over 53,000 heatstroke cases reported and 79 fatalities in recent months. Across the globe, record-breaking temperatures have prompted discussions about the need for improved cooling solutions in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. In the UK, similar heatwaves have led to significant health impacts, including excess deaths and school closures, reinforcing the urgency of effective cooling measures. As climate change continues to drive extreme weather patterns, solutions like the Do Hiemon Box may become essential in mitigating the effects of heat on vulnerable populations.
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