Japan Unveils 'Human Fridges' to Combat Extreme Heat

Two Japanese companies have introduced a novel solution to the country's increasingly harsh summer heatwaves: personal cooling boxes designed to rapidly chill individuals. The "Do Hiemon" cooling box, manufactured by SDRS and distributed by Trusco, aims to provide immediate relief from extreme temperatures, with users reporting feeling significantly cooler after just five minutes inside.

The stainless steel unit, measuring approximately 7 feet tall and 4 feet deep, functions by enclosing a person and exposing them to a powerful jet of air chilled to 5°C (41°F). The interior of the box is maintained at 15°C (59°F). According to SDRS, spending 10 minutes within the "Do Hiemon" can alleviate symptoms of heat exhaustion. The device is equipped with an automatic timer that prevents overcooling by shutting off after 20 minutes.

Trusco claims the "Do Hiemon" is the first device to achieve "full body cooling," allowing it to chill the body faster than conventional air conditioning or fans. The compact, wheeled design allows for easy deployment, and its low electricity consumption reportedly costs only 7 pence (16 yen) per hour to operate, making it more energy-efficient than standard air conditioners.

The inventors suggest the cooling boxes could be deployed in various locations, including construction sites, farms, malls, schools, festivals, and sporting facilities, to offer workers and the public a quick respite from the heat. Since its release in April, the "Do Hiemon" has reportedly gained popularity in Japan and has been seen in several public spaces.

This innovation arrives as Japan grapples with severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C (100°F) and authorities issuing heatstroke warnings. In 2024, Japan recorded 2,160 heat-related fatalities, following a record-breaking summer in 2023. The nation's hottest summer on record, which began in 1898, saw average temperatures climb significantly above normal, with some areas exceeding 40°C (104°F).

Each "Do Hiemon" unit comes at a substantial cost of £6,862 (1.5 million Yen). While social media users have praised the invention, dubbing it a "brilliant adaptation tool" and expressing a desire for its availability globally, SDRS and Trusco have not yet confirmed plans for international release. Online commentary reflects a broad appeal, with one user noting, "This is needed everywhere around the globe," and another adding, "I need one of these in Florida."