Cool Japan: Human fridge chills workers in extreme heat

Higashiosaka, Japan saw temperatures soaring this summer, prompting warehouse worker Isao Tabuchi to seek refuge in a novel solution: the "Do Hiemon Box." This refrigerator-sized machine provides a cool haven for workers battling extreme heat. The 51-year-old Tabuchi lauded the machine's effectiveness, saying it "was really able to recover" from the sweltering conditions.

Trusco Nakayama, a Tokyo-based industrial equipment distributor, has sold over 300 units of the Do Hiemon Box since April, with customers ranging from construction sites to factories. The company even envisions future applications in golf courses and baseball stadiums. While some employees initially doubted the product's high cost and size, they now appreciate the instant relief it offers.

In Japan, where the summer of 2025 recorded its hottest temperatures on record, businesses are investing heavily in heat countermeasures to protect workers and attract new talent.