Cool Japan: Human fridge chills workers in extreme heat

Higashiosaka, Japan: After enduring Japan's scorching summer heat while cycling to work, warehouse employee Isao Tabuchi sought refuge in his company's latest addition: a refrigerator solely designed for humans. This phonebooth-sized machine, equipped with jets of chilled air, was introduced this year and has already gained popularity in Japan, a nation increasingly facing the consequences of global warming.

Isao reported feeling significantly refreshed after using the device, stating that it provides "very, very cool" relief.

Industrial equipment distributor Trusco Nakayama has sold over 300 units of the Do Hiemon Box since April, priced at 1.5 million yen (about US$9,400). The company's sales agent, China Yamamoto, mentioned that the product is targeted towards construction sites, factories, warehouses, golf courses, and potentially even baseball stadiums.

Despite initial skepticism from some within the company, the sales agent noted that the product's size, cost, and non-intuitive nature posed challenges in convincing customers to purchase it.

Scientists attribute the rise in extreme heat events worldwide to human-induced climate change. In 2023, Japan experienced its hottest summer on record. The weather office began using a new term - "kokushobi" or "cruelly hot day" - to describe temperatures reaching 40°C, urging the public to treat extreme heat like a natural disaster. Tokyo recorded almost 120 heat-related deaths in the month to mid-August, and nearly 63,000 people nationwide sought emergency care due to heat during the summer.

Japanese businesses have faced stricter legal requirements to support employees working in hot conditions. Construction sites must provide suitable clothing, air-conditioned break rooms, and shade, while a new initiative allows bureaucrats in Tokyo to wear shorts to work. A survey conducted by Teikoku Databank in July found that 50% of companies reported heat disruptions to their operations, and 88% said they had enhanced their efforts to help workers cope with the heat.

The Do Hiemon Box is seen as one potential line of defense against the rising temperatures, operating from a standard power socket, being portable, and consuming minimal power. However, its large size and high cost initially made it difficult for some businesses to embrace the concept. Nonetheless, its innovative approach to cooling individuals quickly and efficiently has captured the attention of companies like Konoe, a specialist wholesaler of screws and surveying equipment.