Japan's Unusual 'Human Fridge' to Combat Record Heat
This summer, Japan is confronting an unprecedented heatwave that has forced the public health system to treat over 53,000 people for heat‑related illnesses. To keep people safe, the government has rolled out a new cooling device called the Do Hiemon, literally meaning "cooling box" or "human fridge".
Each unit costs 1.5 million ¥ (about $9,400 or £7,000). The company’s CEO, Testsuya Nakayama, told the BBC that the design was inspired by freezer vending machines, aiming to give instant, portable, and climate‑controlled relief.
Public spaces across Japan, from train stations to office buildings, are now deploying the Do Hiemon. The device works by drawing in hot air, passing it through a refrigerated core, and feeding cooled air out through a fan—much like a personal portable aquarium for the body.
On‑site test by the BBC: Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori had a chance to try it out in a bustling subway station. She reported that the device hits out a quick burst of cold air that felt instantly refreshing, especially during the sweltering midday rush.
With temperatures expected to rise again, Japanese businesses are looking to this technology as a frontline defence against heatstroke and a testament to the country’s inventive solutions to climate challenges.
(Source: BBC News, August 2026)
