Japan adds heat‑wave mitigation via umbrella sharing and cooling vans

In Osaka, a new umbrella‑sharing service called Ikaasa has been rolled out across roughly 270 railway stations in the Kansai region. The program, part of the "Cool Move Osaka" heat‑stroke prevention project, offers UV‑protective, rain‑and‑sun folding umbrellas that can be borrowed and returned via a smartphone app, with hourly fees starting at ¥140 and a ¥360 unlimited‑use plan.

Following the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 2024 decision to label days over 40 °C as "酷暑日" (extreme‑heat days), a separate initiative provides air‑conditioned camping‑car rentals for outdoor work sites. The Camping Car Rental Center offers fully equipped, climate‑controlled vehicles that serve as mobile break rooms, helping construction firms meet new heat‑stress safety regulations. Rentals start at ¥14,900 per day, with options for sleeping quarters, refrigeration, and portable power.

Both measures aim to reduce heat‑related illnesses as Japan experiences record‑breaking summer temperatures.