Japan introduces cooling cabins to combat extreme heat

To combat rising heatstroke cases, Japanese companies and public spaces are beginning to deploy the ‘Do Hiemon’, a specialized cooling cabin designed for single-person use. Developed by SDRS and distributed by TRUSCO Nakayama, the device resembles a large refrigerator and is intended for workers exposed to extreme temperatures.

The cabin maintains an internal temperature of approximately 15 degrees Celsius and can emit air jets as cold as 5 degrees Celsius toward the head, neck, shoulders, and back. Users can expect a noticeable cooling effect within five minutes, and a 10-minute session can help lower body temperature and alleviate heat exhaustion symptoms.

Designed for convenience and safety, the unit features three cooling modes, a built-in seat, and an automatic shut-off after 20 minutes to prevent overcooling and conserve energy. It operates on standard 100-volt power, is mobile via wheels, and features IPX3 water protection for outdoor use. The introduction of this technology follows a surge in heat-related medical emergencies in Japan, where over 53,000 people required medical assistance and 79 deaths were reported in a recent two-month period.