Japan's Do Hiemon Box Human Refrigerator Unveiled for Heat‑Stricken Workers

Japanese innovators have long used low‑tech methods to keep indoor spaces cool, such as the "green curtain" of climbing plants that shade windows and lower temperatures through evapotranspiration, the traditional "uchimizu" practice of sprinkling water on heated surfaces, and the breathable "sudare" bamboo blinds. These approaches are highlighted as affordable ways to combat rising summer heat.

In a modern twist, Japan also introduced the "Do Hiemon Box," a walk‑in cooling cabin that resembles a vending‑machine kiosk. Developed by the appliance maker SDRS in partnership with tool distributor Trusco Nakayama, the stainless‑steel unit can accommodate a person up to 150 kg, maintains an interior temperature of about 15 °C, and delivers an additional chilled air stream to the neck. Powered from a standard outlet or a portable power station, the cabin costs roughly €8,000 and is aimed at construction sites, factories, logistics centres, and sports venues to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.