Japan's handheld fan boom fuels safety debate and inspires young collector

During an ongoing heat wave, portable handheld fans have become ubiquitous across Japan. In Fukuoka, 9‑year‑old Ryōsuke Suenaga has amassed a collection of more than 100 fans, ranging from retro models to modern devices, and says he wants to become a fan developer. He carries a fan with him wherever he goes and dreams of designing a cat‑shaped fan with paw‑shaped buttons.

At the same time, the surge in handheld‑fan usage has sparked safety and etiquette concerns. Talent Kobara Brass urged commuters on social media to turn off fans on crowded trains, citing discomfort and incidents where hair was sucked into the blades. Reports to the Consumer Affairs Agency include hair‑pulling accidents, a fan that emitted smoke and burst, and a child who cut his lip after licking a running fan. Authorities warn that while the devices are convenient, improper use can lead to injury, especially in confined spaces such as subway cars.