'Human Refrigerator': Japan Unveils Cooling Booth to Help Workers Beat Extreme Summer Heat (Video)
As Japan faces increasingly severe summer temperatures, a Japanese company has introduced a one-person cooling booth designed to provide quick relief from extreme heat. The device, called the Do Hiemon Box, has been described as a 'human refrigerator'.
As temperatures continue to rise across Japan, a new cooling innovation is attracting attention for offering a quick way to escape extreme heat. Japanese companies have introduced the Do Hiemon Box, a one-person cooling booth described as a “human refrigerator”, designed to rapidly cool the body and provide relief from heat stress.
The device is aimed primarily at people working in hot environments, including construction workers, factory employees, warehouse staff and outdoor event workers who face increased risks of heat exhaustion during summer months. Buddharoid: Kyoto University Unveils AI Robot Monk to Perform Sacred Rituals, Provide Spiritual Guidance and More (Watch Video).
Japan Unveils ‘Human Refrigerator’ To Beat Summer Heat
JAPAN UNVEILS HUMAN REFRIGERATOR… 🧊🇯🇵
Japan unveils the Do Hiemon Box, a one-person cooling device for extreme heat.#Japan #Technology pic.twitter.com/HoVTsxP1HF
— KUMAR (@MyCric101) July 28, 2026
What Is Japan’s ‘Human Refrigerator’?
The Do Hiemon Box is a compact personal cooling chamber developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS and distributed through industrial equipment supplier Trusco Nakayama. Unlike a traditional refrigerator, the booth is designed to cool people rather than store products.
The unit resembles a small metal cabin with a transparent door and an internal seat. Users can step inside, sit down and receive a stream of chilled air aimed at key areas such as the head, neck, shoulders and back.
How Does the Cooling Booth Work?
According to the company, the inside temperature of the booth is maintained at around 15 degrees Celsius, while air cooled to about 5 degrees Celsius is directed toward the user’s upper body. The company says users can begin feeling cooler within about five minutes, while a longer session of around 10 minutes may help reduce body temperature and ease symptoms linked to heat exhaustion. Japan's Industry, Academia Hail PM Takaichi's India Visit, Highlight Cooperation in Education, AI Healthcare, Tech.
The booth comes with multiple cooling settings and includes an automatic shut-off feature after 20 minutes to prevent excessive cooling. It can also be moved easily because of its portable design and wheels, allowing it to be used in different locations.
Designed for Workers Facing Extreme Heat
The primary target users for the Do Hiemon Box are workers who spend long hours in high-temperature conditions. Construction sites, factories, warehouses and outdoor event locations are among the areas where such cooling solutions could be used.
With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, companies are exploring new ways to protect workers from heat-related health risks. The cooling booth is part of a wider effort to develop workplace safety solutions for rising temperatures.
Energy Efficiency and Cost
The company says the cooling booth consumes less electricity than a standard spot air conditioner, making it a more targeted cooling solution because it focuses on one person rather than an entire room.
However, the technology comes at a high price. The standard model is priced at around 1.5 million yen, making it more suitable for businesses and organisations rather than individual households.
Could It Become Part of Future Summer Travel?
Beyond workplaces, the concept has also sparked discussion about its possible use in public spaces and tourism. As extreme heat affects travel patterns worldwide, cooling stations and personal cooling technologies could become more common at tourist destinations, transport hubs and outdoor attractions.
For now, the Do Hiemon Box remains focused on industrial and workplace applications, but its launch highlights how countries are adapting to the challenges posed by increasingly severe summer temperatures.
Background: Rising Heat Risks in Japan
Japan has experienced increasingly severe summer heat in recent years, leading to greater concerns about heatstroke and heat-related illnesses. Authorities and businesses have been adopting new measures, including improved workplace protections and cooling technologies, to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures. The “human refrigerator” is one example of how technology is being used to help people cope with a warmer climate.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 09:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
