Japan has unveiled an unusual solution for dealing with extreme summer temperatures. Called the Do Hiemon Box, the one-person cooling booth resembles a giant refrigerator, but instead of storing food or drinks, it is designed to rapidly cool people who have been exposed to intense heat. Developed in response to rising temperatures, the product is already attracting attention for its practical workplace applications.
A cooling booth inspired by vending machines
The Do Hiemon Box was developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS and is sold by industrial equipment supplier Trusco Nakayama. Inspired by Japan’s refrigerated vending machines, the booth keeps its interior at around 15 degrees Celsius.
Once a user sits on the built-in chair, chilled air at approximately 5° Celsius is directed toward the head, neck, shoulders, and back. The companies claim users begin feeling noticeably cooler within five minutes, while spending around 10 minutes inside may help reduce body temperature and ease symptoms associated with heat exhaustion.
The portable booth offers three cooling modes and automatically powers off after 20 minutes to prevent excessive cooling. It runs on roughly half the electricity required by a conventional spot air conditioner, requires no installation, and is fitted with wheels so it can be moved easily between different work locations. It is intended for construction sites, factories, warehouses, outdoor events, schools, shopping malls, and other places where people are regularly exposed to high temperatures.
The launch comes as Japan experiences increasingly severe summers. The country has even introduced new terminology for days when temperatures exceed 40°Celsius, highlighting the growing impact of extreme heat. Reports also note rising heatstroke cases, prompting businesses and local authorities to explore new ways to protect workers and the public.
The Do Hiemon Box is currently available through industrial equipment distributors in Japan for 1.5 million yen (~$9,230) before tax, making it a business-focused product rather than a consumer appliance. Earlier this year, one unit was donated to Maebashi City Hall, where visitors can use it free of charge during opening hours. If temperatures continue climbing, similar cooling booths could become a common sight across workplaces and public spaces.
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