As Japan grapples with increasingly severe and record-breaking temperatures, a Japanese refrigeration company, SDRS, has introduced an innovative solution: the 'Do Hiemon Box.' This human-sized cooling booth promises rapid relief from extreme heat, functioning like a personal refrigerator for individuals.
Innovative Design for Instant Comfort
Developed by SDRS, a manufacturer known for refrigeration units and vending machines, and distributed by industrial equipment supplier Trusco Nakayama, the Do Hiemon Box is designed for single-person use. The booth maintains an interior temperature of approximately 15 degrees Celsius. Upon entry, targeted cold air, roughly 5 degrees Celsius, is directed at the user's head, neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Users typically report feeling cooler within five minutes, with a 10-minute session providing a significant reduction in body temperature, which can help alleviate symptoms of heat exhaustion. The unit offers three airflow and cooling settings and includes an automatic shut-off feature after 20 minutes to prevent overcooling. Its portability, plug-and-play design, and energy efficiency—using about half the electricity of a conventional spot air conditioner—make it ideal for various settings.
Deployment and Purpose
Since its launch in April, the Do Hiemon Box has already been adopted by several organizations. Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, for instance, has made a unit available free of charge for visitors. The product is expected to see wider adoption in businesses and public facilities operating in high-temperature environments.
The introduction of the Do Hiemon Box comes as Tokyo and other Japanese regions face extreme temperatures, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Recent reports indicate a rise in heatstroke cases, underscoring the urgent need for practical measures to protect outdoor workers and vulnerable populations from the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, a global trend exacerbated by climate change.
Cost and Accessibility
The standard Do Hiemon Box is priced at approximately 1.5 million yen (around US$9,300), plus taxes. This initial cost positions it primarily for institutions and businesses with larger budgets, aiming to enhance workplace safety and public comfort during periods of intense heat exposure.