Japan Rolls Out ‘Human Fridges’ Amid Worsening Heatwave

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:57:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japan’s hot summer forces a novel solution: costly cooling boxes that act like vending‑machine freezers, a move to cut rising heat‑stroke cases.

Struggling to cope with a deadly summer, Japan has introduced the Do Hiemon—“cooling box” units that can be bought by businesses for 1.5 million yen each. The units, modeled after vending‑machine freezers, aim to curb the 53,000 heat‑stroke treatments and 79 deaths recorded in recent months. CEO Testsuya Nakayama explained the design drew inspiration from refrigeration but adapted to public spaces, and BBC Tokyo journalist Kurumi Mori tested one on site.

Japan’s summer is hotter than ever. Over the past two months, health officials have treated more than 53,000 people for heatstroke, with 79 deaths recorded.

To battle the spike, Tokyo Mayor’s office has rolled out the Do Hiemon—literally a “cooling box”—in parks, malls and public transport hubs. Each unit costs 1.5 million yen (≈$9,400), and the aim is to provide cool, commercial‑grade relief for the increasingly heat‑stricken city.

CEO Testsuya Nakayama told the BBC that the fridge‑like design was inspired by the navy of vending‑machine freezers. “We wanted a ready‑to‑use, self‑contained unit that could quickly bring cool air wherever it’s most needed,” he said.

BBC’s Tokyo correspondent, Kurumi Mori, visited a Do Hiemon in Kyoto and reported a noticeable drop in ambient temperature inside the unit, suggesting the device could be a welcome comforts for both workplaces and shoppers.

While the price may seem steep, planners hope that widespread adoption could reduce the number of heat‑related emergencies, a growing concern as global temperatures rise.