As Japan battles soaring summer temperatures and an increasing number of heatwave warnings, two Japanese companies have introduced an innovative personal cooling device designed to protect people from extreme heat. Dubbed the “human fridge,” the cooling system aims to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for workers exposed to high temperatures.
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Japan has recently experienced temperatures climbing to around 38°C, prompting authorities to issue repeated heatstroke alerts. In response, the newly developed cooling box offers users a rapid way to lower their body temperature.
The device resembles a stainless steel cabin equipped with a built-in chair. Users simply sit inside the enclosure, where powerful streams of chilled air circulate around the head, neck, shoulders and back. According to the manufacturers, the system can lower body surface temperature by up to 5°C, helping reduce overall body heat within minutes.
The cooling unit maintains an internal temperature of approximately 15°C and automatically switches off after a maximum operating time of 20 minutes to ensure safe usage. Measuring 84 inches in height and 47 inches in width, the unit is designed for use in workplaces where employees are exposed to prolonged heat.
Despite its industrial appearance, the manufacturers say the device is portable and can be moved to different locations as needed. Running the machine for one hour costs about 16 Japanese yen in electricity, making it more energy-efficient than conventional air conditioners.
The companies claim users begin feeling noticeably cooler within five minutes of entering the chamber, while spending around 10 minutes inside may significantly reduce symptoms associated with heat stress and heatwaves.
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The personal cooling system is priced at 1.5 million Japanese yen, reflecting its focus on commercial and industrial use rather than household consumers. Developers believe the technology could become an important tool for protecting outdoor and factory workers as rising global temperatures continue to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events across Japan and other countries.