Japanese companies SDRS and Trusco have launched the Do Hiemon, a specialized cooling booth designed to treat heat stress. the device functions as a "fridge for humans," using powerful chilled air to rapidly lower body temperatures during extreme weather.
The 1.5 million yen solution for rapid cooling
The Do Hiemon is a stainless steel structure standing 7 feet tall and 3.9 feet deep, designed to look like a standard vending machine. According to the report, the unit utilizes a powerful jet of air chilled to 5 degrees Celsius that targets the user's head, neck, shoulders, and back, while the interior of the booth is maintained at 15 degrees Celsius.
Manufacturer SDRS claims that users can experience a significant cooling effect in just five minutes, and that ten minutes inside the unit can help ease the symptoms of heat exhaustion. To prevent the risk of overcooling, the Do Hiemon includes an automatic timer that shuts the machine off after 20 minutes. The unit carries a price tag of 1.5 million yen, which is approximately 6,862 pounds.
Combatting the 2,160 heat-related deaths of 2024
This innovation arrives as Japan faces a severe public health crisis driven by rising temperatures . As the report says, the Central Environment Council in Japan notes that the country averages over 1,500 heatstroke deaths annually. However, the summer of 2024 saw a dramatic spike, with 2,160 heat-related fatalities recorded.
The severity of the climate shift is evident in the data: temperatures rose 2.36 degrees Celsius above the average during the 2024 summer season. the Japanese fire and disaster management agency has already reported six deaths and 4,500 hospitalizations during the current heatwave, underscoring the urgent need for rapid-intervention cooling tools like the Do Hiemon.
From construction sites to Isesaki's 41.8-degree peaks
The Do Hiemon is designed for versatility and low-cost maintenance, featuring a wheeled design that allows it to be placed anywhere with a standard power outlet. Distributor Trusco asserts that the device is more efficient at full-body cooling than traditional fans or air conditioning, with operating costs estimated at just 7 pence per hour.
Potential deployment sites include high-risk environments such as farms, construction sites, schools, and sports facilities. Such tools are becoming critical in regions like Isesaki, where temperatures have peaked at a staggering 41.8 degrees Celsius. Since its launch in April, the Do Hiemon has already begun appearing in various public spaces across Japan to provide immediate relief to workers and pedestrians.
Will the Do Hiemon leave Japanese shores?
Despite positive reactions on social media and requests for global availability, SDRS and Trusco have not confirmed any plans for international distribution. This leaves a gap in the market for similar rapid-cooling hardware in other heat-prone regions, where authorities,such as the National Health Service, currently rely on more general cooling strategies and advice during extreme heat events.
Whether the Do Hiemon remains a niche Japanese product or becomes a global standard for industrial heat safety remains unclear. For now,the device serves as a high-tech stopgap for a population increasingly vulnerable to a warming climate.
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