Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Japan's Cooling Booth Offers Relief in Record Heat
Japan has introduced a new cooling booth called the 'Do Hiemon Box' to help people stay cool in the extreme heat.
This booth is like a small refrigerator where you can sit inside.
It cools your upper body with cold air, making you feel cooler in just five minutes.
The booth is being used in places like Maebashi City Hall and is expected to be adopted by businesses and organizations.
It's designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective, using less electricity than regular air conditioners.
The booth is priced at about 1.5 million yen, which is quite expensive, but it's hoped that it will help protect people from heat-related illnesses.
The 'Do Hiemon Box' is a cooling booth developed by SDRS and distributed by Trusco Nakayama.
It cools the upper body with targeted cold air at about 5 degrees Celsius.
Users typically feel cooler within five minutes, and a 10-minute session can significantly reduce body temperature.
The booth is energy-efficient, using roughly half the electricity of a conventional spot air conditioner.
It is priced at approximately 1.5 million yen plus taxes, making it accessible mainly to institutions with larger budgets.
- Who
- Developed by SDRS, distributed by Trusco Nakayama
- What
- A cooling booth called the 'Do Hiemon Box'
- When
- Available since April
- Where
- Japan, specifically in Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture
- Why
- To provide relief from extreme temperatures and reduce heat-related health risks
Proponents of Cooling Booth
Critics of Cooling Booth
Effectiveness
Proponents of Cooling Booth
The Do Hiemon Box is highly effective in rapidly lowering body temperature, providing relief within five minutes.
Critics of Cooling Booth
Some critics argue that the booth's effectiveness may be overstated and that it may not be a long-term solution to heat-related issues.
Cost
Proponents of Cooling Booth
The initial cost is justified by its energy efficiency and potential to reduce heat-related health issues.
Critics of Cooling Booth
The high cost of approximately 1.5 million yen makes it inaccessible for many smaller businesses and public facilities.
- Company
- SDRS
- Distributor
- Trusco Nakayama
- Temperature Inside Booth
- 15 degrees Celsius
- Targeted Cold Air Temperature
- 5 degrees Celsius
- Time to Feel Cooler
- 5 minutes
- Maximum Session Duration
- 20 minutes
- Energy Efficiency
- Uses roughly half the electricity of a conventional spot air conditioner
- Price
- Approximately 1.5 million yen (about US$9,300 or ₹9 lakh) plus taxes
