“A refrigerator for humans”: Japanese innovation tackles extreme heatwaves

At first glance, “Do Himon” resembles one of the vending machines commonly found on Japanese streets. In reality, however, it is a personal cooling chamber described as the world’s first “refrigerator for humans,” designed to rapidly lower body temperature within a short period.

Users step inside the stainless-steel chamber, which stands 2.13 meters high and is 1.19 meters deep, where they are surrounded by a powerful stream of cold air.

The temperature inside the device is maintained at 15 degrees Celsius, while a 5-degree Celsius airflow is directed toward the head, neck, shoulders and back — areas particularly vulnerable to overheating.

SDRS, the company that developed the device, says users experience a noticeable reduction in body temperature after just five minutes, while remaining inside for 10 minutes can help relieve symptoms of heat exhaustion.

The device is equipped with a timer that automatically shuts it down after 20 minutes to prevent excessive exposure to cooling.

Trusco, the company distributing the device, says “Do Himon” is the first system designed to provide full-body cooling. It claims the device delivers results more quickly than conventional air conditioners and fans while consuming relatively little energy.

Operating the device costs no more than 16 Japanese yen per hour — approximately 10 U.S. cents — making it more energy-efficient than conventional air-conditioning systems.

Designed for ease of transportation and use, the device operates through a standard electrical outlet and can be moved on wheels fitted to its base.

Its developers say the device could be particularly useful at construction sites and farms, providing workers with a refuge from extreme heat. It could also be installed in shopping malls, schools, sports facilities, festivals and other public venues where large numbers of people gather.

The innovation, however, comes with a high price tag. Each unit costs around 1.5 million Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $10,000.

Since being launched on the Japanese market last April, “Do Himon” has attracted considerable attention across the country and generated significant interest on social media.

One user described the device as “a great tool for adapting to working conditions in factories,” while another wrote on X: “This device is needed everywhere around the world.” A third user said: “I need one of these in Florida.”

Despite the interest it has generated, SDRS and Trusco have not yet announced plans to introduce the device to markets outside Japan.

The launch comes as Japan faces unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius in some areas and authorities issuing repeated warnings about the risks of heatstroke.