Japan’s “Human Refrigerator” Offers a Fast Cool-Down During Dangerous Heat Waves
As extreme summer heat becomes a growing public health concern, Japan is turning to an unusual but practical solution: a walk-in personal cooling booth designed to lower body temperature in minutes.
The device, called the Do Hiemon Box, is being described as a “human refrigerator” because it allows a person to step inside, sit down, and receive a blast of cold air targeted at the upper body. It was developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS and is being distributed by industrial equipment supplier Trusco Nakayama.
The cooling booth looks similar in size and shape to Japan’s familiar vending machines. It stands 2,029 mm tall, measures 931 mm wide, and weighs 293 kg. Despite its size, it is fitted with wheels, requires no major installation, and can be placed either indoors or outdoors. That makes it suitable for public facilities, factories, offices, event venues, construction sites, and other locations where people may need quick relief from extreme temperatures.
Inside the Do Hiemon Box, the ambient temperature is kept at around 15°C. Once the user sits on the built-in chair, cold air at approximately 5°C is directed toward the head, neck, shoulders, and back. These areas are especially important for rapid cooling because they help the body release heat more efficiently.
According to the company, users can begin feeling noticeably cooler within about five minutes. A 10-minute session may help reduce symptoms linked to heat exhaustion by quickly bringing down body temperature. To keep the experience safe, the booth includes three airflow and cooling settings and automatically shuts off after 20 minutes to prevent overcooling.
Another advantage is energy efficiency. The unit reportedly uses about half the power of a typical spot air conditioner, which could make it appealing for businesses and public institutions looking for targeted cooling without running large air-conditioning systems at full capacity.
The Do Hiemon Box went on sale in April for ¥1.5 million, or roughly $9,230, before tax. While that price makes it unlikely to become a household purchase, it is positioned as a commercial and public safety product. One unit has already been donated to Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, showing how local governments may use the booth to protect residents and workers during severe heat.
The timing is significant. Japan has been facing increasingly dangerous summer conditions, including days with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Heatstroke remains a serious risk, especially for older adults, outdoor workers, commuters, and people attending crowded events. On July 15 alone, 48 people in Tokyo were reportedly taken to hospital due to heatstroke.
With summers becoming hotter and heat-related illness on the rise, Japan’s Do Hiemon Box may offer a glimpse at the future of public cooling technology. It is not a replacement for shade, hydration, or medical care, but it could become a valuable tool in places where fast body cooling can make a real difference.
