As the UK endures its fifth heatwave of the year and global temperatures reach unprecedented levels, Japan has introduced a novel solution: the 'Do Hiemon' – a human-sized cooling booth. Developed by industrial supplier TRUSCO Nakayama and refrigeration specialist Sanden Retail Systems, the booth is being sold to businesses and installed in public spaces to provide rapid relief from extreme heat.
The one-person booth, roughly translating to 'cooling box', stands two metres tall and resembles a stainless steel telephone box with a glass panel door, polystyrene insulation boards, and a bench inside. It maintains an internal temperature of 15°C, blasting 5°C air through built-in vents. Three cooling modes help users acclimatise safely, and an automatic shut-off timer activates after 20 minutes to prevent over-chilling.
Designed for Workers and Emergencies
Initially created for people working in dangerous heat, such as construction workers, the Do Hiemon is also intended for emergency use, like after earthquakes when air-conditioned spaces may be inaccessible. Businesses can purchase the booth for 1,500,000 yen (£6,973) each.
The device arrives as Japan, like much of the world, faces hotter summers that endanger its population. More than 53,000 people in the country have been treated for heatstroke in the past two months, with 79 deaths reported as a result.
UK Heatwave Warnings and Impact
In the UK, similar conditions prevail. Britons have endured weeks of hot, dry weather, and temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach 38°C in parts of the country. The extreme heat has forced schools to close, disrupted infrastructure, and caused a staggering 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales in May and June alone.
The Met Office has issued rare amber heat warnings, active from 9am on Thursday until midnight. London, the southeast, east of England and the East Midlands are set to bear the brunt, with temperatures remaining high for the rest of the week even after the warning subsides.
Broader Context and Responses
The heatwaves have sparked debate in Britain over installing air conditioning in homes, workplaces, and schools. In Japan, the Do Hiemon offers an alternative approach, providing a quick-cooling refuge in public and commercial settings.
As global temperatures continue to rise, such innovations may become more common. The Do Hiemon's availability to businesses and public spaces highlights a growing need for practical heat relief solutions, potentially setting a precedent for other countries facing similar climate challenges.
