With the UK now enduring its fifth heatwave of the year and much of the wider world experiencing similarly unprecedented temperatures, one thing is certain – the planet is getting hotter.Here in Britain, the record-breaking hot spells have fuelled debate over whether air conditioning units should be installed in more homes, workplaces and schools.But in Japan, they’ve come up with another solution.
The Do Hiemon, which roughly translates to ‘cooling box’, is being sold to businesses and even installed in public spaces.Developed by Japanese industrial supplier TRUSCO Nakayama and refrigeration specialist Sanden Retail Systems, the Do Hiemon is designed to quickly cool down the body during extreme heat.The one-person booth is two metres tall and looks a bit like a stainless steel telephone box.
It has a glass panel door, polystyrene insulation boards and a bench inside for users to sit on.The inside of the box maintains a temperature of 15°C and blasts 5°C air through built-in vents.It has three cooling modes to help the body acclimatise to the chill safely and an automatic shut-off timer which activates after 20 minutes to prevent users from becoming too cold.
The Do Hiemon was initially designed for use by people working in dangerous heat, such as construction workers. However, it could also be used in emergencies, such as after earthquakes – when people may not have access to airconned indoor spaces.It is also being sold to businesses for 1,500,000¥ apiece (£6,973).POLL Would you buy a 'human cooling fridge'? Yes, it's too hot! No, I love the heat! Stay up to date with the stories everybody’s talking about by signing up to Metro's News Updates newsletter.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy Heatwaves and warnings Japan, like much of the rest of the world, is experiencing hotter summers that put its population at risk.More than 53,000 people in the country have been treated for heatstroke in the past two months and 79 deaths have been reported as a result.
Latest heatwave news and guidance Commuters warned after extreme heat alert activated ahead of 38°C temperatures How to protect your garden from wildfires The best portable air conditioners in stock now London's parks are yellow and dusty — doctors say you need this 'irksome' item for safety I’m a nutritionist — these are the worst foods to eat during a heatwave This is what sleeping with a fan on all night does to your body To get the latest news on the hot weather, visit Metro's heatwave hub.Here in the UK, it’s a similar story.Brits have endured weeks of hot, dry weather with little respite this year, and temperatures on Thursday are expected to skyrocket to 38°C in parts of the country.
Trending Now Bus driver, 25, gunned down in Clapham named after ‘shattered’ family pay tribute UK 21 hours ago By John Dunne Urgent warning to avoid watching the solar eclipse through your phone's selfie camera At least 11 human skeletons found buried in city centre roundabout Count Binface and Nigel Farage answer Metro's questions ahead of clash at polls Over the course of the summer, the extreme temperatures have forced schools to close, brought infrastructure to a grinding halt, 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, which are 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.
MORE: When is it going to rain again and could UK be hit by flash floods? MORE: I’m a nutritionist — these are the worst foods to eat during a heatwave MORE: Noticed fruit and veg in the shop looking a bit different to usual? This is why Comments Add as preferred source News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy HomeNewsTech Related topics HeatwaveJapanWeather Scientists uncover mystery material at Hiroshima bomb site - over 80 years after blast Tech August 6, 2026 By Rory McKeown Surge in 'eye injuries' searches after UK witnesses rare solar eclipse Tech 18 minutes ago By Josh Milton
Read More
