Japan has launched a uniquely designed cooling booth tailored for individual use, intended to provide swift relief during scorching summer days. Named the Do Hiemon Box, this single-person cooling unit was created by Japanese refrigeration specialist SDRS and is available through the industrial supplier Trusco Nakayama. The company labels it as a “human refrigerator,” a fitting description given its appearance and function.
The device mimics the shape and size of a traditional Japanese vending machine, a deliberate design choice given SDRS’s expertise in refrigeration for vending machines. They have adapted their cooling technology to craft a mobile booth that comfortably accommodates one person, operating seamlessly indoors or outdoors without the need for installation.
Since launching in April, the Do Hiemon Box has been introduced in various public venues across Japan, with businesses and municipal authorities among its early users.
Mechanism Behind the Cooling Booth
The chamber maintains a constant temperature of 15°C (59°F) once the door closes. Users sit on an integrated chair while cool air at around 5°C targets the head, neck, shoulders, and back, providing direct cooling to the upper body.
The company reports that most individuals feel significantly cooler within five minutes of use. A session lasting approximately 10 minutes can help reduce body temperature quickly, potentially easing heat exhaustion symptoms—though this effect is presented as a benefit rather than a guarantee.
To avoid excessive cooling, the booth automatically powers down after 20 minutes. It features three adjustable airflow and cooling levels so users can customize the intensity according to their needs. Additionally, its energy consumption is roughly half that of a typical spot air conditioner, making it efficient for use across multiple units at work sites.
The mobile design requires no permanent installation, allowing the Do Hiemon Box to be moved easily between locations such as warehouse floors or outdoor loading docks. It can be rolled to wherever employees take their breaks during the hottest hours of the day. The video below demonstrates its operation.
Designed for Workers in High-Heat Settings
SDRS positions the cooling booth primarily for use at construction zones, factories, warehouses, and outdoor events—places where workers face prolonged exposure to heat without reliable air conditioning. The brief but focused cooling provided by the booth could offer meaningful respite.
Aiming at industrial rather than consumer markets, the Do Hiemon Box is priced at around 1.5 million yen (approximately US$9,326) plus tax, placing it beyond typical home use budgets.
One such unit has been donated to Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, where visitors can try the cooling chamber at no cost during business hours. This demonstrates interest from local governments alongside private sector clients.
Rising Temperatures Drive Innovation in Cooling
Japan recently introduced a new official term to describe days when temperatures surpass 40°C, reflecting the growing heat challenge. On July 15 alone, Tokyo hospitals admitted 48 heatstroke cases, underscoring the urgency for improved cooling solutions beyond traditional air conditioning systems.
Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate its temperature, posing significant risks to those working outdoors or in enclosed industrial spaces—precisely the groups targeted by the Do Hiemon Box. Its 20-minute automatic cutoff reflects an understanding that excessive rapid cooling can be harmful.
The Do Hiemon Box remains available through Japanese industrial equipment distributors, with standard models retailing at roughly 1.5 million yen plus tax.
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