Key facts
- Japanese companies are developing innovative cooling technologies beyond traditional air conditioning.
- Products showcased include fan-cooled clothing with advanced cooling units and portable misting fans.
- A tech expo in Tokyo featured 29 companies presenting heat-addressing products.
- Demand for heat protection goods is expected to increase, as past measures were deemed insufficient by consumers.
- Some firms are exploring remote work options to protect employees from heatstroke risks.
As Japan braces for increasingly extreme summer heat, companies are innovating to provide new solutions for heatstroke prevention, moving beyond conventional air conditioning. A recent tech expo in Tokyo highlighted advancements such as advanced fan-cooled clothing, portable misting fans, and even specialized beverage makers.
Mechalink showcased a backpack-type cooling item designed to lower body temperature significantly, while SharkNinja G.K. presented a portable fan with misting and cooling plate capabilities. Life on Products introduced an easy-to-use ice cream maker for slushy-like drinks. These products aim to offer more effective heat protection for both outdoor workers and daily life.
Purchasing data from Rakuten Ichiba indicates a strong consumer search for cooling solutions, with a recent survey revealing that a quarter of respondents found their previous year's heat protection measures inadequate. This suggests a growing market for innovative heat-mitigation products.
Beyond product development, some companies are also adapting work policies. Trinity, for instance, recommends remote work on days with a high risk of heatstroke, a policy influenced by a vice president's experience assisting an elderly person who fainted during a heatwave.