Japanese Companies Turn to Cooling Booths to Combat Heat Stress

Tokyo – 20 July 2026: In response to Japan’s summer heat, companies are increasingly using walk-in cooling booths for employees. The devices, occasionally referred to as “refrigerators for people” because of their appearance, are primarily intended to support people working in warehouses, factories, construction sites or at outdoor events. They serve as a short-term refuge when the strain caused by high temperatures becomes too great.

One model is called the Do Hiemon Box and externally resembles a large vending machine. It was developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS, while industrial supplier Trusco Nakayama distributes the booth. Temperatures inside are around 15 degrees Celsius. Anyone sitting on the integrated seat receives targeted airflow at around five degrees Celsius to the head, neck, shoulders and back.

According to the product information, the cooling system is designed for short recovery periods. It is said to become noticeable after around five minutes; after 20 minutes, the unit switches off automatically to prevent excessive cooling. The booth is mounted on wheels, requires no complex installation and can therefore be placed wherever employees are particularly exposed to heat during a shift.

However, the technology is no substitute for drinking breaks, adjusted working hours or medical assistance. Since June 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has required employers to establish clearly defined reporting procedures, emergency measures and employee briefings for work involving heat hazards. Companies are also expected to take the WBGT value into account. In addition to air temperature, this heat-stress index incorporates humidity, wind and radiant heat.

The stricter rules respond to a high number of workplace accidents. According to the latest final data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a total of 1,803 employees in 2025 were injured or became ill due to heat-related health problems at work so severely that they were absent for at least four days or died. That was 43 percent more than in the previous year and the highest figure since records began. The number of deaths stood at 19.

The cooling booths are attracting attention beyond companies. In Maebashi, in Gunma Prefecture, a unit was donated to city hall at the beginning of 2026, where visitors can use it free of charge during opening hours. A paper company in Kakogawa also tested the technology in areas where permanently installed air-conditioning systems are difficult to retrofit.

The trend shows how heat protection in Japan is developing from individual fans and drink stations into more comprehensive safety concepts. The organization of work remains crucial: at-risk individuals must be identified early, breaks must be made possible and any warning signs must be addressed immediately. The cooling booth is an additional tool for this purpose, but not a standalone solution to heat-related health risks.