Innovative Japanese companies are developing innovative products to combat the rising summer heat, such as fan-fitted jackets, cooling neck tubes, and sweat-reactive T-shirts, to help people stay cool and beat the heat, as the country faces a pressing challenge in soaring temperatures.
(Photo: PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images) A pedestrian walks with an umbrella to shield from the sun amid a heatwave in Tokyo's Shinjuku district on June 28, 2022.
Japan's Heat
Global climate change has led to hotter summers worldwide, including in Japan, where July was the warmest in a century. This led to the tragic loss of at least 53 lives due to heatstroke and nearly 50,000 people needing emergency medical attention.
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"Cool" Clothing
Workman, a pioneering brand, has transformed their fan-equipped jackets, originally designed for construction workers, into a mainstream sensation.
These innovative jackets feature electric palm-sized fans powered by rechargeable batteries, providing a refreshing breeze directly onto the wearer's body. Priced between 12,000 to 24,000 yen ($82-164), these jackets offer a tangible respite from the oppressive heat.
Japan, home to the second-oldest population globally, has experienced over 80% of heat-related deaths among senior citizens in the past five years.
To address this issue, MI Creations has introduced neck-cooling tubes, which can provide rapid relief by chilling a gel inside the tubes in a refrigerator for 20 minutes and wearing it around the neck for up to an hour
The Bigger Picture
Innovative gadgets, such as wearable fans, offer relief from rising temperatures but are not a complete solution.
21-year-old Shoma Kawashima emphasized that while these products are a step forward in combating heat-related discomfort and health risks, they do not address the broader challenges posed by global warming. Comprehensive measures are needed to tackle these issues effectively.
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