From Human Fridges to Pet-Friendly Fan Jackets: Japan Battles the Heat

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By Dolphine Chen/Billie Sweetman/Laurel Stewart

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Japan is experiencing record-breaking summer heat, prompting people to find new ways to stay cool – from a “human fridge” that blows cold air on workers during breaks to laser hair removal and even pet jackets with built-in fans. Japan’s weather agency has introduced the term “kokushobi,” literally meaning “cruelly hot day,” for temperatures above 40°C. As extreme heat becomes more common, cooling innovations are becoming increasingly important across Japan and beyond.

Asia-Pacific