Why are 'human fridges' being sold in Japan?

According to the BBC, Japanese consumers are increasingly turning to innovative cooling solutions as the country experiences record-breaking summer temperatures. Among the products gaining traction are portable cooling devices colloquially referred to as 'human fridges,' designed to help individuals regulate their body temperature while navigating extreme heat.

These devices, which often utilize phase-change materials or compact thermoelectric cooling technology, represent a growing market for personal climate control in Japan. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the demand for wearable technology that provides immediate relief from the sweltering conditions has surged, prompting manufacturers to expand their offerings beyond traditional fans and cooling sprays.

BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori explored the efficacy of these products, highlighting how they fit into the broader Japanese approach to managing summer heat. While these gadgets offer a novel way to stay cool, they also underscore the significant impact that rising global temperatures are having on daily life and consumer behavior in urban environments like Tokyo.