Preparing Mercantiles to Cope with Japan's Scorching Heatwave
In the face of rising summer temperatures, Japan has been innovating creative cooling solutions to keep its population comfortable. Some of the most popular items currently on the market include neck coolers, portable fans, and cooling towels/wipes, among others.
Neck coolers are a common sight across Japan this year. These affordable and convenient devices use a special liquid that freezes at about 28°C. When warmed up while out and about, they can recover while in a cafe or other indoor space. The coolers work by cooling major blood vessels in the neck, efficiently lowering body temperature, and are safe for children and elderly people when used at less chilly temperatures.
Portable fans have become increasingly popular since 2018, evolving from simple mini fans to high-tech models equipped with Peltier cooling plates. These fans combine the breeze with direct cooling, reducing skin temperature by about 13°C around the neck area. Last year, fans equipped with "cooling plates" created a buzz in Japan.
Cooling towels and wipes are convenient for quick relief from heat, commonly sold in convenience stores. They work through evaporative cooling and their alcohol component. However, it's important to note that cooling towels and wipes may not be suitable for children or people with sensitive skin.
Other widely used cooling products include cooling gel sheets and sprays for heatstroke prevention, salt tablets/candies to replenish salt lost through sweating, clothing with built-in fans, traditional Japanese fans, and pop-up personal shade tents. These items reflect Japan’s diverse and culturally specific approaches to coping with increasingly intense summer heat.
Cooling gel sheets and sprays are applied to the skin for effective cooling, while salt tablets/candies help replenish lost electrolytes, especially useful for outdoor workers. Clothing with built-in fans, originally designed for laborers, has been adapted for everyday use by office workers, cyclists, and children. Traditional Japanese fans such as the rigid uchiwa and folding sensu remain popular, serving as practical and cultural summer cooling tools. Pop-up personal shade tents are a trendy way to create shade outdoors in parks and beaches, offering portable relief from direct sunlight without going indoors.
These innovative cooling solutions demonstrate Japan's commitment to providing practical and effective tools for its population to stay cool during the hot summer months.
Technology has played a significant role in Japan's lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty industry, as evidenced by the high-tech portable fans now widely used. Furthermore, home-and-garden enthusiasts can find relief from heat with the use of cooling towels and wipes, which are conveniently available in local convenience stores.
