Japan Combats Record-Breaking Heat with Innovative Technology
Japan has always strived to stay ahead in the field of technology, and now they are incorporating it into their clothing. With the increasing global temperatures, Japanese companies are embracing new advancements to assist individuals in dealing with the scorching summer heat. Recently, Japan experienced its hottest summer in a hundred years, which has sparked worries about the risks of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
According to an AFP report, at least 53 people died of heatstroke and nearly 50,000 needed emergency care. To address this dire situation, companies are launching ingenious products designed to ease the heat.
Workman has introduced one such innovation. This is a company that makes clothing for construction workers. The company launched jackets equipped with fans in 2020. The jackets consist of two electric, rechargeable palm-sized fans on the back that draw air and bring a refreshing breeze to the wearer’s body at varying speeds, reports AFP. The popularity of these jackets underscores the growing interest in wearable fan-equipped garments, which range in price from 12,000 to 24,000 yen ($82 to $164).
A threat to the aging of the population
Heatstroke is a serious threat in Japan, especially among its aging population. More than 80 percent of heat-related deaths in the past five years have occurred in the elderly. To solve this problem, MI Creations offers neck cooling tubes that contain a cooling gel that, after 20 minutes in the refrigerator, can provide relief for up to an hour when worn around the neck. This innovative approach offers a simple yet effective way to lower body temperature and mitigate heat-related risks. This tube costs about ¥2,500
Liberta, another Tokyo-based company, presents a range of clothing such as T-shirts and arm sleeves designed to keep you cool. These products feature prints made from xylitol, which reacts with water and sweat to create a cool feeling on the skin. Likewise, Chikuma has developed office jackets and dresses with electric fans in collaboration with power tool manufacturer Makita and textile giant Teijin. Unlike traditional fan-equipped clothing, these pieces feature a unique construction that maintains a streamlined look and keeps cooling air circulating.
Parasols for men.
Even traditional gender norms are evolving as men embrace practicality over stigma. Luxury umbrella manufacturer Komiyama Shoten began producing men’s parasols in response to the Ministry of the Environment’s call to use such accessories for sun protection. While parasols were once considered feminine, more and more men are realizing the benefits of staying in the shade and the cooler scorching sun. Wearable fans are also becoming a popular choice, with people like Shoma Kawashima relying on them for instant relief from the heat.
Technology is not the solution!
While these innovations offer convenient ways to beat the heat, it’s important to understand that devices alone won’t solve the challenge of rising temperatures. As climate change continues to affect the world, broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement sustainable practices remain essential to create a more comfortable and livable environment for all.
