Summer is here in Japan and, believe it or not, I really wish I was back in Australia. Why? Because it’s Winter over in the southern hemisphere. Here in Japan, the humidity and the heat make walking outside feel like a Sumo wrestler has you in a headlock and your face is in his armpit.
But fear not, Japanese (and Chinese) technology is here to keep you cool. Even though you probably won’t look “cool” wearing some of these contraptions.
(Note: Links in this article to products on Amazon.co.jp are affiliate links; Unseen Japan earns a commission if you make a purchase.)
The Vest: [PARALLEL MOMENT] 冷却ベスト クールベスト
First on the list is the cooling vest, a vest that’s blue enough to make you feel like a walking glacier. Just dunk it in water, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like farming, construction, or attending fireworks festivals. However, it does have the slight downside of making you look like an overgrown Smurf. And remember, once you’re indoors, prepare to leave puddles everywhere – truly a gift that keeps on giving.
The Cap: Mizuno’s CoolHold Cap / [ミズノ] クールホールドキャップ
Next, we have the Coolhold Cap from Mizuno. This hat is a lifesaver if you enjoy the sensation of a wet sponge on your head. Dunk it in cold water, wring it out, and enjoy the chilly embrace. Perfect for a heatwave but slightly less appealing when you realize you look like you’ve just stepped out of a rainstorm. But it works surprisingly well, and it keeps the sun out of your eyes and prevents you from getting a sunburned nose you don’t want.
The Pants: Mizuno’s Navi Dry Knit Long Pants / [ミズノ] ナビドライ ニットロングパンツ
Moving on to the Navi Dry Knit Long Pants, also from Mizuno. These pants are the unsung heroes of this collection. UPF15-rated and quick-drying, they’re the epitome of summer comfort. Finally, pants that handle sweat so efficiently you might forget you’re wearing any. Just make sure to check before leaving the house.
The Pill: Rirakunight GABA / りらくナイト GABA
For those whose summer nights are plagued by insomnia, meet Rirakunight GABA pills. Packed with a cocktail of calming compounds, they promise to lull you into a restful slumber despite the sweltering heat. Just another supplement to add to your nightly routine, but hey, anything for a good night’s sleep, right?
The Neck Cooler: Sungale Neck Cooler / ネッククーラー
And now, the summer pièce de résistance: the Sungale Neck Cooler. This neck fan is the Rolls-Royce of personal cooling devices. With a 5000mAh battery, LED display, and three adjustable fan speeds, it promises to keep you cool and collected for hours. The best part? It’s silent and foldable, making it perfect for everything from hiking to housework. If only it looked a bit less like a futuristic neck brace.
The LED lights at the tip of the neck cooler can change colors and depending on the setting, also flash so quickly that you can give someone near you a seizure. Maybe good for a disco? Who knows?
There is a 40,000 yen version of these things, the Cadillac of cooling devices known as the TORRAS COOLiFY Cyber, which is supposedly amazing. But with the budget I had for this article, the station wagon of coolers had to do.
The Towels: Aisunon Kyokurei Towel & Xingmeng Reikyuaku Towel/アイスノン 極冷えタオル & Xingmeng 冷却タオル
For a more traditional approach, the ice-cold towel is a classic. Dunk it in water, shake it out, and it transforms into a refreshing lifeline in the heat. The Xingmeng cooling towels take it a step further with UV protection, ensuring you stay cool and sunburn-free. Simple, effective, and perfect for on-the-go cooling. I’m kind of a fan of the Aisunon myself.
If you need cooling cheap and fast, then you’re in luck with Biore’ Cooling Towels (Biore 冷タオル), available at most convenience stores. They last for an hour and bring the temperature of the skin down -3 degrees Celsius. Five in a pack and each pack costs around 545 yen.
The Neck Ring: Ice Neck Ring / アイスネックリング
Next is the Ice Neck Ring, which cools at a mere 28°C. Perfect for those who want to wear a portable freezer around their neck without drawing too much attention. Just remember to put it in the freezer. It’s reusable and ideal for commuting or outdoor activities.
I would have posted a picture of it here but I let my Zen Master try it out and he loved it so much, I gave it to him. Reasonably priced and easy to use. Okay, you might look a little like you have a toilet bowl around your neck, but you’re cool and they’re the fool, so enjoy.
The Waist Fan: The New 2024 Koshikade Senpuki /【2024新発売】 腰掛け扇風機
Finally, we have the Waist Fan. This gadget promises a powerful breeze right where you need it, hands-free. The only issue? It’s about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Sure, it sounds like a great idea, but in practice, it’s about as effective as waving a piece of paper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some of these gadgets might make you look like a walking science experiment, they do their job. From the dunkable vest and cap to the sophisticated neck fan, there’s something for every level of heat-induced desperation. Supposedly there are even t-shirts that will bring your body temperature down 2 degrees as well. Might have to try them out. Just be wary of the waist fan – it’s better at making promises than delivering breezes.
So, gear up, stay cool, and embrace the absurdity of modern cooling technology. After all, looking like a dweeb is a small price to pay for not sweating through your summer. Who’s the fool and who’s cool? If you ask me, the person who is not dying from heatstroke.
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