The 12th Heatwave Countermeasure Exhibition opened Wednesday at Tokyo Big Sight's East 7 and 8 halls to showcase new technologies for heatstroke prevention [1], [2].
As extreme temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, these innovations aim to protect public health and stimulate businesses specializing in cooling solutions [2], [3].
The event, organized by the Japan Management Association (JMA), runs from July 15 to 17 [1], [2]. Among the featured exhibits are wearable coolers, silent handheld fans, and AI-driven temperature and humidity sensors [2].
A primary highlight of the exhibition is the Sony REON POCKET6. The device is designed as a "wearable cooler" that fits discreetly against the skin. It weighs approximately 165g [2] and is priced at 27,500 yen [2]. When operated at cooling level four, the device provides 5.5 hours of continuous use [2].
Caster Takahiro Inoue demonstrated the device's subtlety during a presentation. "I am already wearing it on my neck," Inoue said. "I don't think you would notice I'm wearing it at a glance" [2].
JMA Chairman Masami Nakamura said the three-day event is intended to be an "experiential" exhibition to activate business related to heatwave countermeasures [1]. The focus on data-driven hydration and temperature tracking reflects a shift toward personalized health monitoring during the summer months [2].
While the event focuses on technological solutions, the urgency is underscored by regional health data. In a separate instance in Fukuoka, 16 people were transported to hospitals on suspicion of heatstroke on a day when the first heatstroke alert of the year was issued [4].
“I don't think you would notice I'm wearing it at a glance”
The integration of AI sensors and wearable cooling hardware marks a transition from passive heat protection—such as umbrellas and fans—to active, data-driven physiological management. By focusing on discreet, wearable tech, companies are attempting to normalize the use of medical-grade cooling in everyday urban environments to reduce the burden on emergency health services during peak summer months.
