How ancient Japanese stayed cool using 5 senses during summer

The sun is beginning to shine brightly, and we are looking forward to the arrival of full-blown summer. Summers in Japan are hot and humid. Especially in recent years, the heat island effect can make the days uncomfortable and hard to bear. To get through the season, traditional Japanese wisdom offers ways to cope with summer heat exhaustion using the five senses.

Hearing: Coolness perceived by the ear

Hurin

A Hurin is a small chime used for hanging under the eaves of Japanese houses. They make a light sound when the wind blows and soothe us with their pleasant, irregular tones. Nosaku, a long-established foundry manufacturer, sells wind chimes with playful motifs of “UFOs” and “mirror balls.” These are handmade one by one by craftsmen, so the sound is characterized by subtle differences.

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Tactile: Coolness felt on the skin

Uchimizu

Uchimizu is the activity of sprinkling water on the street in front of one’s house. Watering the ground cools the ground, which lowers the temperature of the surrounding area. Typically, they do that in the morning and evening because water evaporates quickly in daytime’s warmer temperatures. It also is a cooling sight when you walk through a Japanese street splashed on a hot day.

Hyounou

A hyounou is a bag filled with water or ice to cool an affected area. They can also be used to prevent heat stroke in sports that involve long hours of outdoor activity, such as golf. It is worth having one in an emergency since they do not require electricity or batteries. Global Product Planning has released a new pattern of HYOUNOU to help people enjoy riding out the summer heat.

Sense of Smell: Coolness perceived through the nose

Mosquito coil (Katori Senko)

Mosquito control is essential in Japan’s humid summer. The smell of mosquito coils is one of the summer’s most popular traditions. Some contain Hakka, Japanese peppermint, as an ingredient that gives you a cooling aroma when lit in addition to the insect repellent effect.

Japanese interior brand ideaco sells a mosquito coil case with a minimalistic and beautiful design. This product has a fire extinguisher timer function, allowing it to be extinguished when not needed. Whether placed indoors as an interior decoration or taken outdoors, it is an excellent product that blends in with the space.　

Turning on the air conditioner certainly lowers the temperature, but the natural physiological functions of the human body are compromised. You can maintain your own health as well by spending the hot summer months sweating and using all of your senses as much as possible.