When June 21 rolls around, we’ll officially be entering the summer season and are bracing ourselves for Tokyo's impending hot, humid weather. While quick fixes like ice cream or kakigori are nice, it’s also great to have longer-lasting options that won’t melt into a puddle in our hands.
Leave it to Japan to come up with some wacky and wild inventions to help keep you cool and presentable throughout the unbearably hot and humid season. From icy-cool shirt sprays to tingly face and hair wipes, these handy products will help you survive the scorching summer heat. Plus, you can easily pick them up at your local drugstore, konbini or even at popular shops like Don Quijote.
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Wearing a shirt (or even a T-shirt for that matter) can become really uncomfortable in the dead of summer. This handy shirt mist can help relieve some of the mugginess by creating an icy feeling for 30 minutes or so (it depends on how much you spray on your shirt, really). Simply spritz 2-3 times on the outside of your shirt and let the magic happen – it’ll feel as if you have a block of ice pressed to your chest. Around ¥423
This refreshing gel eye mask is a lifesaver. Aside from giving your eyes a much needed cool down, it’s also useful when you’ve been staring at your computer screen, mobile phone or have been driving for a long period of time. The eye mask is meant to be worn for approximately ten minutes. You can also use it chilled – just pop it in the fridge before applying it on your face. Around ¥544 for a box of five
This icy cool neck belt is just like wearing an ice pack around your neck. The cooling effect lasts for about an hour and is ideal to use while out in the sun or performing light exercise. First freeze the inner gel pack; then run the fabric cover under water before sliding in the gel pack. Apply the light blue side on the skin, and you can adjust the fit with the drawstring. Around ¥785
If you’ve ever lived through summer in Japan, you’ve probably seen or used the ubiquitous Gatsby face wipes. Available in a multitude of scents and cooling strengths, these wet cotton sheets offer long-lasting cooling effects. They are especially useful to wipe away sweat and dirt throughout the day. Around ¥379
We hate it when the humidity leaves our hair sweaty and greasy. For a quick solution, use these dry shampoo wipes to freshen up whenever, wherever. Swipe a piece through your hair after your workout or while on the go and you’ll be left with clean hair free from pollen, dust and sweat. Around ¥445
Unroll this convenient towel and wrap it around your neck for a cooling effect that lasts for up to an hour. Measuring 46cm in length, the towel is designed to sit around your neck, but is also large enough to wipe your whole body with. And there’s no minty scent here; this towel is fragrance-free. Around ¥577 for a bag of five
When you’re sweating all day, your sodium level tends to drop, but you can easily replenish your electrolytes with these salt tablets. Available in lemon flavour, these tablets contain sodium, glucose and eight different vitamins including calcium and vitamin C. Around ¥238
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