
It’s the dog days of summer and your poor little poochie is sprawled out on the hardwood floor, trying to suck up as much coolness as possible. She’s looking up at you with those pleading, puppy dog eyes, hoping for some sort of relief from the heat because you’re too cheap to turn on the air conditioner. Sure, humans have handheld fans, fancy cooling sprays, and delicious ice cream, but what does Fido get? If you’re in Japan and have enough extra cash, your dog could be chilling out this summer in its own personal air conditioner box.
Officially marketed as a “heating and cooling dog house,” this dog torture chamber box was invented by the folks at MRT, a company based in Japan that produces sensors and measuring instruments. It measures 430x430x470mm (17x17x18.5in) and comes in three colors: wood, pastel pink, or pastel blue. The internal temperature of the dog house can be raised and lowered between 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) and 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Wait a tick…40 degrees Celsius?! With the front door latched shut, your poor pet is liable to start cooking…
Of course MRT doesn’t discriminate; the company suggests stuffing your cat, rabbit, or ferret in their boxes as well. If you love your animal 49,800 yen (US$515) worth (that’s the price of this crazy machine), then order yours on their official website. Energy consumption is estimated to cost only 750 to 1,000 yen (US$7.50 to $10) a month…so that’s good.
Whatever you do, just be sure to keep this contraption away from your microwave. We’re not responsible for what might happen if you confuse the two.


Japan’s new wearable air conditioner belt is here just in time for the Tokyo heat wave
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 odd ways Japanese people beat the summer heat【Weird Top Five】
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Okinawa man convinced he won 700 million yen by scammers, saved by convenience store staff
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Shinto shrine gate parfaits that tell your fortune now being served in Tokyo
Tokyo’s red-light district cafe lets you dine inside a real 1960s cabaret
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Studio Ghibli adds new finger puppets to its anime merchandise collection in Japan
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】