Climbing Mount Fuji is a right of passage that comes with a price tag. Just breathing at that elevated altitude is a challenge. Technology offers a solution, at a cost, with canned oxygen. An object of some ridicule during the climb's early stages, it is a blessed relief near the top. Now, strutting around Tokyo in summer might not be in the same league but here too relief from the elements comes in a can. Strapya has created a portable air conditioning spray in a 220 ml aerosol can. Deploying the chemical cocktail, which includes ethanol, so smokers beware, on your clothing makes you feel like you just stepped into winter. They are available for 600 yen from online retailer Rakuten.
Fans of the old ways: Elecom sticks to tradition for putting the mercury in its place — using electricity to generate a cooling breeze. Its latest trio of stylishly designed USB-powered fans might not be a lot of cold air but at least they can take the edge off as you sweat away at your computer. They are priced at 1,155 yen, 1,260 yen and 1,890 yen with more information available at: www.elecom.co.jp/news/200705/fan-u/
No peeping: Sports equipment manufacturer Cramer Japan is looking to take the heat out of a very different situation with its "ShotGuard." It claims that its infrared-blocking underwear for female athletes make it impossible for somebody to take see-through pictures of the ladies. Once more technology has to step in to right human frailties. Reportedly infrared-blocking breast pads are next on the drawing board to deal with those too-candid snapshots. The company's Web site is at: www.cramer.co.jp/