Keeping cool in summer: Ice Neck Ring

There are a huge number of cooling products available in Japan, and right now they’re taking center stage in shops across the country. Seasonal retail space has shifted fully into “summer mode,” with cooling goods grouped together in prominent displays. For this series, I’m looking at some of the items you’ll find there - and next up is the Ice Neck Ring. These aren’t reviews, just simple explanations of what each product is.

What it is
The Ice Neck Ring is a reusable cooling ring that can be frozen in a freezer. According to the package, it "naturally freezes below 18°C". Once solid, it stays cool for a surprisingly long time and helps lower your body temperature by cooling the neck area. You simply freeze it, pop it on, and let it do its job. People use them for commuting, walking, gardening, festivals, or just staying comfortable at home on humid days.

They’re popular because they’re hands‑free, drip‑free, economical and easy to reuse. In my family, this is probably the cooling item (of this nature) that we use the most. Have you tried it? Do you find it effective?