JAPAN: Japan’s environment ministry has announced a subscription service to make air conditioners more affordable for its elderly citizens.
According to Japanese government figures, the death toll from heat stroke in Japan was 1581 in 2018 and 1224 in 2019, with more than 80% of those people being aged 65 and over.
Under the proposed scheme, the user would bear the cost of installing the air conditioner, normally about JPY25,000 (around $220), but does not need to purchase the main unit. Instead, the user will pays a monthly usage fee of JPY2000 to JPY3000 ($17 to $26).
