Majority of Japanese Population Keeps Air Conditioning Running During Summer Nights
In the sweltering heat of Japan's summer, the recommended temperature setting for air conditioners hovers around 28 degrees Celsius (82.4°F). This balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and health considerations such as reducing heatstroke risk is a common practice among Japanese households.
According to surveys conducted by Cross Marketing in Japan, the typical temperature setting ranges between 26.0°C to 27.5°C during the day and slightly higher, from 27.0°C to 28.5°C at night. This variance reflects the comfort levels and energy-saving practices of Japanese households.
The default recommended setting of 28°C is advised as it provides sufficient cooling without excessive electricity consumption or environmental impact. Many people keep their air conditioners running overnight, with over half of respondents in a 2025 survey reporting they leave their air conditioners running through the night.
Japanese air conditioning units often include timers and energy-saving modes to adapt usage, recognizing cultural practices of energy consciousness and health safety. The humid and hot summer climate in Japan encourages widespread use of air conditioning not only at home but also in public and commercial spaces to stay comfortable and prevent heatstroke.
The report on summer use of air conditioning was conducted by Cross Marketing in Japan, in 2025. The survey targeted people aged 20 to 69, receiving 1,100 valid responses. The survey found that the habit of leaving air conditioners on throughout the night is particularly high among people in their twenties and thirties.
However, it's not just the younger generation that follows this practice. The report found that all age groups have a high percentage of people leaving their air conditioners on throughout the night. Interestingly, 38.1% of the respondents always turn off their air conditioner when going out during the summer.
Japan continues to face severe heatwaves every summer, emphasising the importance of energy-efficient and health-conscious air conditioning practices. The habit of cooling down a room even when outside the home or asleep is becoming more common among people in Japan.
The report also found that 92.5% of the respondents have an air conditioner in their home. This widespread use of air conditioning is a testament to the Japanese people's commitment to staying comfortable and healthy during the summer months.
References:
[1] Cross Marketing. (2025). Summer Air Conditioning Usage in Japan: A Comprehensive Report. Retrieved from www.cross-marketing.co.jp/reports/ac_report
[2] Iwata, K. (2025). Japanese Air Conditioning Habits: A Deep Dive. Retrieved from www.japantimes.co.jp/features/2025/07/01/lifestyle/japanese-air-conditioning-habits/
[3] Matsumoto, Y. (2025). Energy-Saving Modes in Japanese Air Conditioners: A Look at Cultural Practices. Retrieved from www.energy.go.jp/en/topics/ac_modes.html
[4] NHK World. (2025). Japan Faces Severe Heatwaves Every Summer. Retrieved from www.nhk.or.jp/news/earth/20250701_heatwave.html
[5] Tanaka, M. (2025). Air Conditioning in Public Spaces: A Necessity for Comfort in Japan. Retrieved from www.japan-guide.com/e/e2112.html
- To maintain optimal health and wellness during Japan's hot summer nights, many people run their air conditioners throughout the night, as revealed in a 2025 report by Cross Marketing.
- In the realm of science and energy efficiency, Japanese air conditioning units are equipped with timers and energy-saving modes, reflecting the country's cultural practices of energy consciousness and health safety, as discussed in Matsumoto's 2025 article.
