Key Facts
• April-June 2025: Home air conditioner sales rose 13.3% YoY to $2.15 billion.
• Sales peak shifted earlier due to June’s record-high average temperature in Japan.
• High-end models with energy-saving features and affordable units both saw strong demand.
• Panasonic’s “X Series” sales increased 1.4 times YoY by July 2025.
• Daikin’s “Urusara X” sales exceeded the same period last year.
• Mitsubishi Electric’s AI-powered premium models gained popularity for comfort-focused features.
• Heatstroke prevention: Daikin’s “Room Temperature Patrol” now standard across all models since 2022.
• July 28-August 3, 2025: 9,507 people hospitalized for heatstroke, 40% from residential areas.
• Portable air conditioners surged in Hokkaido due to low fixed-unit installation rates.
• Don Quijote sold over 20,000 “Anywhere Spot Air Conditioners” nationwide in 2025.
• Hokkaido stores sold over 100 portable units daily during peak demand.
Summary
Japan’s record-breaking heat in 2025 has driven air conditioner sales to their highest in 25 years, with a 13.3% year-on-year increase in April-June sales, totaling $2.15 billion. Demand surged due to early summer heat and interest in energy-efficient and affordable models. Premium units from Panasonic, Daikin, and Mitsubishi Electric saw strong performance, with features like AI-driven comfort and heatstroke prevention gaining traction. Daikin’s “Room Temperature Patrol” feature, now standard across all models, highlights the focus on safety. Meanwhile, portable air conditioners gained popularity in Hokkaido, where installation challenges persist. Don Quijote’s portable units sold rapidly, reflecting the urgency of heat management solutions.
