Survey Reveals Most Japanese Residents Keep Air Conditioning Active During Summer Nights
In a recent survey conducted by Cross Marketing, a market research firm in Japan, it was revealed that 92.5% of households in the country own an air conditioner [1]. This trend is particularly notable during the summer months, with a majority of people choosing to leave their air conditioners on throughout the night.
The survey found that 56.4% of individuals reported leaving their air conditioners on all night, with the highest rates observed among younger adults in their 20s and 30s, at 59.0% and 58.2% respectively [1].
When it comes to temperature settings, the most common range during the day is between 26.0°C and 27.5°C, while at night it is between 27.0°C and 28.5°C [1]. This aligns with the rising summer heat and frequent heatwaves in Japan, which have contributed to a cultural norm of keeping cooled environments even during sleep or while out of the home [1][3].
The high usage of air conditioning is linked to public health concerns during extreme heat, despite contributing to urban heat islands [4]. As Japan continues to experience severe heatwaves every summer, this trend is likely to persist.
In summary:
- Air conditioner ownership: 92.5% of homes.
- People leaving AC on all night: 56.4% overall; about 58-59% in younger adults.
- Most common temperature settings: 26–27.5°C daytime; 27–28.5°C nighttime.
This indicates a strong trend of active AC use for comfort and health during Japan’s increasingly hot and humid summers [1][3].
The report, which was translated from Japanese, was published by Cross Marketing in 2025 [1]. The banner photo for the report was credited to Pixta [2].
[1] Cross Marketing (2025). Report on Summer Use of Air Conditioning. [Japanese source] [2] Pixta. [Source credit] [3] [Japanese source] [4] [Japanese source]
The banner photo for the report showcasing the rising trend of air conditioning usage in Japan during the summer was credited to Pixta.
This continuous reliance on air conditioning for comfort and health during the hot and humid summers can potentially impact one's sleep patterns and overall health-and-wellness, as sleep science suggests cooler temperatures are conducive to optimal sleep.
