Japan celebrates the invention of air conditioning
24th June 2026
JAPAN: Carrier is to launch a campaign in Japan to highlight the origins of air conditioning and its value to society to mark Air Conditioning Invention Day on July 17.
Air Conditioning Invention Day was officially recognised by the Japan Anniversary Association in January to recognise the historic achievements of Carrier founder Dr Willis Carrier, considered the inventor of modern air conditioning.
In 1902, Dr Carrier developed an air-cooling system to control humidity and improve print quality at a New York printing plant. On July 17 of that year, he added his initials to the mechanical drawing as a mark of approval – an act widely regarded as the starting point of modern air conditioning technology.
The campaign will explore the importance of air conditioning delivering cooling comfort across homes, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities and data centres.
Advertisements highlighting the history of air conditioning will be displayed on major commuter railway lines in Tokyo and the Kansai region, including the JR Yamanote Line and the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway.
Additionally, a dedicated Air Conditioning Invention Day webpage will be launched on the company’s external website on July 1, with promotion across Carrier Japan’s corporate and social media channels.
“Air Conditioning Invention Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our origins and take pride in the invention that defines us, as well as in the value we have created together with society over time,” said Carrier Japan president Maruyama Mineo.
“Through this campaign, we aim to share its history and significance more broadly, and to build on these insights to create new value.”
