Scorching weather in Japan prompts early spike in sales of parasols, sunscreens

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Due to the scorching weather, people’s interest has turned to materials and goods that do not usually attract much attention.

Attention is focused on heat-reflecting glass for windows. Major glass manufacturer AGC Inc. saw a surge in the number of visits to a website promoting the company’s heat-reflecting glass. The number increased by 50% in late June compared to mid-June.

The glass was originally developed by AGC. Since the surface of the glass is coated with a film containing silver, it reduces the transmission of outdoor heat into indoor spaces. Since the glass is thought to help increase air conditioning efficiency, it seems that not only building material makers but also general consumers are visiting the website.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. has seen its sales of cooling gel sheets rise about two weeks earlier than usual. Its shipment volume in the first…