# Summer Food Carry-Ons The Tama-chan is a Portable Fridge That Can Keep Things Cool and Hot By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-04-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-fridge References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/04/21/the-portable-watermelon-fridge-could-it-be-the-perfect-gift-for-the-person-who-has-it-all/) & [joybond.co.jp](http://joybond.co.jp/product/00/c00-a-01.php) During summer, having an [icy beverage or cold watermelon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playtime-lunch-box) by your side is a mandatory accessory when one struts about the heat-soaked streets of summer, so having a [portable fridge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amity) just seems like a necessity. The Japan-based company of Joybond has launched a portable mini-refrigerator/heater called ‘[Tama-chan](http://joybond.co.jp/product/00/c00-a-01.php)'. The stroll-around temperature container is fashioned to fit almost anything inside of it -- it’s certainly big enough to hold a watermelon. The Tama-chan can be used to keep foods and beverages cool or warm while you watch pedestrians wallow in jealousy in the heat wave as you take a bite out of a cold watermelon. People will undoubtedly point out that having an icebox or a rice cooker would be just as fine, but the Tama-chan has the functionality of both, so unless you can find another portable refrigerator that doubles as a microwave, the Tama-chan is the logical choice. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Portable Refrigeration:** The Tama-chan demonstrates the trend of portable refrigeration, allowing users to keep their food and beverages cool or warm on the go. - **Multi-functionality:** The Tama-chan showcases the trend of multi-functionality in portable appliances, as it not only serves as a fridge but also as a heater. - **Convenient Travel Accessories:** The Tama-chan taps into the trend of convenient travel accessories, providing users with the ability to carry their chilled or heated food and drinks with ease. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Appliances:** The Tama-chan presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the appliance industry to develop more compact, versatile, and portable refrigeration solutions. - **Food and Beverage:** The Tama-chan offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the food and beverage industry to create more convenient packaging and products tailored for travel and on-the-go consumption. - **Outdoor and Camping Equipment:** The Tama-chan highlights an innovation opportunity for the outdoor and camping equipment industry to develop advanced portable cooling and heating devices that enhance the camping experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Portable Freezer Integrated Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/litheli.md) - [Backpack-Compatible Cooler Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooler-bag.md) - [Backpack Car Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/litheli-frozenpack.md) - [Suitcase-Style Mini Fridge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-mini-fridge.md) - [Electricity-Free Portable Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tony-food-storage-container.md) - [Solar-Powered Car Freezers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lion-mini.md) - [Summer-Inspired Japanese Snack Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokyotreat-minimart.md) - [Wearable App-Connected AC Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gloture-wearcool.md) - [Portable Dual-Compartment Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-dualcompartment-fridges.md)