next year, when we finally move into our new place, we'll have a north american style house w/ proper insulation, windows etc which will go a long way to keeping things cool. trees are also a good thing. my lawn is still fairly green where the trees provide shade but mostly brown elsewhere.
since we're in the boondocks of shimane, one thing we have is space. enough in fact for one of these.

very tempting to get once the new place is finished in the spring. great way to make summer-time "friends" i'm sure. fg pool party in shimane next summer?