YKK AP's Innovative Products Win Awards at the 19th Kids Design Award

YKK AP Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently made headlines by winning significant accolades at the 19th Kids Design Award, hosted by the Kids Design Council. The company’s retractable gate, “Rayos,” received the coveted Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, marking YKK AP’s first win in this category. Additionally, their interior window product, “Uchiremo,” earned the Chairperson's Award from the Kids Design Council.

Overview of the Award-Winning Products

Retractable Gate “Rayos” - Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

The “Rayos” is a specially designed retractable gate that effectively separates wide openings between properties and streets, aimed at preventing children from rushing onto the road and deterring suspicious individuals. This product emphasizes safety, with meticulous attention paid to its components and design, ensuring protection during use.

The Kids Design Council praised “Rayos” for its thoughtful design, stating, “As the trend for open residential area designs becomes popular, considerations for accident prevention, particularly related to children running into the streets, are essential. This product assures safety through innovative designs, such as the handle and leg shapes, as well as the rounded vertical slats that enhance safety when folded.” These features contribute to preventing potential accidents such as climbing or pinching fingers.

More details about “Rayos” can be found here: Rayos Product Page.

Interior Window “Uchiremo” - Chairperson's Award

The “Uchiremo” is a renovation-friendly interior window crafted from durable resin, equipped with a unique handle designed to prevent pinched fingers. The incorporation of a “stopper safety handle” as a standard feature enables children to open and close the window with ease and safety. The design also streamlines the dimensions required for installation, eliminating the need for additional frame components, leading to a cleaner look.

The Kids Design Council highlighted the innovative safety features of the Uchiremo, noting, “The handle that releases a stopper when pressed is particularly effective in preventing accidents involving small fingers. The clever design allows for retrofitting without the need for extensions, resulting in a neat aesthetic and improved hygiene due to ease of cleaning.”

For more information about “Uchiremo,” visit: Uchiremo Product Page.

About the Kids Design Award

Established in 2007, the Kids Design Award aims to recognize outstanding products, services, spaces, activities, and research that promote a safe and enriching environment for children. The award focuses on projects that support children’s safety, creativity, and the creation of a family-friendly society, embracing designs not only for children but also those developed with parental and caregiver considerations.

For further details about the Kids Design Award, refer to the Kids Design Award Official Site.