Enhancing Infection Prevention for Top Athletes with MA-T® Technology

In a groundbreaking initiative, Earth Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo) has partnered with McCain Advisory (based in Shibuya, Tokyo) and Keiichi Suzuki, the coach of the Japanese men’s judo team. This collaboration aims to utilize the innovative oxidation control technology, MA-T®, to bolster infection prevention measures for athletes. The primary objective is to ensure that athletes can maintain peak performance while mitigating the risks associated with infections.

The Need for Infection Prevention in Sports

Athletes constantly face a heightened risk of infections due to their intense training routines, communal living situations, and travel commitments. Particularly during weight-cutting phases before competitions or training camps, the strain can significantly weaken the immune system, making athletes more susceptible to illnesses. This situation can lead to training interruptions or even prevent them from participating in official matches. For instance, there have been documented cases where Japanese representatives have been forced to withdraw from world competitions due to infections.

MA-T® Technology and its Impact on Athletes

The application of MA-T® technology has already begun in sanitizing wheelchairs, which play a crucial role in the performance of para-athletes. As wheelchairs can be considered an extension of a para-athlete's body, ensuring their cleanliness is vital for optimum performance. MA-T® is designed to be gentle on materials, minimizing corrosion risks akin to water, thereby preserving the integrity of delicate wheelchair components.

Through this initiative, the goal is to create an environment where athletes with disabilities can focus on their competitions with greater peace of mind. Moreover, part of the sales proceeds from wheelchair sanitization products is under consideration for donation to support athlete funding via McCain Advisory. This effort aims to promote sports for persons with disabilities, fostering a society where all athletes can exemplify their best performances.

Roles of the Involved Organizations

- Earth Pharmaceutical: Responsible for the core development of MA-T® technology and supplying formulations tailored to meet athlete needs, ensuring technical support and the latest research findings are readily available.

- Keiichi Suzuki (Men’s Judo Coach): Assesses and instructs practical applications of MA-T® within the competitive environment. His personal experience and ability to communicate will help raise awareness and trust within the athlete community and society.

- McCain Advisory: Focuses on building a collaborative framework between Japan and the U.S. for MA-T®’s international recognition and branding, along with proactive information dissemination to sports and health-related media.

Future Developments

The initial phase involves integrating MA-T® within the Japanese judo team to validate its effectiveness. Subsequently, there are plans to expand its use to other sports organizations and international competition venues. The ambitious vision also includes delivering these solutions to the general public, contributing to broader sustainability initiatives.

Insights on MA-T® Technology

MA-T® (Matching Transformation System®) is Japan's first oxidation control technology that can stably produce necessary quantities of trace radicals when required. It boasts excellent disinfection and deodorization capabilities while ensuring safety across various fields, from healthcare and food safety to hospitality and airline services. Established in November 2020, the Japan MA-T Industrial Association (https://matjapan.jp) promotes the societal implementation of MA-T® technology, overseeing certification systems for quality assurance and proper usage, alongside collaborative research initiatives with diverse industries and establishing international standards.

Moreover, Earth Pharmaceutical has received accolades, including the Prime Minister's Award at the Cabinet Office's Japan Open Innovation Awards and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the Japan Resilience Awards, furthering its mission to expand the societal application of MA-T®.

About Keiichi Suzuki

Keiichi Suzuki, the current head coach of the Japanese men’s judo team, is not only an accomplished athlete himself—having won a gold medal in the over 100kg category at the 2004 Athens Olympics—but also plays a vital role in nurturing future talent at Kokushikan University. Since 2021, he has been dedicated to maintaining the world-class status of Japanese judo and ensuring its ongoing development.

About McCain Advisory

Founded in July 2025, McCain Advisory is a mission-driven strategic consulting firm with offices in both the United States and Japan, supporting clients in sectors where public policy, global business, and cultural diplomacy intersect. Leveraging its boutique agility and extensive networks in Washington D.C. and Tokyo, it offers customized strategies for government relations, reputation management, and international expansion, grounded in a high ethical standard and thorough analysis.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Earth Pharmaceutical, McCain Advisory, and Coach Keiichi Suzuki marks a significant advance in enhancing safety and performance for athletes, paving the way for a healthier future in sports.