Kao's Bub and Kumagaya City Unite for Summer Heat Relief
This summer, Kao Corporation's popular medicinal bath additive, Bub, is embarking on an exciting initiative with the city of Kumagaya, known for its extreme heat. The collaboration is part of Bub's campaign aimed at promoting the value of taking baths, particularly in the hot season. With the slogan, “When it’s hot, we keep soaking,” the project focuses on tackling
Natsubate—the feeling of fatigue brought on by the summer heat.
Addressing a Growing Concern
In recent years, Japan has faced increasingly severe summer heat, with record temperatures becoming more common. For instance, last summer saw around 98,000 emergency transports nationwide due to heatstroke. This year, experts predict higher-than-normal temperatures from June to August, intensifying the need for effective heat management strategies. In response, Kao's Bub is advocating for daily soothing baths using carbonate at a comfortable 38°C to combat this fatigue.
Thanks to the collaboration with Kumagaya, known for reaching 41.1°C in July 2018, the project will conduct various trials and initiatives to share the benefits of soaking, especially for those who endure the summer heat. From providing information on heat management to offering trials of warm carbonate baths, the goal is to energize and help everyone get through the summer effectively.
Initiatives to Support the Community
Kao plans several initiatives as part of the summer fatigue countermeasure project in Kumagaya. Targeting local firefighters, construction workers, students, and sports teams, Bub will provide samples of their product, Bub Cool. This bath additive effectively enhances the benefits of bathing, helping to alleviate the fatigue associated with high temperatures. Bub Cool contains menthol for a refreshing sensation both during and after the bath, making it an ideal product for hot days. A limited-time collaboration will also take place in Kumagaya’s bathing facilities, where users can enjoy Bub Cool-themed baths.
Additionally, at the historically rich Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival, renowned for its traditional hand-held fans, Bub will distribute unique fans along with samples of Bub Cool to further promote heat fatigue prevention. This partnership between Bub and Kumagaya City promises to be an exciting and effective campaign that resonates across Japan.
Supporting Smart City Initiatives
Kumagaya City is committed to being more than just a hot city. It has formulated various strategies for heat management, establishing cool shelters across the city to protect residents from heat-related health issues. Through its official LINE app, Kumagaya offers a Smart Package that combines technology with heat management, displaying thermal environments for a safer living experience. Such initiatives have contributed to Kumagaya's recognition as a Smart City.
Voices from Leaders
Tetsuya Kobayashi, the Mayor of Kumagaya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Kao, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fighting summer heat. He invites everyone to participate in the project, encouraging residents to embrace the summer and enjoy the benefits that soaking can provide.
The healthcare division at Kao also echoed this sentiment, confirming their commitment to expanding the value of bathing while collaborating with Kumagaya City in this important campaign.
A Call to Action
As summer approaches, both Bub and Kumagaya City encourage everyone to take heat-related fatigue seriously. The combination of warm carbonate bathing, community support, and effective heat management strategies will provide much-needed relief during the hot summer months. Bub's innovative product offerings, such as Bub Cool, enhance this effort, promising a refreshing and revitalizing experience.
To learn more or participate in the upcoming initiatives, visit Bub’s website for further details. This summer, let's combat heat fatigue together and enjoy the delightful experiences that bathing can bring!
Join us as we celebrate the joys of a relaxing summer with Bub.