#Japan #Setagaya #Heatstroke #Updater

Collaboration for a Safer Community

In the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo, the innovative company UPDATER has commenced a groundbreaking project in collaboration with the local government to combat one of the most pressing social issues of our time—heatstroke. With increasing global temperatures, the need for effective heat management strategies has become more urgent, and this partnership aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to safeguard community health.

The Rationale Behind the Project

The backdrop of this initiative is the unprecedented heat wave that swept across Japan in 2025, marking it as one of the hottest years recorded. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, July 2025 registered the highest average temperature since records began in 1898, with certain areas, including Isezaki City in Gunma Prefecture, reaching record highs of up to 41.8°C. This alarming trend has raised concerns as the number of days classified as 'extremely hot' hit an all-time high, with heat-related emergency incidents in Tokyo alone surpassing previous records.

Recognizing the severity of this situation, UPDATER and Setagaya Ward have historically focused on addressing climate change through renewable energy initiatives. However, they have come to realize that it is no longer enough to merely mitigate climate change effects; the time has come to focus on adaptation strategies that can effectively address the realities of escalating heat challenges.

Consequently, starting from October 2025, UPDATER will deploy wearable devices across various public facilities in the ward to visualize heatstroke risks and create a crucial data foundation for future heatstroke prevention measures.

Project Overview

Measurement Period: October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026
Locations for Measurements: Various public facilities, construction sites, and workplaces of ward officials
Measurement Content: Environmental assessments using 20 wearable devices

The selected wearable device, "hamon band N" developed by Mitsufuji Corporation, boasts an e-SIM feature allowing LTE communication, enabling cloud visualizations and sharing of heatstroke risks across multiple locations. The device utilizes patented algorithms to estimate fluctuations in core body temperature from pulse waves, allowing for immediate risk detection and response through alerts via icon displays, screen color changes, and vibrations. With an IP67 rating for waterproofing and dust resistance, it guarantees approximately 30 hours of continuous operation on a full charge.

The data collected with SIM communication will be managed remotely to extract trends in heatstroke risks and inform strategic recommendations tailored to individual behaviors and actions.

The Vision and Significance of UPDATER's Initiatives

UPDATER envisions a future where people, workplaces, and communities are interconnected, striving for a transparent lifestyle through their Well-Being platform, "Minna Works." This approach aims to reduce hiring and retention costs while fostering workplaces that thrive on unity and safety. By visualizing vital environmental data like humidity and CO2 levels, they aim to substantiate scientific improvements in workplace conditions.

The heatstroke prevention initiative represents a significant extension of UPDATER's mission, broadening its focus from workplaces to encompass entire communities. As heatwaves increasingly threaten not only occupational safety but the overall well-being of society, UPDATER aims to utilize its technology and insights to establish a critical societal framework that relies on scientific data rather than intuition for heatstroke prevention.

This new paradigm of community sustainability transformation (SX) encourages residents to engage in preventive behaviors through accessible information.

Future Outlook

The insights and data garnered from this collaborative project will be pivotal in refining heatstroke prevention measures not just for Setagaya Ward but, potentially, across Japan. Analyzing environmental and behavioral data will facilitate the development of effective intervention models tailored to specific local needs. UPDATER intends to use this initiative as a model for other municipalities and private sectors, promoting data-driven heatstroke preventive measures nationwide.

The ultimate goal is to create a neighborhood where everyone can thrive in a safe environment while contributing to a society centered around well-being.

Stakeholder Voices

Comments from Setagaya Ward's Collaborative and Reform Department:
The extreme heat has profoundly affected both community life and public services. We see this project as an opportunity to better understand the heatstroke risks that our personnel face, paving the way for effective preventive strategies.

Comments from UPDATER CEO Eiji Oishi:
This year’s unprecedented heat signals a continuing trend rather than a fleeting anomaly. By harnessing the power of scientific data and technology, we aim to embed reliable heatstroke prevention measures into our community’s fabric, starting from Setagaya and expanding nationwide.

About UPDATER

Founded on October 1, 2021, as a rebranding of Minna Denryoku Co., Ltd., UPDATER offers services focused on traceability and transparency, tackling social issues head-on. Their diverse initiatives range from pioneering electrical traceability in decarbonization efforts to transforming the workforce through well-being practices. Recognized with several accolades, including the Prime Minister's Award at the 4th Japan SDGs Awards, UPDATER is committed to building a sustainable future through innovative solutions.

For more information, visit UPDATER's corporate website.