#Japan #Tokyo #Thermos #&ONDO #Ai Yoshikawa

Thermos Unveils Exciting New Products and Character for &ONDO Brand

On August 26, 2026, Thermos Co., a global leader in vacuum insulated products, held the "&ONDO 2026 Autumn/Winter New Product Launch and Brand Character Presentation" in Tokyo. This event was pivotal as it marked the debut of the brand’s first-ever image character, actress Ai Yoshikawa, along with the unveiling of their latest autumn/winter collection.

During the event, Yoshikawa showcased an image movie titled "Her Socks" and the key visual that accompany the new collection. She shared insights into the behind-the-scenes experiences of the shoot and highlighted the appeal of &ONDO products. In an engaging discussion, Dr. Niina Ishihara, a specialist in warmth therapies and the deputy director of Ishihara Clinic, provided insights into the issue of "hidden coldness"—a subtle form of cold sensitivity—and introduced the innovative trend of 'W Warmth Activation.'

Ai Yoshikawa: The New Face of &ONDO

The newly released image videos, available on Thermos' official YouTube channel, center around the theme “Her Socks” and leverages Yoshikawa’s relatable charm. Her candid demeanor and vibrant personality resonate well with &ONDO's philosophy of making temperature a friend, effectively bridging the brand’s concept with a wider audience.

This strategic choice to partner with Yoshikawa stems from her relatable allure—she embodies the warmth and accessibility that &ONDO aims to deliver. Looking ahead, Thermos plans to continue showcasing the &ONDO brand’s essence through her engaging representation.

Sustainable Innovations in the &ONDO Collection

During the presentation, Nao Hida, Head of Product Strategy at Thermos, elaborated on the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The new autumn/winter collection prominently features room socks crafted from recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles. By reformulating popular products like the room socks, &ONDO continues its mission to tackle environmental impact while addressing the need for warmth in everyday life.

Haru Hoshino, a lead product planner from the strategy team, highlighted the new designs including the "Ultra Plush Room Socks" and "Everywhere Socks," which combine functionality with eco-friendly materials. This rebranding is part of the company’s evolution to marry sustainability with comfort, ensuring that customers receive both the coziness of socks and the knowledge that they are making environmentally conscious choices.

Behind the Scenes with Ai Yoshikawa

At the event's core was an engaging reveal of Yoshikawa's experiences during the brand's promotional activities. When asked about the new products, she enthusiastically praised the comfort of the "Everywhere Socks," stating their versatility and warmth are perfect for winter outings. She expressed how these socks could provide peace of mind during the cold seasons—claiming they serve as an “amulet” for winter adventures.

Reflecting on her experience wearing the "Ultra Plush Room Socks" during filming, Yoshikawa described the silky texture and snug fit, which feel delightful on the skin. Her honest feedback highlighted her promotional role not merely as a face but as an advocate for the product's benefits in day-to-day scenarios.

Expert Perspectives on Cold Sensitivity

The presentation also featured a talk show with Dr. Ishihara, who discussed coldness issues and shared findings from a recent survey about consumer preferences regarding clothing. Notably, 44.8% of women prioritize both appearance and functionality when selecting everyday outfits, while comfort takes precedence for summer indoor wear.

Engaging with the audience, Yoshikawa reflected on her own habits that may contribute to remaining cold, such as choosing cold beverages and experiencing chilly conditions while out on shoots. Together with Dr. Ishihara, they emphasized the importance of integrating warm practices into daily life to combat the effects of cold, especially during the winter months.

Dr. Ishihara proposed actionable strategies for warming the body from both the inside and outside, which they termed 'W Warmth Activation.' This emerging trend focuses on pairing warm clothing with hot beverages to effectively elevate one's temperature regulation.

Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Wrapping up the event, Yoshikawa encouraged attendees to adopt the "W Warmth Activation" lifestyle, highlighting the harmonious balance between wearing &ONDO’s thermally efficient socks and enjoying warm drinks from Thermos' vacuum bottles. Her enthusiasm resonated with the audience, encouraging collective engagement in wellness practices during colder months.

Press Conference Overview

The &ONDO autumn/winter collection and its brand character presentation garnered significant media attention. It showcased a promising mix of comfort, sustainability, and celebrity charm, ensuring a strong start for the upcoming collection slated for release on September 4, 2026. With Ai Yoshikawa as its face, &ONDO is set to resonate with consumers seeking both style and warmth in their wardrobes.