Introduction
In an inspiring move towards education and community welfare,
Kokubo Refrigeration (a part of the KOKUBO Group located in Chiba, Japan) will be distributing a new supplemental educational material titled "
Future Creators: The Power of Ice" starting June 2026. This initiative aims to provide valuable knowledge to elementary school students in grades 4 to 6 across major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Educational Goals
The primary objective of this initiative is to equip children with the necessary understanding of heat stroke prevention, practical methods to manage it, and to enlighten them on using ice effectively in their daily lives, especially in sports contexts. By gaining insights into the benefits and skills associated with ice, students can apply these lessons to enhance their health and well-being.
As part of the education support project dubbed "MiraCre" (Short for Future Creators), Kokubo has partnered with
Social Services Inc. to create this resource, which will be supplied free of charge. In the past years, they have already delivered over 253,000 copies of this educational material. For the 2026 academic year, another 50,000 copies will be distributed accompanied by heat stroke prevention awareness posters that will be made available to schools.
Distribution and Outreach
This initiative will cover ten prefectures, including Hokkaido, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Shizuoka, Osaka, Hyogo, Fukuoka, and Oita. The distribution will total 50,000 copies of the educational book and around 2,600 heat stroke prevention posters.
Content Overview
The educational material is thoughtfully structured to cover various pertinent topics:
- - The impressive capabilities of ice
- - Recovery applications for sports-related fatigue and injuries
- - Cautionary measures against heat stroke
- - Creating effective preventive strategies for families
- - DIY recipes for heat stroke prevention drinks
The Ice Character Contest
To further engage the students, Kokubo Refrigeration will be hosting an art contest revolving around original ice character designs. Participants can submit their creations through the official contest page, which will be judged fairly. Winners will be recognized within three categories:
Rock Ice Award,
MiraCre Award, and
Future Award, with results published in October 2026.
Additional Efforts
Kokubo Group actively contributes to the community by conducting interactive classes in local middle schools, donating educational materials to elementary schools nationwide, and promoting heat stroke awareness through pamphlet distribution. They also provide Rock Ice to schools in their local area to facilitate heat stroke management during the summer months.
About Rock Ice
Kokubo Refrigeration introduced
Rock Ice in 1973, offering crushed ice packed for various occasions such as outdoor events, parties, and casual home gatherings. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in October 2023, Rock Ice remains a favorite for both recreational and sports cooling needs. Besides personal use, it is also instrumental in strategies against heat stress during sports activities.
Community Support Initiatives
In their ongoing commitment to supporting heat stroke prevention, Kokubo Refrigeration aligns with the
Heat Stroke Prevention Advocacy Project. This program promotes activities integrating the cooling power of Rock Ice into broader public safety efforts.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Kokubo Group's mission extends beyond product delivery; they strive to foster a rich food culture that revolves around ice. They actively pursue innovative uses for ice within the realms of sports recovery and heat management, ensuring broad social contributions through collaborations with professional and student sports teams.
Additionally, the group emphasizes employee health by maintaining a fitness center and actively focusing on promoting workplace wellness, resulting in recognition as a
Health Management Excellent Corporations in 2026. Looking forward, Kokubo Group will continue to prioritize health management as a core business objective, striving for improved workplace environments.
Company Overview
- - Name: KOKUBO Holdings Co., Ltd.
- - Location: 3-36-30 Honcho, Funabashi-shi, Chiba, Japan, R.I.C. Building, 9th & 10th Floors
- - President: Ryuhei Kokubo
- - Founded: May 2016
- - Website: Kokubo Group
As part of the broader KOKUBO Group, Kokubo Refrigeration remains dedicated to innovative products and services that impact the community positively and contribute to ensuring a safe environment for all.