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Launch of TASKAL® Dry Suit for Tsunami and Flood Protection

Tokyo, Japan – Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, and Yodogawa, Osaka, has begun to officially launch the TASKAL® dry suit aimed specifically at enhancing safety measures during natural disasters such as tsunamis and floods. This innovative product, developed in collaboration with notable experts and research institutions, is designed to improve survival odds in situations where quick evacuations become challenging, especially during overwhelming crises.

Background and Necessity for Development

Japan is continually at high risk for significant earthquakes and flood events, as evidenced in national disaster prevention plans and studies assessing potential impacts. Particularly concerning is the risk posed by the Nankai Trough Earthquake, where the time between the earthquake occurrence and tsunami strike can be alarmingly brief, making rapid evacuation improbable. Specific facilities such as hospitals and care homes may struggle to evacuate patients swiftly, potentially exposing them to the dangers of tsunamis and flooding.

In recent years, regions across Japan have also faced severe flooding due to concentrated heavy rainfall. A striking example occurred during the 2018 Western Japan floods, where areas like Kurashiki City in Okayama experienced catastrophic flooding due to dyke breaches, leading to unfortunate incidents where evacuation orders could not be acted upon swiftly.

The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 tragically illustrated the hazards associated with massive tsunamis, claiming nearly 20,000 lives as per police statistics. Most casualties were linked to drowning, emphasizing the urgent need for effective safety measures against similar calamities where drowning, hypothermia, injuries from debris, and various other risks converge.

TASKAL® was conceived to address these daunting situations and improve survival rates until help arrives.

Joint Development Efforts

The TASKAL® suit was collaboratively developed, integrating data from past tsunami-related incidents into its design specifications. Notable components of the research included:

• - Port and Airport Technology Research Institute: Provided technical advice on expected flow and inundation conditions during tsunamis and floods, aided experiments to confirm the buoyancy and posture of wearers in simulated water currents.
• - Horizon Co., Ltd.: Researched the design and usability aspects.
• - Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.: Managed mass production, quality control, pricing strategies, sales channels, and product warranty.
• - Koji Takahashi: Conducted research on rescue functionality based on damage assessments in affected areas.

Validation Through Realistic Testing

The functionality of the TASKAL® dry suit was rigorously validated through large-scale tsunami simulation experiments and in real marine conditions. Testing focused on assessing wearer responses related to posture adjustments, buoyancy behavior, hypothermia prevention, mobility, environmental resistance, and visibility in turbulent settings.

Testing Period: June to July 2019
Locations: Port and Airport Technology Research Institute's tsunami simulation facility and natural marine environments
Testing Methods: Included experiments to determine responses during water immersion, flotation variations, and collisions with objects.

Key Features of the TASKAL® Dry Suit

• - Designed for head-up buoyancy to minimize drowning risk with a full-body balanced form.
• - Constructed with breathable waterproof materials to prevent water ingress and protect against hypothermia during prolonged flotation.
• - Utilizes special materials to lower the likelihood of injuries and crushing incidents.
• - Made with materials that allow for quick donning and mobility during emergencies.
• - High visibility colors selected for both floating and terrestrial scenarios.

Please note, while TASKAL® has been tested under certain conditions, usability may vary based on different environments and circumstances. Complete prevention of hypothermia or drowning is not guaranteed.

TASKAL® Product Overview

• - Product Name: TASKAL® Dry Suit for Tsunami and Flood
• - Model Number: TY-001
• - Sizes Offered: S and L
• - Storage Dimensions: 550mm × 500mm × 400mm
• - Materials:

- Dry Suit: Waterproof breathable fabric (main fabric), neoprene (wrist gasket)
- Life Jacket: Polyester fabric, foam polyethylene for buoyancy

• - Distributor: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
• - Manufacturer: Takashina Lifesaving Equipment Co., Ltd.
• - Sales Commencement: Officially starting from August 2026
• - Target Customers: Municipal authorities, healthcare providers, fishermen, port operators, the private sector, emergency services, and the Self-Defense Forces.

For more information, visit the product website or watch the product video.

About Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Founded over 100 years ago, Taiyo Kogyo is a leading company specializing in large membrane structures. Our innovations in air-supported structures were notably showcased at the 1970 World Expo in Japan. Since then, we have participated in numerous large-scale projects worldwide, including the Tokyo Dome and The O2 Arena in London. We support the upcoming 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo, designing and constructing pavilions to uphold the event's success. Our technology, distinguished by economic viability, construction efficiency, light transmission, and design aesthetics, extends into various fields including construction, civil engineering, logistics, disaster prevention, and environmental conservation, ultimately promoting safety and security in society.