#Japan #Tokyo #FANCL #Heatstroke #TAPPAN

FANCL and TOPPAN Collaborate on Innovative Heat Monitoring Sticker

FANCL Corporation and TOPPAN Co., Ltd., a group company of TOPPAN Holdings, have announced the trial provision of their new temperature-monitoring sticker, known as the "Shion Sticker" (示温シール), to the brass band members of Waseda High School. This innovative product, designed to visualize the fluctuations in skin temperature through color changes, aims to enhance awareness of heat risks, especially in outdoor settings where individuals are prone to heat-related issues.

Product Overview

The Shion Sticker is ingeniously designed to change color based on skin temperature, allowing users to easily monitor their thermal state. When applied to the skin, it can signal rising temperatures, benefiting not only athletes but also fans and participants, like the brass band members who perform outdoors. The implementation of this product comes as a part of AJINOMOTO Co., Inc.'s initiative called the “Aqua Solita® Heatstroke Prevention Project,” which focuses on health safety during outdoor sports events.

Importance of Heatstroke Awareness

Recent studies by AJINOMOTO revealed that nearly half of the spectators at outdoor sports events have experienced heat-related symptoms. Singled out are brass band members, who typically endure long hours in direct sunlight while performing, exposing them to significant heat risks. The collaboration between FANCL and TOPPAN aims to address this pressing issue by providing innovative solutions that foster better awareness and proactive measures against heatstroke.

Technology Behind the Sticker

The Shion Sticker combines TOPPAN's advanced film technology with a unique ink that changes color at specific temperature thresholds. The sticker begins to change color as the skin temperature reaches approximately 34°C, achieving its maximum color change at around 36°C. This built-in functionality allows users to intuitively grasp their thermal state with just a glance. Currently, the product remains in the development and testing stage, with further validation planned to ensure its effectiveness.

Collaboration with the Aqua Solita® Project

The "Aqua Solita® Heatstroke Prevention Project" initiated by AJINOMOTO focuses on safeguarding individuals who cheer for outdoor sports participants. By providing awareness and resources to help mitigate heat risks, the project intends to expand its reach beyond just the brass band, ultimately aiming to protect all supporters at sports events, school functions, and other public activities.

On May 31, a significant sampling event featuring Aqua Solita® took place during the "Koshien Brass Band Festival 2026," while more recently, a media briefing on June 10 showcased educational sessions and presentations for the Waseda High School brass band. The aim is to empower attendees to recognize the symptoms of heat-related issues and stay hydrated through the use of oral rehydration solutions.

Future Development

Both FANCL and TOPPAN are committed to advancing the Shion Sticker and further collaborating with educational institutions and organizations to raise awareness about heat-related health risks. The goal is not only to validate the product's utility but also to implement it in real-world settings by June 2027. The hope is to provide a reliable tool for individuals in high-temperature environments to manage their health and safety effectively.

With rising temperatures globally, initiatives like these are crucial. They not only serve to protect individuals engaged in physical activities but also promote a broader culture of safety and health awareness. FANCL and TOPPAN are paving the way for a future where health risks can be monitored and mitigated swiftly and effectively. Stay tuned for updates on this innovative project and its impact on community health.