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Relief from Cold with the Power of Hot Springs! The Future of "Care Fashion" Pioneered by "Kirusapu (TM)"
Previously, on fashion tech news, we explored the secrets of "TEIKOKU Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd." which embarked on the "IFMC. (Integrated Functional Mineral Crystal)" initiative, shedding light on the potential of health support infused with hot spring components introduced.
Recently, we received news that a new caregiving product utilizing "IFMC" has been launched. This product, called "Kirusapu (着るサプ)" is from "Care Fashion Co., Ltd." which specializes in caregiving products. Having developed and sold numerous products for the elderly, the company likely perceived the utility and potential of "IFMC."
Thus, we spoke with Kimiaki Tsujimura and Yuki Museki from the company about how they came to utilize "IFMC" and the potential benefits brought by its collaboration with caregiving clothing.
PROFILE
Kimiaki Tsujimura
Product Team Manager
PROFILE
Yuki Museki
Direct Sales Team Manager
Professionals in Clothing for the Elderly & Caregiving
Care Fashion Co., Ltd. focuses on selling clothing aimed at the elderly and those requiring care. Through facing a large number of elderly individuals, it has become evident that there are common issues encountered due to aging.
"As one ages, there are healthy individuals and those who require care. However, there is also an important segment that feels a decline in physical functions as they age.
"There may have been no issues in wearing clothing before, but at some point, individuals may suddenly find it difficult to raise their shoulders or get their sleeves on, or they may become clumsy with their hands, making it hard to button clothes" (Tsujimura).
These concerns were recognized based on voices gathered from elderly-targeted exhibitions and individuals residing in caregiving facilities over the years. Hence, to support the physical decline experienced with aging, the development of "KirusapuTM" was initiated.
First Encounter with "IFMC"
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The entire journey began when Teikoku Pharmaceutical requested introductions to OEM partners to launch products utilizing their "IFMC" processing technology.
Care Fashion, while introducing manufacturers, listened to the product's functionalities and proposed creating an item to alleviate coldness.
"So far, many threads and fibers have been developed to promote blood circulation, all of which utilized the effects of far-infrared rays. However, the 'IFMC' from Teikoku Pharmaceutical, which focuses on spa therapy and utilizes mineral crystals, stands out as a novel approach since it promotes blood circulation through the diffusion of nitric oxide (NO) and the dilation of blood vessels. I remember finding this innovation quite compelling" (Tsujiura).
"IFMC" provides blood circulation benefits through a completely different mechanism than traditional methods. This is why Tsujiura believes it can fundamentally address concerns related to coldness and cramps often faced by the elderly. As development progresses in collaboration with Teikoku Pharmaceutical, there must have been challenges along the way.
"Our company already has functional clothing that responds to the needs of the individuals involved, and by simply adding 'IFMC' to it, we created a product with greater effectiveness."
Because there are products backed by previous activities, new value could be added. "We are struggling more with how to communicate the effectiveness than with the product development itself," said Museki。
KirusapuTM, a Solution to the Problems of the Elderly
The "KirusapuTM" will be launched for sale in September 2024. Three categories—pants, pajamas, and undergarments—from the company's original women's product line with a proven sales record are prepared. What features do each of these types possess?"The 'KirusapuTM IFMC. Butt Smoothing Pants' utilize a roomy elastic waistband, and the rubber part is made with a slippery satin fabric, allowing elderly individuals to wear them easily even with weak hand strength.
"Additionally, the 'KirusapuTM IFMC. Large Button Pajamas' use large buttons that can be securely fastened even when hand mobility is compromised. Furthermore, the buttonholes are designed slanted for easy removal.
"Lastly, the 'KirusapuTM IFMC. 3/4 Sleeve Snap Shirt' features raglan sleeves to widen the range of shoulder movement and has seams on the outside for a better feel against the skin" (Tsujiura).
The clothing that adopts such universal design is enhanced by the blood circulation promotion effect of "IFMC." It was introduced at a partner care facility before general sales to confirm its effectiveness.
"Residents wore it for about a week. During that time, as staff assisted with changing clothes, they noted that the residents, who had previously suffered from severe coldness, felt warmth in their hands and feet.
"Of course, there are individual differences, but this high level of appreciation and the request to increase other items is unprecedented. We have also received similar feedback from customers who actually purchased the items, with comments appearing shortly after the sales began on our EC site" (Museki).
Solving Issues Across Generations
In Japanese society, where the proportion of elderly people continues to rise, how will care fashion confront this super-aged society?"I feel that extending healthy life expectancy is becoming a part of richness. I have a feeling that the function of 'wearable support' will eventually become a de facto standard. Nowadays, features such as UV protection and cooling sensation are commonly included in clothing, so I believe that the day when 'IFMC' is alongside them is approaching" (Tsujimura).
While continuing to focus on the functions of "IFMC," I asked what other objectives care fashion has.
"We believe that our strength lies in the know-how we have accumulated to support the concerns of the elderly. However, the type of support for physical functions we discussed today is not limited to the elderly.
"There are customers across all generations who seek the kind of functionality our products offer, so we plan to expand our product offerings to target a broader audience" (Museki).
Having created clothing that has previously focused on the elderly, care fashion now pursues designs and functions that are friendly to the body. By solving clothing issues for all generations and through the encounter with "IFMC," we will open new horizons in universal fashion.
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