[Heatwave Countermeasures] Emergency Transports in May Surge 1.7 Times Year-on-Year! Salt-Replenishing Candies (Salt Tablets/Salt Drops) Become "Summer Disaster Preparedness Items"

Heatstroke Emergency Transports Surge to 1.7 Times Last Year, Exceeding 2025 Record Highs

In recent years, "early onset of heat" has become a social issue, with midsummer days being observed from around May.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, last year (2025) saw a record-breaking heatwave with the total number of people transported by ambulance for heatstroke exceeding 100,000 for the first time since data collection began (100,510 people, a record high) *1. However, this year, from May 11th to 17th, 2026, a total of 1,012 people were transported by ambulance nationwide for heatstroke, a 1.3-fold increase compared to the same period last year (765 people) *2. This year, the importance of heatstroke prevention measures is higher than ever even in early summer.

*1 Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, October 2025 https://x.gd/WeoNZ

*2 Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, May 2026 https://x.gd/nBbvT

"Evolved High Lemon" Offering Double Boost of Vitamin C and Salt Launches Again This Season!

Amidst the growing social challenge of heatwave countermeasures, including the early onset of heatstroke and UV risks, Atrion Confectionery Co., Ltd. (Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture), the manufacturer and seller of the long-selling "High Lemon" for over 45 years, has resumed sales of "High Lemon Salt Drops C" from April this year. Last year, these "delicious salt drops" were highly praised on social media. They provide a tasty and easy way to replenish "salt," easily lost through sweating, and "vitamin C" *3, which tends to be consumed less from meals during summer. Furthermore, this year, portable salt tablets "Salt High Lemon" and "Sports Drink Punch" have also been released. These offer simple solutions for summer health risks.

*3 Foundational research for reviewing the nutritional intake survey methods in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Review on seasonal variation of dietary intake in Japanese adults)

Salt-Replenishing Confectionery Becomes "Summer Disaster Preparedness Item"

Amidst continuing record heatwaves, the market for confectionery aimed at heatwave countermeasures is expanding, driven by increased corporate safety management and individual preparedness awareness. The demand for salt-replenishing confectionery is growing as a preparation for daily deficiencies in salt and vitamin C, which cannot be prevented by hydration alone, ranging from corporate safety management in factories and construction sites to club activities, sports, and outdoor festivals under the scorching sun. It is becoming one of the "summer disaster preparedness items."

[Annual SNS Sensation] "Tea or Sports Drink?" Solving Children's Water Bottle Dilemma with a "Hybrid Approach"

As summer approaches each year, the "issue of children's water bottle contents" becomes a hot topic. Many parents struggle with the dilemma: "Tea alone doesn't provide enough salt, but daily sports drinks raise concerns about sugar intake and cavities." In response, some elementary schools are beginning to officially permit "bringing salt-replenishing confectionery" as a heatwave countermeasure in recent years. Combining "tea" in a personal water bottle with easily consumable "salt tablets" according to school rules and family policies offers a "hybrid heatwave countermeasure." This is emerging as a new option for smartly replenishing salt and vitamins without increasing luggage.

[New Habit for Gen Z] "Edible Skin Care" - A New Portable Habit of Consuming Vitamin C & Salt Through Snacks

Among young people, a trend called "edible skin care" is spreading, particularly among Gen Z, where they carry their favorite snacks containing vitamin C in their bags for easy replenishment. While parasols and handheld fans are common, these snacks are becoming new companions for outdoor events and travel. This proactive approach of using snacks to smartly prepare for sunburn and summer fatigue is becoming a new standard habit for young people.

[One Year Since Heatstroke Countermeasures Became Mandatory] "High Lemon Salt Drops C" Receives Praise: "Refreshing and Perfect for a Sweaty Body, Even in Hot Workplaces"

In the business world, heatstroke countermeasures are approaching their first anniversary since becoming mandatory with penalties for businesses (enforced on June 1, 2025).

Pacific Grain Center Co., Ltd., a warehouse company, has distributed "High Lemon Salt Drops C" to its various sites and received feedback such as, "It's refreshing and perfect for a sweaty body, even in hot workplaces," "The balance of sweetness and sourness is exquisite, and even the rock salt at the end is delicious," and "It provides easy salt replenishment and is highly rated by site workers."

Product Overview: Replenish Salt & Vitamin C! Your Partner Against Heatwaves

Deliciously consume salt and vitamin C! A candy with an exquisite balance of lemon sourness and rock salt.

Product Name: High Lemon Salt Drops C

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Price (incl. tax): 216 yen (Estimated retail price including tax)

Sales Locations: Convenience stores, supermarkets, etc., nationwide

Details URL: https://www.atrion-s.com/products/hilemon-shioame

Two Portable Box-Type Salt-Replenishing Tablets

Made with a refreshing and crisp salt lemon flavor.

[Contains Vitamin C, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium]

Product Name: Salt High Lemon

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Price (incl. tax): 151 yen (Estimated retail price including tax)

Sales Locations: Pre-sale at Lawson stores nationwide

Made with a refreshing sports drink flavor.

[Contains Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium]

Product Name: Sports Drink Punch

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Price (incl. tax): 151 yen (Estimated retail price including tax)

Sales Locations: Pre-sale at Lawson stores nationwide

About Atrion Confectionery Co., Ltd.

Atrion Confectionery is a confectionery manufacturing and sales company that develops unique products with the slogan, "The one piece only we can make, from Shinshu Suzaka to the world."

They manufacture and sell a range of distinctive tablet, candy, and gummy products, primarily featuring the long-selling "Yoglet" and "High Lemon," loved for over 40 years, and "Pachi Pachi Panic," made with the only carbonated candy manufacturing technology in Japan.

In 2023, they joined the Marubeni Group and changed their company name. The name "Atrion" is derived from the southern star "Atria," embodying the aspiration to always possess "a sense of the times with a broad perspective," which is the star's meaning. As the Marubeni Group's sole confectionery manufacturer, they will further strengthen their global expansion alongside their domestic operations.

Company Profile

Company Name: Atrion Confectionery Co., Ltd.

Head Office Location: Takanashi 288, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture

Representative: Takaotake Yamashita, Representative Director

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of confectionery

Established: September 1, 1945

HP: https://www.atrion-s.com/

Instagram (Yoglet/High Lemon): https://www.instagram.com/yoglet_hilemon/

X (Atrion Confectionery): https://x.com/atrion_seika