Clothing That Helps Your Future Self!? Call for Ideas on Next-Gen Assistive Wear to Make 2032 Workplaces Comfortable!

Daiya Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; President: Hiroki Matsuo), a medical products manufacturer, is calling for ideas and designs for 'next-generation assistive wear to support workplaces in 2032' as part of the 'Okayama Manufacturing ★ Student Idea & Design Contest 2026' hosted by Okayama Prefecture. From July 13 (Mon), 2026 to November 27 (Fri), 2026, we welcome submissions of ideas and designs that envision the future of work and propose new ways of 'working' where everyone can thrive on-site through the power of technology.

For details, visit:

Okayama Prefecture Official Website

Details of the Theme

[Theme] Upgrading the Future of 'Work'! Next-Generation Assistive Wear for 2032 Workplaces

[Objective]

By 2032, when you will be entering society and actively working, severe labor shortages are expected to become a critical issue in Japanese workplaces such as logistics, construction, healthcare, caregiving, and agriculture. How to sustain these foundations of daily life will be a major challenge you yourselves will face.

Therefore, we are calling for ideas and designs for 'next-generation assistive wear for 2032 workplaces' that integrate our support technologies with future technologies. Please think of products that allow everyone to work safely and comfortably. We look forward to proposals for new ways of 'working' where technology reduces physical strain and enables everyone to thrive on-site.

[Key Proposal Points]

Clearly define who and what job you are aiming to support

Choose one job—such as logistics, construction, caregiving, or agriculture—that you feel passionate about helping. Analyze the specific movements involved in that job and clearly specify what kind of physical burden your design will alleviate.

Design ideas that focus on comfort and ease of daily use

We expect design ideas that are easy to put on and take off, comfortable enough that anyone would want to use them every day without hassle.

How will the wearables change the mindset of workers?

Please include added value that positively transforms workers' attitudes—such as inspiring feelings like 'I want to go to work!' or 'Even though I lacked confidence in my physical strength, I want to try this job!'

Our Vision

We are a company that provides each customer with the 'joy beyond health'—the idea that 'because I am healthy, I can do X.' Our goal is for customers to smile by using our products to pursue things they once gave up on or try something new. Through this contest, we hope to inspire thinking about the role of 'health' in supporting richer daily lives by imagining society and living environments of the future.

Contest Overview

Okayama Manufacturing ★ Student Idea & Design Contest 2026

Submission Period

July 13 (Mon), 2026 – November 27 (Fri), 2026 (postmark valid on the day)

Submission Requirements

Please create ideas and designs for new products or goods aligned with the theme (challenge) presented by the company.

Eligibility

High School Division: High school students and students at technical high schools in Japan

University Division: Students at vocational schools, junior colleges, universities, and other institutions in Japan

※Individuals or groups may apply in either division.

Submission Method

Select one theme to apply for, fill out the required information and your idea/design on the designated submission document 'Application Form and Work Sheet (JIS A3 landscape)', and submit it by mail or email to the 'Submission Address' below.

Selection Criteria

① Creativity and Originality – How original is the idea? Does it propose new value?

② Concreteness – Is the idea feasible?

③ Commercialization Potential – Is it suitable for the times? Does it anticipate future needs?

※Judging will be conducted by the organizers and judges appointed by the organizers.

Awards

Grand Prix = 1 entry per division (Commemorative gift worth ¥30,000)

Excellence Award = 3 entries per division (Commemorative gift worth ¥10,000)

Encouragement Award = 7 entries per division (Commemorative gift worth ¥2,000)

Selected Entries = Several per division

Submission Address

〒700-8570

2-4-6 Ueyashita, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Industrial Promotion Section, Industrial and Labor Department, Okayama Prefecture

Growth Support Team

Contact: Kawasaki

Tel: 086-226-7379

Fax: 086-224-2165

Mail: [email protected]

▼For details, visit:

d60537-522-6870eefe2da50f810b626d2cc7e9cc59.pdf

Company Overview

[Daiya Kogyo Co., Ltd.]

Address: 1125 Furushinden, Minami-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 701-0203

Representative: President Hiroki Matsuo

Founded: April 1963

Capital: 10 million yen

Tel: 086-282-1245 (Weekdays 9:00–17:30)

Fax: 086-282-1246

Mail: [email protected]

URL: https://www.daiyak.co.jp

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daiyak_medical/ (@daiyak_medical)

Official X: https://x.com/daiyak_medical

Business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of a wide range of products including corsets, supports, assist suits, taping, and training equipment.