Kao Launches "Hiyashima School" Heatstroke Prevention Program for Elementary and Junior High School Students

Kao Corporation, in the health and beauty care domain, will launch "Hiyashima School," an outreach program to teach elementary and junior high school students how to spend their summer outings safely and enjoyably, in June 2026.

1. Background Climate change is leading to increasingly hot and humid conditions, making heat-related issues a serious social problem. In recent years, the summer season has become noticeably longer, with record-breaking heatwaves continuing. We believe the importance of heatstroke prevention measures is growing for those who look forward to summer outings. Kao began offering outreach classes to elementary and junior high schools to teach heatstroke prevention in 2025. Feedback from schools that participated last year included positive comments such as, "We wanted students to think about heatstroke prevention on their own, and this workshop was exactly that. After attending, students' awareness of daily temperatures changed," and "We would love to have it again." Therefore, we have decided to expand the number of classes offered starting in 2026 and officially launch it as "Hiyashima School."

Scenes from the 2025 Heatstroke Prevention Program

2. "Hiyashima School" Program Content To help children stay active and energetic even in the summer heat, Kao employees will introduce points to be mindful of during outings and tips for comfortable living in a classroom format. The program includes hands-on activities such as using cooling sheets to "cool the neck comfortably" and explanations about "heat acclimatization," which is important for getting used to the heat by sweating, for example, during baths. Through the catchphrase "Hi-Ya-Shi-Ma-Su" (meaning "Let's cool down"), we aim to promote the acquisition of knowledge about heatstroke prevention so that children can practice it themselves during summer outdoor activities. As extreme heat continues to be a serious issue, we will continue to implement these awareness activities to contribute to the healthy lives of children and raise awareness of heatstroke prevention.

3. Schedule / Locations - June 15, 2026 / Jingu-mae Elementary School, Shibuya Ward - June 25, 2026 / Hiroo Junior High School, Shibuya Ward - June 30, 2026 / Harajuku-Gaien Junior High School, Shibuya Ward * Awareness activities will also be sequentially conducted at other events and sports classes.

4. Products Introduced in "Hiyashima School" "Bioré Cooling Towel" A cooling sheet that keeps skin temperature 3°C lower than before application for 1 hour*¹ Thick sheets contain abundant cooling water that absorbs heat and evaporates. The effect of evaporative cooling continuously releases skin heat (flushing). It is 46cm long and can be used by draping it around the neck. *1 When used outdoors at 30°C (including breaks in sun and shade).

"Bioré Cooling Towel for Kids" A non-alcoholic cooling sheet that keeps skin temperature 3°C lower than before application for 1 hour*¹ It is 46cm long and can be tied around the neck for a secure fit. It is also safe in case of emergency as it can be torn by pulling. *1 When used outdoors at 30°C (including breaks in sun and shade).

"B.A.B. Cool Mint Scent" [Quasi-drug] A carbonated cool-type bath additive for the sluggish summer fatigue*² Refreshing during bathing and after. The abundant dissolved carbon dioxide enhances the bathing effect, working on sluggish fatigue, cold sensitivity, stiff shoulders, and lower back pain. Contains menthol (cooling ingredient). Refreshing mint scent. *2 Feeling of fatigue