Kirin Strengthens 2026 Heatstroke Prevention with Cooling Shelter Support and 'Kitchen Car' Initiative

Kirin Beverage Company, Limited is promoting heatstroke prevention awareness in 2026 under the communication policy of 'gently supporting the desire to enjoy summer.' Starting Monday, May 18, the company will launch its third annual support initiative for local government 'Cooling Shelters' by providing products. Additionally, as a new initiative, it will deploy a 'Hitotsuzumi Support Kitchen Car' in late June to locations that recorded extreme heat days exceeding 40°C last year. This is linked with the 'Heatstroke Prevention Call Project,' which Kirin has participated in since 2015.

Following the full enforcement of the revised Climate Change Adaptation Act on April 1, 2024, operations for special heatstroke alerts began. Local governments are setting up and utilizing cooling shelters that open when alerts are issued. Furthermore, in April 2026, days with maximum temperatures of 40°C or higher were officially designated as 'Extreme Heat Days' (Kokusho-bi).

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's 3-month forecast, temperatures are expected to be high nationwide again this summer, requiring proactive heatstroke countermeasures. Moreover, the number of people transported by ambulance due to heatstroke between May and September 2025 reached a record high of 100,510.

By continuing product provision to cooling shelters and introducing the new kitchen car initiative, Kirin aims to support a summer where people can safely and enjoyably prevent heatstroke while staying hydrated.

'Kirin Salty Lychee from the World's Kitchen' is a fruit juice beverage that offers salt and hydration replenishment through the refreshing taste of lychee enhanced by Okinawan sea salt. Sales volume last summer increased by approximately 10% compared to the previous year.

The company has also encouraged employees to acquire 'Heatstroke Prevention Adviser' certification since 2019, with 86 certified employees conducting awareness activities this year. Kirin's 2025 efforts won the top prize in the 'Hitotsuzumi Award 2026,' marking its 9th consecutive year receiving the highest honor.

For the cooling shelter support, Kirin will provide 500ml PET bottles of Salty Lychee to a maximum of 60 selected municipalities from all 47 prefectures.

The new 'Hitotsuzumi Support Kitchen Car' will operate on June 26-27, 2026, at the 'Hikari to Kaze no Hiroba' in front of Fuchu Station, offering heat countermeasures and products while raising awareness about heatstroke prevention.