Kirin Sends 'Cool-Down Support Kitchen Car' to Fuchu City, Which Recorded Over 40°C Last Summer! Free Distribution of Heatstroke Prevention Drink 'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee' at Fuchu Station on June 26 (Fri) and 27 (Sat)

Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. (President: Kazuhiro Inoue) will launch a new heatstroke prevention awareness initiative in 2026 called the 'Cool-Down Support Kitchen Car.' The kitchen car will visit regions that recorded scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C last summer, where health risks due to heat are particularly high, to promote heatstroke prevention measures.

On June 26 (Friday) and 27 (Saturday), 2026, the company will distribute 2,400 bottles of heatstroke prevention drinks from the 'Kirin World's Kitchen' series—including 'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee'—for free at the 'Hikari to Kaze no Hiroba' (Light and Wind Plaza) in front of Fuchu Station, Fuchu City, Tokyo.

The 'Cool-Down Support Kitchen Car' initiative is led by the 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project' and operated with support from various special partner companies. The dedicated kitchen car will visit diverse heat-exposed settings such as events, seminars, elementary schools, and construction sites, delivering heatstroke prevention messages and providing context-appropriate cooling products and goods.

For this initiative, Kirin Beverage selected Fuchu City, Tokyo, after evaluating municipalities in the Kanto region that recorded temperatures over 40°C last year, taking into account local government challenges and residents' feedback.

Cool-Down Support Kitchen Car Deployment: Event Overview

Location: Light and Wind Plaza in front of Fuchu Station (1-41-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu City, Tokyo)

Period: Two days, June 26 (Fri) and 27 (Sat), 2026

Distribution Hours: 10:00 – 16:00

Details: Through the 'Cool-Down Support Kitchen Car,' the following items will be offered free of charge, one per person:

- Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee 500ml PET

- Kirin World's Kitchen Lime Salt 500ml PET

- Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee Soda 500ml PET (newly launched on June 23, Tuesday)

※ All drinks will be provided chilled.

※ Distribution will end once the estimated quantity is reached.

※ The event may be canceled without notice due to heavy rain or severe weather.

Kirin Beverage's Heatstroke Prevention Initiatives

Since launching 'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee' in 2011, Kirin Beverage has been actively promoting heatstroke prevention. Since 2019, the company has encouraged employees to obtain the 'Heatstroke Prevention Advisor' certification. This year, 86 certified employees are conducting awareness activities such as 'Heatstroke Prevention Seminars' across Japan.

The company conducts seminars at schools, collaborates with local governments to install awareness posters on vending machines, and partners with fire departments to promote heatstroke prevention to local residents.

These efforts have been recognized by the Ministry of the Environment and the public-private 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project,' earning Kirin the top prize in the 'Cooling Shelter and Cool-Down Spot Promotion Category' at the 'Cool-Down Award 2026.' This marks the ninth consecutive year receiving the top honor.

Ongoing Initiatives

Cooling Shelter Support Program for Municipalities

Now in its third year, this program supports municipalities by providing 'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee 500ml PET' to those conducting awareness activities at cooling shelters, in collaboration with the Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project. Municipalities from all 47 prefectures that have established cooling shelters were invited to apply via the project’s dedicated portal. As a result, 46 municipalities across 43 prefectures have been selected through a lottery and will receive product donations.

<Overview of Last Year’s Cooling Shelter Activities>

About Cooling Shelters

Under the fully implemented 'Revised Climate Change Adaptation Act' as of April 1, 2024, 'Cooling Shelters' are facilities designated by local governments as accessible heat-relief spaces when a 'Heatstroke Special Alert' is issued. Facilities such as community centers and libraries that meet specific criteria—including air conditioning and public accessibility—are designated as shelters.

The 'Heatstroke Prevention Action Plan' includes a mid-term goal to halve heatstroke-related deaths by 2030. It also calls on local governments, businesses, and citizens to take proactive preventive actions in their respective roles and settings.

Collaboration with the 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project'

The 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project' (Secretariat: Japan Design Association / Representative Director: Taro Yamashita) is a public-private initiative involving local governments, public agencies, companies, and NGOs, launched in 2011 with the goal of eliminating heatstroke deaths through the power of communication—'reaching out and speaking up.' This year marks its 16th year.

Kirin Beverage has participated in the project since 2015, aligning with its mission.

About the 'Your Town’s Cool-Down Spot' Initiative

Since its inception in 2011, the 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project' has worked to increase the number of 'Cool-Down Spots'—places where people can escape the heat. Under the revised Climate Change Adaptation Act, this effort has evolved into a city-wide campaign named 'Your Town’s Cool-Down Spot,' working with municipalities to reduce heatstroke victims through joint public-private action. 'Cool-Down Spots' designated in collaboration with local governments also serve as city cooling shelters.

The project promotes the concept of 'Cooling While Doing,' enabling local businesses and facility owners to contribute to heatstroke prevention while continuing their regular operations.

About 'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee / Lime Salt / Salty Lychee Soda'

'Kirin World's Kitchen Salty Lychee' has consistently emphasized 'electrolyte and hydration replenishment' since its 2011 launch and is widely recognized as a 'delicious heatstroke prevention drink'※1. The product supports consumers who wish to enjoy summer despite the heat. In May 2025, 'Kirin World's Kitchen Lime Salt' was released as a limited edition, and the 'Kirin World's Kitchen' series achieved approximately 106% of the previous year's sales volume in 2025.※2

※1 Meets the criteria of the 'Heatstroke Prevention Labeling Guidelines' (containing 0.1–0.2g of salt equivalent per 100ml of beverage)

※2 January 2025 to 20