Mandom and JR West's 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze' Conduct 'Sweat Management Seminar' for Crew — Enhancing Premium Travel Through 'Invisible Grooming'

Mandom Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Mandom') has long been promoting awareness initiatives aimed at improving social comfort by leveraging its extensive research expertise on sweat and body odor to address everyday consumer concerns.

As part of these efforts, Mandom conducted a 'Sweat Management Seminar' on Thursday, June 11, for the crew of JR West's premium sleeper train, 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze'.

The seminar focused on 'invisible grooming' practices—such as odor care—as a key element supporting the experiential value of in-train service and hospitality. To help create a comfortable environment for passengers, Mandom shared practical odor care techniques based on its research insights, covering the mechanisms of sweat and odor formation and effective countermeasures.

【About 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze'】

'TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze' is a special sleeper train operated by JR West that allows passengers to experience the charm of western Japan through all five senses. Conceptualized as 'a hotel traveling through beautiful Japan,' it offers journeys lasting one night and two days or two nights and three days, touring the Kansai, Sanyo, and Sanin regions. The experience includes luxurious cabins, meals curated by Michelin-starred chefs, scenic views from the train windows, and cultural activities at various stops along the route.

● Official Website: https://www.twilightexpress-mizukaze.jp/

Seminar Overview

'TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze' continuously strives to enhance service quality with meticulous attention to detail in both onboard environments and guest interactions.

This seminar emphasized sweat and odor care as forms of 'invisible grooming' beyond outward appearance, providing crew members with foundational knowledge and practical care methods to support sensory-conscious hospitality and space management.

The seminar content was tailored to the unique characteristics of long-duration travel and high-intensity customer service scenarios, building upon Mandom’s existing program framework.

＜Understanding and Practicing Sweat Management as 'Invisible Grooming'＞

The seminar began by presenting consumer insights on how sweat and odor affect personal impressions and comfort.

It then explained the mechanisms behind sweat and odor generation, sharing key concepts such as:

- Sweat itself is odorless

- Odor arises from interactions between skin bacteria and sebum

- Controlling sweat and maintaining cleanliness are essential

- Sweat management may not only enhance perceived cleanliness but also improve personal performance

Practical sessions included:

- Choosing antiperspirants based on timing

- Appropriate care methods for different situations

- Tips for maintaining freshness during extended customer interactions

Participant Reactions

Attendees showed keen interest, attentively listening to both foundational knowledge and practical care techniques applicable to their roles. Numerous participants nodded in recognition during discussions of real-life challenging scenarios, indicating high engagement.

During product trial sessions, crew members exchanged questions and ideas about usage in daily service and long shifts. After the seminar, comments such as 'I’ll start deepening my care routine from the next duty' highlighted a proactive attitude toward integrating 'sweat management' into their professional practices.

Comment from Mr. Hiroshi Hashimoto, Section Chief, Operation Management, Mizukaze Business Unit, Railway Headquarters, JR West

'Participating in Mandom’s “Sweat and Odor Management Seminar” has heightened our awareness of delivering even more comfortable travel experiences, especially as we enter the hot summer season. On the Mizukaze, we value not only visible service details but also “invisible grooming” aspects such as fragrance and cleanliness. Through experiences like odor sample testing, we deepened our understanding of sweat mechanisms and causes, and each crew member reaffirmed the importance of self-management. We will apply these insights to future duties and continue striving for exceptional hospitality.'

Comment from a Mandom Representative

'Recently, awareness around sweat and odor has expanded beyond basic grooming to include comfort and psychological well-being, becoming a crucial factor in daily life.

In this seminar, we shared perspectives on sweat and odor care through the lens of 'invisible grooming,' positioning it as a mindset that enhances service quality.

Moving forward, we will continue proposing sweat management solutions tailored to various professional settings, contributing to more comfortable and pleasant social lives.'

About Mandom Co., Ltd.

Mandom operates under the corporate slogan 'BE ANYTHING, BE EVERYTHING.'—meaning 'Be everything you want to be.' The company offers a wide range of cosmetics, including hair styling, skincare, and body care products. Committed to both formulation and fundamental research, Mandom delivers value by enriching consumers’ everyday lives through innovative beauty solutions.

About Sweat Management

In 2024, Mandom designated July 8 as 'Sweat Management Day,' aligning with the phonetic association of summer perspiration. Sweat is a vital biological function evolved to regulate body temperature. However, sweating in inappropriate situations can cause discomfort. Mandom advocates 'Sweat Management'—appropriately controlling sweat depending on the context: sweating comfortably when needed and suppressing it with proper care when not. This approach promotes a harmonious relationship with sweat in daily life.

Mandom’s Research on Sweat and Odor

Mandom views sweat and odor not merely as physical issues but as social concerns significantly impacting mental well-being and quality of life (QOL). Its research has led to broad achievements, including elucidating the mechanisms of sweat and odor formation, identifying age-specific body odor components, and discovering ingredients that suppress sweat gland activity.

Research Website: Sweat & Odor Research Institute https://www.mandom.co.jp/sweat-smell/

Reference on latest antiperspirant technology:

GMA Reference: https://www.mandom.co.jp/release/2023102501.html

GMA Reference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZaokYqav08