GREEN DA·KA·RA Hosts 'Kodomo Kion Classroom'! Collaborates with Ogawa Umbrellas and Kao's Biore to Teach Practical Heatstroke Prevention Measures to Protect Children from 'Scorching School Commutes'

Suntory Beverage & Food Co., Ltd. has been conducting awareness activities since 2023 on heatstroke prevention for children under its 'GREEN DA·KA·RA' brand, introducing the concept of 'kodomo kion'—a child-specific heat environment where temperatures measured at children’s height can be approximately +7°C higher than at adult height due to ground reflection and other factors※1.

In the fourth year of this 'kodomo kion' awareness initiative, Suntory has partnered with Ogawa Co., Ltd., an umbrella and rain gear manufacturer that offers children’s sun umbrellas, and Biore, Kao Corporation’s skincare brand that markets the 'Biore Cool Towel for Kids'. Together with the 'Heatstroke Prevention Outreach Project' (secretariat: Japan Design Association), a public-private initiative to promote heatstroke prevention awareness, they have been hosting 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' sessions at multiple elementary schools in Tokyo since early July. The program targets first-grade students experiencing summer commutes for the first time, aiming to help them correctly understand and practice heatstroke prevention. The sessions include gifting 'kodomo kion countermeasure items' such as 'GREEN DA·KA·RA', 'children’s sun umbrellas', and 'cooling towels', along with educational lessons and hands-on demonstrations on children’s heatstroke risks, hydration, and safe use of sun umbrellas.

On July 8 (Wednesday), the 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' was held at Setagaya Municipal Setagaya Elementary School, and on July 10 (Friday), at Edogawa Municipal Shinzai No. 4 Elementary School, where over 180 children, primarily first graders, learned about heatstroke and preventive measures.

※1 The temperature difference in air at children’s and adults’ respective heights (including radiant heat effects) was measured in direct sunlight under clear, windless conditions above 30°C using commercial thermometers. For details and results of the verification experiment, refer to 'Verification Experiment on “Kodomo Kion” (Press Release No. SBF1397)'.

※2 Although differing from the meteorological definition of 'air temperature', the term 'kodomo kion' is used for awareness purposes to highlight the unique heat environment experienced by children.

Report: 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' at Setagaya Municipal Setagaya Elementary School on July 8 (Wednesday)

First-grade students learn about heatstroke and 'kodomo kion'

In the first half of the class, participating children learned about heatstroke and the concept of 'kodomo kion'. The lesson explained the symptoms of heatstroke and introduced, in quiz format, how children and adults experience heat differently. It was explained that children, being closer to the ground, are more affected by reflected heat and thus may be in a hotter environment. Participating children shared feedback such as, 'The quiz and lesson were fun and educational,' and 'The three tips for staying energetic on hot days were easy to remember.'

Distribution of 'kodomo kion countermeasure items' to participants

The class introduced three key points for staying active on hot days: 'stay hydrated,' 'escape the heat,' and 'cool your body.' Afterwards, participants received 'kodomo kion countermeasure items'—'GREEN DA·KA·RA' for hydration, 'children’s sun umbrellas' to escape heat, and 'cooling towels' to cool the body—encouraging them to apply what they learned in daily life.

Learning safe sun umbrella use through hands-on practice

In the second half of the class, the session moved to an outdoor terrace, where Mr. Ogawa from Ogawa Co., Ltd. conducted a practical demonstration on sun umbrella use. Children learned safe practices such as 'open the umbrella after checking your surroundings to avoid collisions,' 'hold it so your front view is clear,' and 'keep a little distance from friends while using the umbrella,' all while using the umbrellas. Children shared thoughts like, 'It was my first time using a sun umbrella, but since I’ve used rain umbrellas, it was easier than expected,' and 'It’s hot outside, so I want to start using it from tomorrow.' Parents of participants also commented, 'Some children have long commutes, and as summer gets hotter, sun umbrellas are necessary for kids,' and 'It’s great that children can learn together with friends at such events, making it more enjoyable and memorable than just learning at home.'

Strengthening heatstroke prevention at schools

Mr. Kusunoki, a teacher at Setagaya Municipal Setagaya Elementary School, who supports this initiative, said, 'The name “kodomo kion” is catchy and easy even for first graders to understand. The classroom lesson clearly explained how to use sun umbrellas, and the first graders really enjoyed learning. It’s rare for families to have the chance to teach practical usage, so being able to learn while handling actual countermeasure items at such events is a valuable opportunity.'

Highlights from the 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' at Edogawa Municipal Shinzai No. 4 Elementary School on July 10 (Friday)

On July 10 (Friday), the 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' was also held at Edogawa Municipal Shinzai No. 4 Elementary School. On a day when Tokyo recorded 31.6°C, children enthusiastically learned about hydration and proper sun umbrella use as heatstroke prevention measures. The class took place in the afternoon when sunlight was strongest, and children using umbrellas outdoors shared comments like, 'I was surprised that heat feels different for adults and children,' and 'I think sun umbrellas are good for building a body that won’t succumb to heatstroke.' On their way home, many children happily used their newly received sun umbrellas.

Children speaking energetically, practicing sun umbrella use, and heading home with umbrellas

Background: Purpose of the 'Kodomo Kion Classroom' initiative

'GREEN DA·KA·RA' has long supported family life as a safe and gentle hydration drink suitable for both adults and children. Since its launch, the brand has actively promoted awareness on children’s heatstroke prevention.

In 2023, a joint verification experiment by Suntory and Weathernews Inc. confirmed that temperatures at children’s height can be approximately +7°C higher than at adult height due to differences in ground reflection. This suggests that shorter children face a higher risk of heatstroke. Since 2023, the 'GREEN DA·KA·RA' brand has continued awareness activities under the name 'kodomo kion' to address this child-specific heat environment.※3

▼ 'Kodomo Kion' Official Website

https://www.suntory.co.jp/softdrink/greendakara/topics/kodomokion/

By 2026, the brand aims to transform summer from something to endure into something to enjoy, promoting practical heatstroke prevention in everyday situations through hydration and sun umbrellas as core strategies.