Workman Launches Exhibition for Disaster-Level Heatstroke Prevention: New Women’s Peltier Cooling Vests

Workman Co., Ltd. (HQ: Isesaki, Gunma; President: Koji Ouchi), which operates 1,101 stores including Workman and Workman Plus, will host an exhibition and trial event for its 'Heatstroke Prevention Peltier Semiconductor Cooling Vests' from June 10 (Wed) to July 31 (Fri) at the Workman Product Development Center in Ueno, Tokyo. The event is targeted at media, influencers, and major corporations, focusing on disaster-level heat of up to 45°C. At the venue, attendees can wear the cooling vests in front of large halogen panels, where temperatures exceed 45°C, and use thermographic cameras to record cooling performance.

While competitors in the workwear industry have largely withdrawn from Peltier semiconductor-based cooling apparel, Workman saw explosive growth last year, producing 250,000 units worth 5 billion yen. This year, the company is launching a model specifically for women, entering the massive potential market of heatstroke prevention for the general public. While competition in the general consumer segment is currently low, some outdoor brands have entered the space. The general public uses these products for walking, jogging, watching sports, cheering for children, walking dogs, festivals, outdoor activities, and motorcycling. Notably, at this year's Tokyo Motorcycle Show, the company sold 110 million yen worth of cooling vests to riders over three days.

Last year, Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, where Workman is headquartered, recorded the highest temperature in Japanese history (41.8°C). Inspired by this, the company began developing products for 45°C. Peltier cooling vests are at the core of this. While fan-equipped apparel works up to 35°C through evaporative cooling, semiconductor-based direct cooling is essential once temperatures exceed body temperature.

These vests are the 'trump card' for cooling on extreme days, offering up to a 30°C temperature difference. However, effectiveness depends on layering. The exhibition will propose three optimal layering combinations for both general users and workers, which can be tested in the '45°C Heat Experience Corner.' Attendance requires advance registration, and each slot is limited to one group to ensure a thorough experience.

Workman’s cooling vests work best when worn over their 'Ice Strike' -10°C cooling T-shirts (580 yen) or long-sleeve compression gear (980 yen). However, for UV protection or safety, an outer layer is needed, preferably with ventilation or mesh fabric to vent heat. The exhibition will demonstrate combinations with their proprietary XShelter UV parkas and cooling-vest-specific mesh vests.

Following stricter national regulations on heatstroke prevention in workplaces last year, worker-focused products are peaking. Workman is now focusing on the general public, who accounted for 90% of emergency ambulance transports related to heatstroke last year. The company is starting with educational efforts for these new products, including a TV commercial featuring EXILE, which began airing on May 22.

Product Lineup: - ICE×HEATER Peltier Vest PRO 3 (Item 35585): 19,800 yen (tax incl.). Features 5 Peltier devices, instant cooling in ~1 second. - ICE×HEATER Peltier Vest 7-device Special Edition (Item 35590): 29,800 yen (tax incl.). Features 7 devices including the neck, enhanced rear visibility.