AQUA's 'Straight Drum Series (AQW-DX Model)' Wins the '7th Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award 2026'

AQUA Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Du Jingguo) is proud to announce that its drum-type washing and drying machine, the 'Straight Drum Series (AQW-DX Model)', has won the '7th Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award 2026' hosted by the Japan Child-Rearing Support Association, a general incorporated foundation.

The 'Straight Drum Series (AQW-DX Model)' is AQUA's flagship drum-type washing and drying machine, achieving both a compact size that fits in the same space as a top-loading washer and a large capacity ideal for bulk washing. This is made possible by adopting the same horizontal drum structure and technology used in AQUA's coin laundry machines, which hold the No.1 domestic market share (※1).

With superior cleaning performance from its horizontal drum, gentle drying that reduces wrinkles and unevenness, and convenient features that minimize daily maintenance, this appliance is perfectly suited for busy households with children. It's a life-changing machine that addresses modern household challenges such as hygiene, time-saving, and ease of use.

※1: Based on coin laundry equipment shipments from January to December 2025. According to company research.

Award-Winning Product: 7th Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award 2026

Category: Corporate Category

Product Name: AQUA Drum-Type Washing and Drying Machine 'Straight Drum Series' (AQW-DX Model)

・AQW-DXS12A　https://aqua-has.com/product/dxs12a/

Key Features:

・Compact size and large capacity that fits in the same space as a top-loading washing machine

・New 'Ozone Air Wash' function suppresses viruses (※2) and pollen (※3)

・'Bubble Full Wash' (※4) uses a shower of bubbles to remove stubborn stains

・User-friendly 'Automatic Liquid Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensing'

・'Heat Pump Drying' offers energy-saving performance and minimizes shrinkage for a fluffy finish

・Hygienic design with comprehensive 'Automatic Self-Cleaning' function for easy maintenance

・New 'Night Cycle' function meets early morning and nighttime laundry needs

※2: [Testing Organization] Kitasato Environmental Science Center (a public interest foundation) [Test Method] Measurement of virus reduction rate on virus-contaminated test cloth [Suppression Method] Using the 'Air Wash Standard (Sterilization Plus)' cycle [Target] Laundry inside the drum [Test Result] Virus reduction rate of 99% or higher

※3: [Testing Organization] Kitasato Environmental Science Center (a public interest foundation) [Test Method] Measurement of pollen suppression rate on test cloth contaminated with cedar pollen extract using the ELISA method [Suppression Method] Using the 'Air Wash Standard (Sterilization Plus)' cycle [Target] Laundry inside the drum [Test Result] Pollen suppression rate of 90% or higher

※4: Bubble Full Wash functions when liquid detergent is automatically dispensed. When detergent is manually added, water is supplied from the bottom of the drum, allowing high-concentration detergent to quickly penetrate clothes before agitation and kneading wash.

Award Ceremony (Left: Kentaro Ishii, Laundry Planning Section, Product Planning Department, AQUA Corporation)

[Comment from the Responsible Person]

AQUA's 'Straight Drum' is a drum-type washing and drying machine that achieves a compact size and large capacity fitting in the same space as a top-loading washer, along with high cleaning performance. It features functions such as 'Ozone Air Wash' for sterilization, deodorization, and suppression of pollen and viruses, and 'Automatic Liquid Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensing'—all designed to support parenting generations who wish to make daily laundry easier and pay extra attention to their children's hygiene. We hope busy families will make the most of this appliance.

(Kentaro Ishii, Laundry Planning Section, Product Planning Department, AQUA Corporation)

[Judges' Comments]

The ability to install it in a space equivalent to a top-loading washing machine is excellent, fitting well with Japanese housing conditions. The large capacity and high cleaning performance will save time and reduce household burdens for families with high laundry volumes. The option to choose left or right door opening is also a welcome feature.

About the Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award

The Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award, hosted by the Japan Child-Rearing Support Association, is an award that highly values real-life usefulness as experienced by parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Based on the three core areas of 'Clothing,' 'Food,' and 'Housing' surrounding parenting households, the award covers eight categories: four daily-use areas—'Household Goods,' 'Goods,' 'Services/Applications,' and 'Home Appliances/Automobiles'—plus 'Municipalities/Projects.' This year, the 7th edition, saw 4 municipalities and 32 corporate products and services receiving awards.

Official Website of the Japan Child-Rearing Support Grand Award: https://www.jcfs-ac.jp/grandprize/

AQUA's Mission

AQUA values the spirit of 'Soushin' (innovation). This means continuously creating new value by developing products that combine ease of use, multifunctionality, design, and high levels of satisfaction and emotional impact to enrich people's lives. AQUA is committed to delivering value that brings happiness to the present and the future.

Guided by its mission 'Authentic Question Unique Answer,' from which the company name is derived, AQUA will continue to solve essential challenges with unique ideas and technologies, offering 'new, unseen value' going forward.

About AQUA Corporation

AQUA Corporation was established in January 2012, inheriting part of Sanyo Electric's business.

As the Japanese subsidiary of the Haier Group, the company plans, develops, and sells AQUA brand products and services, including commercial and household washing machines, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners.