[Tombow School Uniforms, Celebrating 150 Years] "Fan-Equipped Wear for Elementary School Students" to Protect Children from Harsh Summer Commutes Launches on Makuake

Tombow Co., Ltd. (2-2-9 Koseicho, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, President: Tatsuya Fujiwara), a manufacturer and seller of school uniforms and athletic wear, has collaborated with Kuuchouhuku Co., Ltd. (Helios II Building 4F, 1-12-11 Funado, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, President: Toru Ichigaya), a pioneer in fan-equipped wear, to develop "Kuuchouhuku(R) for Elementary School Students," a fan-equipped garment designed to keep children comfortable during summer commutes, outdoor activities, and spectator events. This product will be available for pre-sale on the crowdfunding service "Makuake" starting June 26, 2026, with early bird discounts of up to 20% off.

Project Page: https://www.makuake.com/project/tombow_fan/

Period: Friday, June 26, 2026 - Sunday, July 19, 2026

Expected Delivery: Late July 2026

Background of Development

Recent summers in Japan routinely exceed 30°C, and the risk of heatstroke for elementary school students is becoming increasingly serious each year. A survey of 500 parents of elementary school students revealed that 89.8% were concerned about the health risks associated with heat of 30°C or higher, and 65.4% felt their child was in danger when going out this past summer.

Currently, various countermeasures exist, such as neck coolers and parasols, but they face challenges such as:

Short duration of effectiveness

Hands are occupied, posing a risk

Handheld fans are prohibited by school regulations

Therefore, "Tombow School Uniforms," which has been making school uniforms in various regions for many years and has a deep understanding of children's commuting environments, has partnered with "Kuuchouhuku Co., Ltd.," which possesses unique technology for keeping the inside of clothing cool, to earnestly develop "a garment specifically designed for the reality of elementary school students" that will alleviate parental concerns.

Three Features and Custom Design of "Elementary School Student Kuuchouhuku(R)"

1. "3D Mesh Structure (Super Spacer)" that Ensures Airflow Even When Wearing a Backpack

The main feature is the "Super Spacer" placed from the shoulders to the back. By adopting a flexible 3D mesh structure that is not crushed by the weight of luggage, a sufficient airflow path is secured along the back even when wearing a heavy backpack. This delivers a comfortable breeze inside the clothing, effectively suppressing the rise in perceived temperature.

2. Safe and Lightweight Device, Child-Test Certified

To ensure safe use by children, the fan features a "Child-Test Certified Finger Guard" designed to prevent fingers from entering. The battery is compact and lightweight, fitting in one hand, and is a reliable quality product with a "PSE Mark" obtained by clearing strict standards based on Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law.

3. Becomes a "Windbreaker" When Fans Are Removed! All-Season Design

In the summer, it functions as an innovative "Kuuchouhuku(R)" that draws outside air into the garment through two fans, using the evaporative heat of sweat to cool the body. During seasons when fans are not needed, such as early autumn or spring, the Super Spacer and devices can be easily removed from the inner mesh pocket, and the holes can be covered with the included parts, allowing it to be worn year-round as a regular "windbreaker." Of course, the garment itself is machine washable at home.

Anticipated Usage Scenarios

Daily Commute to School: Safe even during the return trip home, when temperatures are highest and parents' eyes are not on them.

Outdoors, Camping, Outdoor Play: Great for sunny outdoor activities and camping.

Sports Spectating, Outdoor Events: For heatstroke prevention at stadiums with little shade or during local events.

Item Details and Return Menu

Colors

White/Navy

Sizes

130cm/150cm

Set Contents

Garment, Fans, Battery, Super Spacer, Rapid AC Charger Adapter, Battery Holder, Cable

[Main Returns (Sales Menu)] *All prices include tax and are for a complete device set

● Base Price: ¥30,800

[Super Super Early Bird Discount - Limited to 5 people per size/color] Children's "Kuuchouhuku(R)": 20% OFF ¥24,640

[Makuake Discount - Limited to 10 people per size/color] Children's "Kuuchouhuku(R)": 5% OFF ¥29,260

Our Vision for Development

For over 150 years since our founding, we at Tombow School Uniforms have consistently created uniforms that support children's school lives. We take pride in our craftsmanship, adapting to the climate of each region and the school environment to ensure children can spend their days safely and comfortably.

However, in recent summers, we have witnessed children walking in unprecedented heatwaves, drenched in sweat, carrying heavy backpacks. With heatstroke alert advisories issued almost daily, the environment for elementary school students who must commute during the hottest hours of the day, outside the watchful eyes of adults, is more severe than we could have imagined.

"In that case, let's create a new option: 'protecting children with what they wear.'"

With this resolve, we chose Kuuchouhuku Co., Ltd., the pioneer of fan-equipped wear, as our partner.

This garment is not merely a cooling device. We want children to commute to and from school with smiles and energy, no matter how hot the summer. We want them to fully enjoy summer memories that can only be made now, such as camping, playing outdoors, and watching sports. And we want to provide parents with the peace of mind to send their children off with a smile. This product is the embodiment of such wishes.

We aim to update the "common sense of summer commuting" with wearable technology. We would be grateful for your support in this new challenge for the safe and comfortable future of children.

Company Profile

Company Name: Tombow Co., Ltd.

Location: 2-2-9 Koseicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

President: Tatsuya Fujiwara

Founded: 1876

Established: 1924

URL: https://www.tombow.gr.jp/

Business Activities: A comprehensive uniform manufacturer engaged in the planning, manufacturing, and sales of school wear, sports wear, and nursing/medical wear.