Three-fold mat 'AirSlope' to support home exercise habits for dogs, now available for pre-sale on Makuake

Kunpusha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City), recognizing the current situation of aging dogs and focusing on issues such as muscle loss and joint strain associated with aging and lack of exercise, has developed the three-fold mat 'AirSlope' to support home exercise habits for dogs. Amidst concerns about insufficient exercise due to intense summer heat, they are offering a new proposal for incorporating exercise habits at home without strain, with a pre-sale period on the crowdfunding service 'Makuake' until June 19, 2026.

By placing household items such as stuffed animals or cushions under the mat, it becomes an exercise mat that utilizes an 'incline.' This allows dogs to exercise indoors with air conditioning, in a space about the size of one tatami mat, while playing.

[Aging and Lack of Exercise in Dogs]
Similar to the declining birthrate and aging population in humans, Japan is also experiencing an aging dog population.

According to a survey by the Japan Pet Food Association (2021 fiscal year), 56.1% of dogs are 7 years or older (senior dogs). Furthermore, the 'National Dog and Cat Ownership Survey' by the Japan Pet Food Association indicates that the average lifespan of dogs has extended to 14.82 years. Advances in veterinary medicine and pet food have contributed to increased longevity. On the other hand, new health challenges such as muscle loss and joint strain due to aging and lack of exercise are also gaining attention.

[Intense Heat and Lack of Exercise]
Furthermore, climate conditions such as intense heat and heavy rainfall significantly impact dogs' lack of exercise. During the rainy season and summer, the time available for dog walks, which are their primary form of exercise, decreases, and the frequency of walks becomes limited. This often leads to insufficient physical conditioning for the senior years. While 'cooling goods' have become widely available in the market as countermeasures against heatstroke, indoor dogs left alone at home while their families are at work or school often spend their time sleeping. Consequently, the major concerns are not just the heat, but also 'overcooling,' 'dehydration,' and 'lack of exercise.'

[Growing Interest in Dog Fitness]
Amidst increasing interest in healthy lifespans, 'dog fitness' is gaining attention. It is expected to provide an approach to muscle strength and balance functions that cannot be fully compensated for by traditional walks, and it is spreading as a new habit to support the health maintenance of beloved dogs.

[Reason for Focusing on Home Exercise Habits]
Our company also started its dog fitness business in 2022, providing training services by specialized trainers.

However, there is a limit to the number of dogs we can accommodate per day. To support the healthy habits of many dogs, we felt it was important for owners to incorporate exercise habits continuously at home.

Based on this background, we developed AirSlope as a tool to support the creation of 'habitual movement in a natural way while staying at home.'

[Features of AirSlope]
AirSlope is a three-fold mat with a long side of approximately 990mm, a short side of approximately 770mm, and a thickness of approximately 30mm when unfolded. By utilizing its inclined structure and steps, it is designed for dogs to naturally use their entire bodies while maintaining balance. Furthermore, owners can use treats or toys to encourage play, allowing dogs to move their bodies naturally, which also leads to communication and bonding with their pets.

The core material uses a patented three-dimensional reticulated structure, which offers excellent breathability and prevents stuffiness. The cover can be removed for washing, addressing the need for hygienic use.

By using treats or toys as incentives, dogs can move up and down the incline. Changes in posture allow them to naturally engage their entire body muscles.

Whether moving quickly or slowly, each movement provides muscle stimulation. It is a tool for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, to enjoy physical activity while playing. Our company has also created videos demonstrating how to use AirSlope in our in-house fitness classes, providing a support system for owners through both software and hardware.

[4 Key Points Emphasized During Development]
1. Easy to carry size and weight

When folded into three, it becomes a compact shape measuring 770mm in length, 330mm in width, and approximately 10mm in thickness.

We focused on a weight that a woman could carry with one hand.

2. Usable not only for training but also in daily life as a dog bed or sofa

When one side is leaned against a wall, it becomes a low mat with a seat height of 80mm, allowing dogs to sit without jumping up.

3. Combinable with household items such as stuffed animals, cushions, bedding, toys, and cardboard boxes for various exercises and play

From the Makuake description images. Commercial balance balls and balance mats offer limited exercise patterns with a single tool, but AirSlope allows for enjoyment of exercise with various shapes and hardnesses of inclines and steps by placing items underneath.

4. Easy to clean and hygienic use

The use of the patented three-dimensional reticulated structure material for the core ensures breathability, durability, and washability, making it usable hygienically from puppyhood through senior years and even during caregiving periods.

[Product Development in Collaboration with Domestic Manufacturers]
For the manufacturing of AirSlope, we received cooperation from Takahata Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City), which specializes in chair manufacturing. They supported the product realization through a consistent system from material selection to sewing and manufacturing.

Additionally, the core material uses 'C-CORE,' a three-dimensional reticulated structure material developed by C&E Inc. (Headquarters: Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture). This material, known for its excellent breathability and durability, and its washability, supports the comfort and maintainability of AirSlope.

[AirSlope Supports a Dog's Entire Life]
AirSlope has been completed as a mat that can be utilized across a wide range of life stages, from building physical strength during puppyhood and growth periods, to maintaining health in senior years, and even during caregiving.

Following the pre-sale period on Makuake, general sales are planned through our company's website and other channels.

[Comment from Kunpusha Co., Ltd.]
'More and more owners are exploring what they can do for their dog's health. We hope that AirSlope, from Kyoto to the rest of Japan, will serve as a catalyst for building healthy habits that both dogs and owners can enjoy and continue together.'

Kunpusha Co., Ltd. will continue to propose an environment where dogs and owners can live healthily together, from a new perspective of healthy habits for indoor dogs.

[Product Overview]
Product Name: AirSlope
Sales Venue: Makuake
Pre-sale Period: Until June 19, 2026

[Makuake Project Page]

https://www.makuake.com/project/airslope2026/

[Company Profile]
Company Name: Kunpusha Co., Ltd.

Location: Kyoto City

Product loans, photo material provision, and interview responses are also available.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:

Kunpusha Co., Ltd. AirSlope Promotion Team

Contact: Yuko Saito

Phone: 075-963-6184

(Automated voice response for callback)

Mobile: 090-7210-8643