Saving 'Laundry Refugees' in Shelters! HIPSTER Inc., Operator of Awesome Wash, Signs Disaster Laundry Cooperation Agreement with Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo

HIPSTER Inc. has signed a disaster laundry cooperation agreement with Shinagawa Ward, utilizing its IT systems and large-scale factory to solve hygiene issues in shelters.

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 21:00
  • 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (16h 39m after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 00:12 (370h 32m after Collected)
HIPSTER Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Representative: Mitsutaka Hokura), operator of the laundry service 'Awesome Wash,' has signed a 'Cooperation Agreement on Laundry and Other Services During Disasters' with Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. This agreement ensures that when a disaster occurs in Shinagawa Ward and shelters are opened, the company will collect, clean, and return clothing and other items to the shelters or designated locations. During disasters, the limited number of clothes available to evacuees can lead to odors, mold, infectious diseases, and mental stress. This is especially critical for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. By partnering with Shinagawa Ward, which is proactive in disaster preparedness, the company aims to solve the problem of 'not being able to do laundry.' This is the first such agreement between a local government and a laundry service provider in Japan. The company's strengths include: 1. Massive processing capacity at one of Tokyo's largest in-house factories (up to 200 people per day). 2. An end-to-end system from collection to delivery, ensuring direct service even when logistics are disrupted. 3. Proprietary IT systems for accurate process management and flexible response to large-scale orders. The company prides itself on using IT and logistics to provide swift and reliable support during emergencies.

FAQ

What changes with this agreement?

It establishes a system where professional services collect, wash, and deliver laundry for evacuees during disasters, significantly improving hygiene in shelters.

Why is this the first case in Japan?

There has been no previous case where a local government and a private laundry service signed a formal cooperation agreement specifically for disaster-time laundry.

What technologies are used?

It combines digital process management via a proprietary IT system with high-volume processing capacity at one of Tokyo's largest in-house factories.