Initiative to Help 'Laundry Refugees' in Evacuation Centers Expands: HIPSTER Inc. Signs Disaster Cooperation Agreement with Toshima City, Tokyo

HIPSTER Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Representative: Mitsutaka Hokura), which operates the laundry service 'Awesome Wash', has signed a 'Cooperation Agreement on Laundry and Related Services in Times of Disaster' with Toshima City, Tokyo.

■ Professional Laundry Solutions for Disaster Situations
Under this agreement, when a disaster occurs in Toshima City and evacuation centers are opened, the company will collect and clean the clothing of evacuees and deliver it back to the evacuation center (or a designated location).

During disasters, the number of clothes one can bring to an evacuation center is limited. Wearing the same clothes repeatedly causes concerns such as odor, mold, infection risks, and negative psychological impacts. Hygiene care is essential, especially for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. However, life in an evacuation center is not an environment where one can easily do laundry.

To resolve the issue of 'laundry refugees,' HIPSTER Inc. decided to collaborate with Toshima City. In addition to disaster scenarios, the company will coordinate with the city's events and disaster drills during normal times to strengthen cooperative efforts.

■ Second Agreement Following Shinagawa City
This is the company's second such agreement, following one concluded with Shinagawa City, Tokyo, in March 2026. Such an agreement between a municipality and a laundry service provider is unprecedented in Japan.

■ Three Core Strengths
1. Massive Processing Capacity: The company operates two in-house factories in Tokyo, capable of washing laundry for up to 200 people per day. The central location allows for rapid response to disaster sites.
2. End-to-End System: By managing collection, cleaning, and delivery internally, the company can provide direct service even when logistics are disrupted.
3. Digital Management: The company manages the entire laundry process using its own IT system, ensuring high-quality support even when collaborating with temporary staff or volunteers.

■ Comment from HIPSTER CEO Mitsutaka Hokura
'I am honored to have concluded this agreement with Toshima City following Shinagawa. Our laundry service is used by busy individuals and businesses, and being able to utilize this system to assist during disasters is highly meaningful. Our end-to-end service and digital process management are core strengths we have refined since our founding.'

■ About 'Awesome Wash'
'Awesome Wash' is a laundry service operating in the Tokyo metropolitan area that handles everything from washing and drying to folding and delivery. Recently, corporate demand has surged, with adoption increasing in clinics and beauty salons.