[Industry First: Bringing UTokyo Tech to the Yard] Next-Gen Artificial Turf 'Elegant Turf Hyper' Releases, Decomposing Viruses & Pollen Just by Laying It
Tanaka Co., Ltd. has released 'Elegant Turf Hyper', a next-generation artificial turf equipped with photocatalyst titanium apatite co-developed by the University of Tokyo and Fujitsu Laboratories, eliminating viruses and pollen in outdoor spaces.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 01:49 (328h 47m after Collected)
April 7, 2026
To Members of the Press
Tanaka Co., Ltd.
[Industry First: Bringing UTokyo Tech to the Yard] Next-Gen Artificial Turf 'Elegant Turf Hyper' Releases, Decomposing Viruses & Pollen Just by Laying It
~First in the industry to adopt 'Photocatalyst Titanium Apatite' co-developed by UTokyo RCAST and Fujitsu Laboratories~
Tanaka Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Izumiotsu City, Osaka; President: Nozomi Sumiyoshi), which manufactures and sells various highly functional textile materials, has released 'Elegant Turf', a highly functional landscaping artificial turf employing innovative photocatalyst technology co-developed by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo (UTokyo RCAST) and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd.
This product goes beyond the traditional role of artificial turf of 'improving aesthetics' and provides unprecedented value by 'creating a clean outdoor space by adsorbing and decomposing harmful substances in the air'.
## Development Background: Epidemic Prevention Required at the 'Boundary' of Homes in 2026
In recent years, awareness of pollen countermeasures and infection prevention has surpassed a temporary boom to become an essential requirement in housing equipment. In particular, a major issue is how to prevent pollen and viruses attached to clothes and bodies from being 'brought into the living space' when returning home from outside.
Our company approached this issue with the reverse idea of detoxifying harmful substances in the 'yard' or 'balcony' before entering the house. We condensed the knowledge of world-class research institutions into the artificial turf at our feet.
## 3 Innovative Features of 'Elegant Turf'
- 1. The 'Hyper' model achieving an astonishing '99% antiviral, 97% anti-allergen' rate
We processed 'Photocatalyst Titanium Apatite' co-developed by UTokyo RCAST and Fujitsu Laboratories onto the surface of the pile (grass blades).
Adsorption/Decomposition cycle: It captures viruses and pollen with an adsorption power incomparable to conventional photocatalysts and decomposes them into CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water) using the power of sunlight.
Evidence: Achieved 99% influenza virus inactivation rate and 97% pollen allergen inactivation rate, with continuous self-cleaning functionality.
- 2. The 'Eternal' model protecting turf from severe urban heat and reflective heat
Recently, there have been frequent issues with artificial turf melting or fading due to reflective heat from 'Low-E glass' used in highly insulated homes.
Anti-reflective heat technology: The 'Eternal' type, using special yarn, suppresses degradation caused by the reflective heat of sunlight. It can be installed safely even in new houses in urban areas.
- 3. Dedication to 'Japan Quality' and a 100% domestic integrated system
Produced at our domestic partner factory with ISO9001 certification, the pride of Izumiotsu, the city of textiles. By conducting everything from planning to quality control in a domestic integrated system, we ensured reliability in a market where 90% are foreign-made.
ISO9001 certified factory: Under a thorough management system, a total of 10 high functions such as flame retardance, static suppression, and anti-mold are condensed into a single sheet.
(Text ends here)
To Members of the Press
Tanaka Co., Ltd.
[Industry First: Bringing UTokyo Tech to the Yard] Next-Gen Artificial Turf 'Elegant Turf Hyper' Releases, Decomposing Viruses & Pollen Just by Laying It
~First in the industry to adopt 'Photocatalyst Titanium Apatite' co-developed by UTokyo RCAST and Fujitsu Laboratories~
Tanaka Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Izumiotsu City, Osaka; President: Nozomi Sumiyoshi), which manufactures and sells various highly functional textile materials, has released 'Elegant Turf', a highly functional landscaping artificial turf employing innovative photocatalyst technology co-developed by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo (UTokyo RCAST) and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd.
This product goes beyond the traditional role of artificial turf of 'improving aesthetics' and provides unprecedented value by 'creating a clean outdoor space by adsorbing and decomposing harmful substances in the air'.
## Development Background: Epidemic Prevention Required at the 'Boundary' of Homes in 2026
In recent years, awareness of pollen countermeasures and infection prevention has surpassed a temporary boom to become an essential requirement in housing equipment. In particular, a major issue is how to prevent pollen and viruses attached to clothes and bodies from being 'brought into the living space' when returning home from outside.
Our company approached this issue with the reverse idea of detoxifying harmful substances in the 'yard' or 'balcony' before entering the house. We condensed the knowledge of world-class research institutions into the artificial turf at our feet.
## 3 Innovative Features of 'Elegant Turf'
- 1. The 'Hyper' model achieving an astonishing '99% antiviral, 97% anti-allergen' rate
We processed 'Photocatalyst Titanium Apatite' co-developed by UTokyo RCAST and Fujitsu Laboratories onto the surface of the pile (grass blades).
Adsorption/Decomposition cycle: It captures viruses and pollen with an adsorption power incomparable to conventional photocatalysts and decomposes them into CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water) using the power of sunlight.
Evidence: Achieved 99% influenza virus inactivation rate and 97% pollen allergen inactivation rate, with continuous self-cleaning functionality.
- 2. The 'Eternal' model protecting turf from severe urban heat and reflective heat
Recently, there have been frequent issues with artificial turf melting or fading due to reflective heat from 'Low-E glass' used in highly insulated homes.
Anti-reflective heat technology: The 'Eternal' type, using special yarn, suppresses degradation caused by the reflective heat of sunlight. It can be installed safely even in new houses in urban areas.
- 3. Dedication to 'Japan Quality' and a 100% domestic integrated system
Produced at our domestic partner factory with ISO9001 certification, the pride of Izumiotsu, the city of textiles. By conducting everything from planning to quality control in a domestic integrated system, we ensured reliability in a market where 90% are foreign-made.
ISO9001 certified factory: Under a thorough management system, a total of 10 high functions such as flame retardance, static suppression, and anti-mold are condensed into a single sheet.
(Text ends here)