[Industry First, University of Tokyo Technology for Your Garden] Next-Generation Artificial Turf 'Elegant Turf Hyper' Released, 'Decomposing Viruses and Pollen Just by Laying It'

April 7, 2026

To whom it may concern,

Tanaka Co., Ltd.

[Industry First, University of Tokyo Technology for Your Garden] Next-Generation Artificial Turf 'Elegant Turf Hyper' Released, 'Decomposing Viruses and Pollen Just by Laying It'

~First in the industry to adopt 'photocatalytic titanium apatite,' a material jointly developed by the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology and Fujitsu Laboratories~

Tanaka Co., Ltd. (Head office: Izumiotsu City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Nozomu Sumiyoshi), a manufacturer and seller of various high-performance fiber materials, has launched 'Elegant Turf,' a high-performance landscape artificial turf that incorporates innovative photocatalytic technology jointly developed by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo (hereinafter, RCAST, The University of Tokyo) and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd.

This product goes beyond the traditional role of artificial turf to "improve aesthetics," offering unprecedented value by "adsorbing and decomposing harmful substances in the air, creating clean outdoor spaces."

■Background of Development: The demand for infection control at residential 'boundaries' in 2026

In recent years, awareness of hay fever measures and infectious disease prevention has moved beyond a temporary boom, becoming an essential condition for housing facilities. In particular, a major challenge has been how to "prevent pollen and viruses attached to clothes and bodies when returning home from being brought into living spaces (living rooms)."

Our company has approached this challenge with a revolutionary idea: neutralizing harmful substances in the 'garden' or 'balcony' before entering the house. We have condensed the knowledge of world-class research institutions into artificial turf underfoot.

■3 Innovative Functions of 'Elegant Turf'

1. 'Hyper' Model Achieving an Astonishing '99% Antiviral and 97% Anti-Allergen'

'Photocatalytic titanium apatite,' jointly developed by RCAST, The University of Tokyo and Fujitsu Laboratories, is processed onto the surface of the pile (turf blades).

Adsorption and Decomposition Cycle: It captures viruses and pollen with adsorption power incomparable to conventional photocatalysts and decomposes them into CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water) using the power of sunlight.

Evidence: Achieved 99% inactivation rate for influenza virus and 97% inactivation rate for hay fever allergens, with continuous self-cleaning function.

2. 'Eternal' Model Protecting Turf from Urban Summer Heat and Reflected Heat

In recent years, troubles such as artificial turf melting or fading due to reflected heat from 'Low-E glass' adopted in high-insulation homes have frequently occurred.

Heat Reflection Resistant Technology: The 'Eternal' type, which uses special raw yarn, suppresses deterioration caused by reflected sunlight. It can be safely installed in newly built houses in urban areas.

3. Commitment to 'Japan Quality' 100% Integrated Domestic System

Produced at a domestic partner factory in Izumiotsu, a city renowned for its textiles, which has acquired ISO9001 certification. By maintaining an integrated domestic system from planning to quality control, we ensure reliability in a market where 90% of products are imported.

ISO9001 Certified Factory: Under a thorough management system, 10 high-performance features, including flame retardancy, static electricity suppression, and mold prevention, are condensed into a single product.

■Usage Scenarios: Supporting Family Wellbeing from the Ground Up

Child-rearing Households: A clean play area where crawling babies can touch without worrying about viruses or pollen.

Pet Owners: Antibacterial and deodorizing functions suppress unpleasant odors and bacterial growth.

Educational, Welfare, and Medical Facilities: For gardens and terraces of kindergartens, welfare facilities, and medical institutions that require strict hygiene standards.

■Future Outlook

Through this product, Tanaka Co., Ltd. proposes a new lifestyle that is not just about "laying green" but about "laying a space that protects health." We aim to expand adoption to households nationwide, construction companies, house builders, parks, educational/medical/welfare facilities, and commercial facilities within fiscal year 2026.

[Tanaka Co., Ltd. Company Overview]

Location: 12-23 Miyamachi, Izumiotsu City, Osaka

Established: Showa 28 (1953)

Representative: Representative Director, Nozomu Sumiyoshi

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of civil engineering fiber composite materials, industrial materials, and daily life materials

URL:https://www.geo-tanaka.co.jp

[Contact Information for this matter]

Tanaka Co., Ltd. Sales Department, Contact Person: Mitsunori Tsuchida TEL: (Main) 0725-32-5381, (Mobile) 090-7558-0940 / FAX: 0725-32-2605 / E-mail: m.tsuchida@geo-tanaka.co.jp