[Heiwado] Heiwado Stores Open as Regional "Cooling Havens"; Cooling Shelters and Cool Spots to be Gradually Installed in 100 Stores

Heiwado Co., Ltd. (Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture; Masatsugu Hiramatsu, President, CEO, Representative Director; hereinafter referred to as "Heiwado") announces that it will open 100 of its stores, primarily large-format ones, as "Cooling Shelters (Designated Hot Weather Shelters)※1" promoted by local governments. In response to the severe heatwaves in recent years, Heiwado is proceeding with the registration of its large stores as "Cooling Shelters" where people can evacuate when a "Heatstroke Special Alert" is issued, and as "Cool Spots" designated by the government, in order to protect the health and safety of the local community. Furthermore, even stores not registered as such are open for anyone to use freely as "Cooling Havens" for temporary rest. In addition to environmental improvements, in terms of services and products, approximately 350 employees have obtained the "Heatstroke Countermeasure Ambassador®※2" qualification to prevent heatstroke among customers and employees, and the lineup of heat-relief goods such as "parasols" and "UV-cut wear" has been significantly expanded compared to last year. Heiwado will continue to expand its registration as "Cooling Shelters" and "Cool Spots" promoted by local governments, supporting the creation of an environment where local residents can spend the hot summer as comfortably and safely as possible. ※1 "Cool Spot" in some municipalities. ※2 "Heatstroke Countermeasure Ambassador®" refers to individuals who have completed a course organized by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to learn correct knowledge about heatstroke countermeasures. ■ List of Stores Registered as Cooling Shelters [Al Plaza] Hikone, Omihachiman, Yasu, Minakuchi, Kurita, Kusatsu, Seta, Katata, Daigo, Joyo, Uji Higashi, Kyotanabe, Kizu, Kameoka, Takatsuki, Ibaraki, Korien, Tsukashin, Amagasaki, Tsurumi, Tsuruga, Takefu, Sabae, Bell, Ami, Kaga, Komatsu, Kanazawa, Kashima, Tsubata, Kosugi [Friend Mart] Yonebara Ekimae Store, Santo Store, Oyabu Store, Inae Store, Hikone Jizo Store, Hikone Koizumi Store, Toyosato Store, Hataiso Store, Hino Store, Ryuo Store, Yawata Takagi Store, Azuchi Store, Egashira Store, Yawata Ueda Store, Nakasyu Store, Tsuchiyama Store, Shigaraki Store, Konan Store, Bodaiji Store, Kurita Store, Kurita Misono Store, D Kogaki Store, Kusatsu Oroshi Store, Kamikasa Store, Shizu Higashi Kusatsu Store, Minami Kusatsu Store, Oiwake Store, Otsu Ekimae Store, Otsu Terrace Store, Otsu Nakamachi Store, Setagawa Store, Otsu Kyō Store, Green Hill Aoyama Store, Imakadata Store, Karasaki Store, Ishiyamaderaura Store, Nango Store, Zeze Store, Ogoto Ekimae Store, Kaihatsu Store [Others] Hikone Ginza Store, Hinnaka Store, Vivacity Heiwado, Aichigawa Store, Shinohara Store, Friend Mart Smart Yasu Sakae Store, Kosei Store, Ishibe Store, Maruzen Ishibe Store, Kusatsu Heiwado, Heiwado Ishiyama, Super Friend Oishi Store, Friend Mart Smart Otsu Nishinosho Store, Sakamoto Store, Wani Store, Ale Higashi Maizuru Store, Masago Store, Konan Store, Alpla Food Market Okubata ■ List of Stores Registered as Cool Spots Designated by Government 7 stores in Nagahama City (Al Plaza Nagahama, Kinomoto Store, FM Nagahama Gion Store, FM Nagahama Hirakata Store, FM Nagahama Ekimae Store, FM Hokubu Store, FM Asai Store), 3 stores in Moriyama City (Al Plaza Moriyama, FM Moriyama Mizuho Store, FM Moriyama Ekimae Store) *Registration is proceeding sequentially, so the start date may vary by store. *FM is an abbreviation for Friend Mart. ■ Target Period Scheduled until around the end of October 2026 *Varies depending on the actual situation and municipality. ■ Approximately 350 Heiwado Employees Obtain "Heatstroke Countermeasure Ambassador®" Qualification Primarily store managers and sales floor staff are taking courses organized by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to learn correct knowledge about heatstroke countermeasures, conducting awareness activities on the sales floor, and establishing a system to provide prompt and appropriate initial response to customers and employees who feel unwell within the store. As of May 2026, approximately 350 individuals have completed the course, and the scope of participants is being expanded from head office employees to all employees, with sequential course enrollment promotion. ■ Significantly Expanded Lineup of Heat-Relief Items The lineup of "heat-relief items" in the clothing and home goods sections has been significantly expanded compared to last year. Especially this year, in response to recent heatwaves, we have curated parasols and wear that pursue coolness, not only with UV protection but also with heat shielding and cool-touch functions. Parasols, in particular, are not only for women but also fully equipped with options for men and children, whose needs have been increasing in recent years. We offer a rich variety of products, including Heiwado's original items, that combine functionality and design, supporting comfortable outings during the summer. [Product Examples] ■ Parasols - Heat-Shielding Sun & Rain Parasol (Ladies') A highly heat-shielding parasol with a "special back coating." Heat shielding rate is 58% or higher, and light blocking rate is 100%. (Suggested retail price including tax: ¥4,378) - Heat-Shielding Sun & Rain Parasol (Men's) A highly heat-shielding parasol with a "special back coating." Heat shielding rate is 58%, light blocking rate is 100%, and it is a larger size that is easy for men to use. (Suggested retail price including tax: ¥4,928) - Schoolchild Parasol "Mimamoru-chan" A parasol type of the popular safety umbrella has arrived. Its high heat-shielding capability protects children and their backpacks from the heat. It also features a transparent window for better forward visibility and reflective tape, packed with "mimamoru" (protective) features for children. (Suggested retail price including tax: ¥1,628) ■ UV-Cut Wear - Skin Care Jacket (Ladies') Easy-to-wear material that can be quickly put on daily. Features a cool-touch function for instant comfort upon wearing. UV cut rate is 90% or higher. (Suggested retail price including tax: ¥2,178) - UV Cut Hoodie (Men's) Easy-to-wear material that can be quickly put on daily. Made with breathable fabric to prevent stuffiness and ensure comfort. UV cut rate is 90% or higher. (Suggested retail price including tax: ¥3,278) [Reference] - Heiwado's Original Brand E-WA! Website https://e-wa.heiwado.jp/ ■ The contents described in this release are based on information available at the time of release. ■ The perspective drawings, illustrations, photographs, logos, signs, maps, etc., used in this release are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product. ■ Please note that the content and schedule are subject to change without prior notice due to various circumstances. End