"Desk Nap Pillow" Developed in Joint Research with Kyushu University Wins Ergonomics Good Practice Award Excellence Prize
Key facts
- "Desk Nap Pillow" Developed in Joint Research with Kyushu University Wins Ergonomics Good Practice Award Excellence Prize
- The "Desk Nap Pillow," developed in joint research with Kyushu University, has received the Excellence Prize in the Ergonomics Good Practice Award. This pillow is designed based on ergonomic knowledge to reduce physical strain during short naps at a desk.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 9, 2026
Direct answer
The "Desk Nap Pillow," developed in joint research with Kyushu University, has received the Excellence Prize in the Ergonomics Good Practice Award. This pillow is designed based on ergonomic knowledge to reduce physical strain during short naps at a desk.
- Citation
- "Desk Nap Pillow" Developed in Joint Research with Kyushu University Wins Ergonomics Good Practice Award Excellence Prize (June 9, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 9, 2026
The "Desk Nap Pillow," developed in joint research with Kyushu University, has received the Excellence Prize in the Ergonomics Good Practice Award. This pillow is designed based on ergonomic knowledge to reduce physical strain during short naps at a desk.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 10:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 10:29 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (78h 23m after Collected)
Developed based on a proposal from Professor Satoshi Muraki's laboratory at the Faculty of Design, Kyushu University
IKEHIKO Corporation (Oki Town, Miyama District, Fukuoka Prefecture) is pleased to announce that its "Desk Nap Pillow," jointly developed with Professor Satoshi Muraki of the Department of Human Life Design, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, has received the "Ergonomics Good Practice Award Excellence Prize" from the Japan Ergonomics Society.
This product was developed with the aim of reducing physical strain and improving comfort during short naps at a desk, and its design based on ergonomic knowledge and its practical application were highly evaluated.
Product Page: https://www.ikehikoshop.jp/view/item/000000002712
■ "Desk Nap Pillow" Born from Ergonomic Knowledge
In recent years, interest in short naps (power naps) has been growing from the perspective of improving performance and maintaining health. However, sleeping face down on a desk puts a significant strain on the neck, arms, and shoulders, making it difficult to achieve adequate rest.
The "Desk Nap Pillow" was developed to address this challenge, utilizing the knowledge from Kyushu University's Faculty of Design.
■ Research Started from "A Word from a Napping Student"
The development of this product began with a common concern expressed by a student belonging to Kyushu University's Faculty of Design:
"I love napping, but my neck and arms hurt when I sleep face down on my desk."
While short naps are said to improve concentration and work efficiency, napping postures at a desk can strain the body. Therefore, Professor Muraki's laboratory researched the ideal desk napping posture from an ergonomic perspective. IKEHIKO participated as a partner to implement this research into society, and through repeated prototyping and improvements based on the research results.
After approximately two years of trial and error, the current "Desk Nap Pillow" was completed.
Can cause pain in shoulders, neck, and lower back due to unnatural posture
Inclination angle of 60 degrees, which minimizes pressure on the body
Arm support provided by the tiered shape. Structure designed to prevent numbness.
■ About the Ergonomics Good Practice Award
The Ergonomics Good Practice Award is a system that recognizes excellent practical examples that contribute to the improvement of life and work environments by utilizing ergonomic knowledge.
This award recognizes the "Desk Nap Pillow" as a case study of implementing ergonomic knowledge into a product for social application.
About the Ergonomics Good Practice Award: https://www.ergonomics.jp/gpdb.html
■ Market Needs Verified by Crowdfunding
This product was pre-sold on the crowdfunding service "Makuake" in 2024. It garnered significant support, confirming the high level of interest in resting environments for workers.
Furthermore, through coverage and broadcasts by local TV stations, the product has received positive feedback from a wide range of people interested in improving work styles and resting environments.
Nap Pillow Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnHmnLgQu-s
Makuake Project Page
■ Future Prospects
IKEHIKO will continue to develop products that improve quality of life by combining the expertise gained in tatami product manufacturing since its founding with research findings in ergonomics, sleep, and health.
About IKEHIKO Corporation
IKEHIKO Corporation, headquartered in Oki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an interior manufacturer established in 1886 (Meiji 19) as a wholesale dealer of tatami mats. As a successor to the local rush industry, we continue to provide interior products that suit modern lifestyles.
【Company Overview】
Company Name: IKEHIKO Corporation
Headquarters Address: 1052 Sanpachi Matsu, Oki Town, Miyama District, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0424
Representative: Kosei Inokuchi, President and Representative Director
Business Activities: Manufacturing and wholesale of interior products
Established: 1886
Phone Number: 0944-32-1203
HP: https://ikehiko.net/
IKEHIKO Online Shop: https://www.ikehikoshop.jp/
【Inquiries Regarding This Release】
IKEHIKO Corporation
Contact: Public Relations Department, Abe
TEL: 0944-32-1203
FAX: 0944-32-1209
E-Mail: press@ikehiko.co.jp
Keywords:
IKEHIKO Corporation (Oki Town, Miyama District, Fukuoka Prefecture) is pleased to announce that its "Desk Nap Pillow," jointly developed with Professor Satoshi Muraki of the Department of Human Life Design, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, has received the "Ergonomics Good Practice Award Excellence Prize" from the Japan Ergonomics Society.
This product was developed with the aim of reducing physical strain and improving comfort during short naps at a desk, and its design based on ergonomic knowledge and its practical application were highly evaluated.
Product Page: https://www.ikehikoshop.jp/view/item/000000002712
■ "Desk Nap Pillow" Born from Ergonomic Knowledge
In recent years, interest in short naps (power naps) has been growing from the perspective of improving performance and maintaining health. However, sleeping face down on a desk puts a significant strain on the neck, arms, and shoulders, making it difficult to achieve adequate rest.
The "Desk Nap Pillow" was developed to address this challenge, utilizing the knowledge from Kyushu University's Faculty of Design.
■ Research Started from "A Word from a Napping Student"
The development of this product began with a common concern expressed by a student belonging to Kyushu University's Faculty of Design:
"I love napping, but my neck and arms hurt when I sleep face down on my desk."
While short naps are said to improve concentration and work efficiency, napping postures at a desk can strain the body. Therefore, Professor Muraki's laboratory researched the ideal desk napping posture from an ergonomic perspective. IKEHIKO participated as a partner to implement this research into society, and through repeated prototyping and improvements based on the research results.
After approximately two years of trial and error, the current "Desk Nap Pillow" was completed.
Can cause pain in shoulders, neck, and lower back due to unnatural posture
Inclination angle of 60 degrees, which minimizes pressure on the body
Arm support provided by the tiered shape. Structure designed to prevent numbness.
■ About the Ergonomics Good Practice Award
The Ergonomics Good Practice Award is a system that recognizes excellent practical examples that contribute to the improvement of life and work environments by utilizing ergonomic knowledge.
This award recognizes the "Desk Nap Pillow" as a case study of implementing ergonomic knowledge into a product for social application.
About the Ergonomics Good Practice Award: https://www.ergonomics.jp/gpdb.html
■ Market Needs Verified by Crowdfunding
This product was pre-sold on the crowdfunding service "Makuake" in 2024. It garnered significant support, confirming the high level of interest in resting environments for workers.
Furthermore, through coverage and broadcasts by local TV stations, the product has received positive feedback from a wide range of people interested in improving work styles and resting environments.
Nap Pillow Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnHmnLgQu-s
Makuake Project Page
■ Future Prospects
IKEHIKO will continue to develop products that improve quality of life by combining the expertise gained in tatami product manufacturing since its founding with research findings in ergonomics, sleep, and health.
About IKEHIKO Corporation
IKEHIKO Corporation, headquartered in Oki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an interior manufacturer established in 1886 (Meiji 19) as a wholesale dealer of tatami mats. As a successor to the local rush industry, we continue to provide interior products that suit modern lifestyles.
【Company Overview】
Company Name: IKEHIKO Corporation
Headquarters Address: 1052 Sanpachi Matsu, Oki Town, Miyama District, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0424
Representative: Kosei Inokuchi, President and Representative Director
Business Activities: Manufacturing and wholesale of interior products
Established: 1886
Phone Number: 0944-32-1203
HP: https://ikehiko.net/
IKEHIKO Online Shop: https://www.ikehikoshop.jp/
【Inquiries Regarding This Release】
IKEHIKO Corporation
Contact: Public Relations Department, Abe
TEL: 0944-32-1203
FAX: 0944-32-1209
E-Mail: press@ikehiko.co.jp
Keywords:
FAQ
What are the main features of the "Desk Nap Pillow"?
It features an ergonomic design that reduces strain on the neck and arms during desk naps, supporting comfortable rest. Key features include a tiered shape for arm support and an optimal inclination angle.
Who is this pillow suitable for?
It is suitable for individuals who want to take short naps at their office or home desk, those who experience neck or shoulder pain from sleeping face down, and those seeking to improve concentration and work efficiency.
What is the "Ergonomics Good Practice Award" that the product received?
It is an award that recognizes excellent practical examples that apply ergonomic knowledge to improve real life and work environments. This product was recognized for its practical application.
What kind of company is IKEHIKO Corporation?
Founded in 1886, it is a long-established interior manufacturer that offers various interior products to enrich people's lives, primarily focusing on rush grass products.
Where can this pillow be purchased?
Following its pre-sale on the crowdfunding service "Makuake," it is expected to be available through various channels, including the IKEHIKO Online Shop (https://www.ikehikoshop.jp/).