[New Era] Focusing on the 'Hidden Heat Risks' for Childcare Workers Supporting 'Children's Safety', Providing Hats to Nurseries in Tokyo

New Era, a global sports and lifestyle brand, provided hats to selected nurseries in Tokyo in May 2026 to support heat protection for childcare workers. In recent years, extreme heat has become the norm in Japan, increasing the importance of heat countermeasures during outdoor activities. While wearing hats is common for children in nurseries, it is not a standard habit for childcare workers, and the heat risks faced by adults in these settings are often overlooked. Childcare workers spend significant time outdoors, such as leading walks and outdoor play. Additionally, they often work in a stooped or crouching position to be close to children, meaning they spend long periods at lower heights where they are susceptible to heat reflection from the ground. It has been confirmed that temperatures at a height of 120cm can be 4–7°C higher than at adult height. Childcare workers are essentially exposed to 'child-level temperatures' for long periods, placing them at risk despite their role in ensuring children's safety. Furthermore, research by Professor Tetsuro Kita of Musashino Art University using thermography showed a 15.9°C difference in head surface temperature between those not wearing a hat (57.5°C) and those wearing a red hat (41.6°C). Since the head has high blood flow and is sensitive to direct sunlight, protecting it is considered a key element of heat protection. Based on these 'hidden heat risks,' New Era provided hats to support childcare workers. Through this initiative, the company aims to broaden interest in heat protection for the caregivers themselves.