Wpc. Gifts 85 Students with Sun Umbrellas to Protect Them from Scorching Heat! Launch of the 'Sun Umbrella is Love – Protect Students' Commutes with Sun Umbrellas!' Project, Featuring a Special Class to Change the 'Sun Umbrella Norm' Through the Power of Words

Wpc. (World Party Co., Ltd., headquartered in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Tomoda Tomoo), an umbrella brand, conducted a special program titled 'Wpc. #SunUmbrellaIsLove – Protect Students' Commutes with Sun Umbrellas!' on Monday, June 15, 2026, in collaboration with Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School. The initiative aimed to promote heatstroke prevention and shift social perceptions among students.

In recent years, life-threatening heatwaves have become commonplace. In April 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency introduced the term 'extreme heat day' for days with temperatures exceeding 40°C, highlighting the growing challenge of heatstroke prevention in educational settings. To transform students’ commutes from hazardous to safe and enjoyable, Wpc. launched this program to create a collaborative space for discussion and awareness.

● Special Lecture by Meteorologist and Disaster Prevention Expert, Akiko Ishikuro: 'Heatstroke Prevention for the Future'

The first half of the program featured Akiko Ishikuro, a meteorologist and certified disaster prevention specialist, and an alumna of the Faculty of Agriculture at Tokyo University of Agriculture. From dual perspectives of meteorology and disaster prevention, she delivered an engaging lecture using real data and quizzes to explain the dangers of extreme heat and heatstroke risks.

At the beginning of the lecture, students participated in a quiz about the number of heatstroke-related emergency transports across Japan in 2025. Encouraged by Ishikuro’s lively demeanor, many raised their hands enthusiastically. When the answer—approximately 100,000 people—was revealed, students expressed shock. In the latter half, she discussed practical heatstroke prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of 'heat acclimatization'—gradually adapting the body to heat—and introduced specific routines students could adopt during their commutes.

As a graduate of the school, Ishikuro concluded with a heartfelt message: 'There is data showing that using a sun umbrella reduces sweat by 17%. As students of Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School, you are in a position to help popularize sun umbrella culture. I would be delighted if you could share today’s inspiring ideas with others.' She strongly emphasized the sun umbrella as an essential tool for self-protection.

● Copywriting Workshop: Changing the Norm of Commuting with the Power of Words

The second half featured a workshop designed to challenge traditional stereotypes about sun umbrellas—such as 'they won’t make a difference anyway' or 'only adult women use them'—by encouraging students to create fresh, appealing slogans.

Divided into groups of 5–6, students brainstormed catchy slogans, with each team presenting their final concept.

▼ Group Slogan Highlights

Group 1: 'A Beauty Even the Sun Shouldn’t See'

Group 2: 'Unyielding to Rain, Unyielding to Summer Sun'

Group 3: 'Stylish as Can Be—Sun Umbrellas Are Fashion!'

Group 4: 'Under the Rainbow, By Your Side'

Group 5: 'Unyielding to Rain, Unyielding to Sunlight—Holding a Sun Umbrella Is Cool'

Group 6: 'Sunscreen You Don’t Have to Apply'

Group 7: 'A Roof That Protects You 365 Days a Year'

Group 8: 'The Era of Carrying Sunscreen'

Group 9: 'Fashion That Works: The Sun Umbrella'

Group 10: 'So Cool It’s Unreal! You’re Not Letting the Heat Ruin Your Mood, Right?

Sun Umbrellas Boost Both Style and Spirits! #NotSunnyButSunUmbrellaWeather'

Group 11: 'Humanity, It’s Time to Stop Enduring the Heat'

Group 12: 'Sharing a Bit of Shade on a Midsummer Commute'

Group 13: 'An Oasis You Can Hold in One Hand'

Group 14: 'Shade Anywhere. My Shade, My Cool'

Group 15: 'SUN CUT UMBRELLA'

Many groups defined clear target audiences. For example, Group 1 explained: 'We targeted grandfathers who might hesitate to buy a sun umbrella themselves, imagining a scene where a long-time partner grandmother gifts one with the message, “I want you to stay beautiful forever.”' Group 11 stated: 'Our target is adult men and high school students who typically don’t use sun umbrellas. We wanted something stylish yet practical, easy to carry, and effective—striking the right balance.'

Some groups showcased intellectual humor by referencing famous literary quotes—Group 2 with Kenji Miyazawa’s 'Be Not Defeated by the Rain' and Group 13 with Dr. Clark’s 'Boys, Be Ambitious'—demonstrating students’ creativity and cultural awareness.

Responding to the presentations, Wpc. PR representative Nakamura expressed deep emotion at the quality of ideas generated in just 20 minutes: 'The target audience insights and creative angles were outstanding—truly impressive work.' Instructor Ishikuro concluded: 'I was deeply moved by your high energy and profound analytical thinking about why people avoid sun umbrellas. I strongly felt that a simple change in wording can spark behavioral change. This session felt full of potential—perhaps even the birth of a future hit product.'

● Appointing 85 Participants as Sun Umbrella Ambassadors: Gift of Sun Umbrellas from Wpc.

At the program’s close, all 85 participating students were appointed as ambassadors to promote the safety and necessity of sun umbrellas. Representatives from the junior and senior divisions each received a sun umbrella on behalf of their peers. Wpc. commented: 'It is our sincere hope that students will make their commutes to school comfortable and enjoyable with sun umbrellas. As an essential item for protection against extreme heat, we encourage you to share the benefits with others around you.' The program successfully enabled students to experience positive behavioral change through self-reflection and the power of language.

● Project Overview

· Project Name: Wpc. '#SunUmbrellaIsLove – Protect Students’ Commutes with Sun Umbrellas!' Project

· Date: June 15, 2026 (Monday)

· Venue: Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School (3-33-1 Sakura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)

· Participants: Students from Grade 7 to Grade 12 at Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School

· Organizer: World Party Co., Ltd.

● About Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School

A private co-educational school located in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, which became a fully integrated junior-senior high school in 2025. Guided by the educational philosophy of 'Chikou Jitsugaku' (Knowledge, Cultivation, Practical Learning), the school emphasizes hands-on experiments and experiential activities. Through robust STEM education and practical learning that fosters academic ability and curiosity, it aims to cultivate globally minded individuals who can proactively shape the future. The school values a 'co-creation' mindset, encouraging collaboration in academics, events, and club activities.

· School Name: Tokyo University of Agriculture First Senior High School and Junior High School

· Address: 3-33-1 Sakura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo