Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of "rest" in supporting health is being re-evaluated. With the rest market expected to expand and new products and services related to rest emerging, "recovery wear," which is expected to aid in fatigue recovery and daily health support, is suddenly attracting attention.

What exactly is "recovery wear"? We spoke to the developers of Resona Bio, a self-medication Resona Bio brand that will be available for pre-sale* at the "ISETAN HOME HOTEL" pop-up shop, held from August 14th (Wed) to August 27th (Tue) on the 1st floor of the Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

This time, we interviewed Hidehisa Katayama, President and CEO of Smile Cotton Co., Ltd., the company behind Resona Bio , and Norihisa Matsunaga, a researcher at Resona Bio LAB Okinawa Co., Ltd., who developed the key raw materials. In addition, we spoke with Kimura, buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building about the potential of "recovery wear."

*The event featured in this article has already concluded.

Profile

Hidehisa Katayama

Smile Cotton Co., Ltd. President and CEO

After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, she worked for Chori Co., Ltd., a textile and apparel trading company. Later, she joined Smile Cotton Co., Ltd., which is run by her father. Currently, she serves as the representative director and president, and in addition to selling textiles, she also develops HAAG a daily wear brand that uses "Smile Cotton"* in all of its products.
*A material developed by Smile Cotton Co., Ltd. that is soft to the touch, highly absorbent, and dries quickly.

Norihisa Matsunaga

Researcher, Design Group, LAB Okinawa, ResonaBio Co., Ltd.

For approximately 30 years, I have been engaged in research and development related to negative ion generation technology and far-infrared utilization technology through mineral-related businesses. I have been involved in various research projects related to the development of functional fiber materials, and in 2022, I was in charge of material development and product design for "household far-infrared blood circulation promoting clothing" at Resona Bio LAB Okinawa Co., Ltd. and Smile Cotton Co., Ltd.

Madoka Kimura

Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F, Underwear, Socks, and Nightwear Buyer

After joining Mitsukoshi Isetan Co., Ltd. in 2014, she gained experience on various floors of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and in 2021 became the buyer for cosmetics on the 1st floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . She has held her current position since 2023. She says she wants to be thoroughly attuned to men's lifestyles and wants to do things that will provide as many "きっかけ" (きっかけ - trigger/opportunity) as possible for those who are interested in cosmetics and underwear but don't know what to buy.

Clearly defined standards for "recovery wear"

First, "recovery wear" refers to clothing that supports fatigue recovery and daily health. While various products have long been marketed as "recovery wear," a new category of home medical devices was created in 2022, establishing the general medical device category of "home-use far-infrared blood circulation promoting garments." Consequently, a definition for products falling under this category was established, and industry associations created voluntary standards.

Resona Bio undergoes various tests based on its own internal standards to confirm its compliance, and is a product that has been registered as a general medical device, "Household Far-Infrared Blood Circulation Promoting Clothing."

Katayama commented on Resona Bio 's "Home-use Far-Infrared Blood Circulation Promoting Clothing" as follows:

Katayama: "We reconsidered what we expect from 'recovery wear,' and we call Resona Bio 'self-medication wear.' It's not just a 'hunch,' but a product that can be expected to have effects based on scientifically proven results."

The developer of Resona Bio reveals the mechanism behind improved blood circulation

So why can we expect to see results just by wearing the clothing?

As mentioned earlier, recovery wear that meets the standards is officially called "Household Far-Infrared Blood Circulation Promoting Clothing." It's a long and complicated name, but there's a trick hidden within it. That's right, the key is that it uses "far-infrared rays" to "promote blood circulation."

The methods used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but what kind of technology does Resona Bio employ? First, Mr. Katayama explains the general outline.

Katayama : "The Resona Bio material, which incorporates finely powdered mineral particles, emits far-infrared rays that resonate with the far-infrared rays naturally emitted by humans. This creates intermolecular frictional heat within the skin, which increases blood flow. Negative ions are also generated."

The key to Resona Bio products lies in the "mineral powder" used in their materials. This raw material was developed by Mr. Matsunaga, who has been researching far-infrared and negative ion utilization technologies for about 30 years.

Matsunaga : "The mineral powder used as a raw material was originally developed to increase the flame temperature of fossil fuels and conserve energy during combustion. This time, we have newly developed a functional fiber material using this mineral powder and applied the same mechanism to achieve resonance and vibration with the human body."

The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for development.

So, how did the development of the new product begin? In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Katayama heard from an acquaintance about a functional fiber material using mineral powder, and immediately felt its potential.

Katayama : "During the COVID-19 pandemic, I myself was experiencing discomfort from sitting in a chair for long hours doing desk work. As I searched for solutions on my own, I came across the importance of blood circulation. Coincidentally, it was at that time that I came across Matsunaga's new material, and I thought that this could help many people with their problems."

Meanwhile, behind the development of Resona Bio , Matsunaga harbored a strong desire for health.

Matsunaga : "I'm proud of this material, which I created with 'unwavering dedication,' and I want to use it as a general medical device to help people in need. By promoting blood flow, it can help with fatigue recovery. Improved blood circulation is the source of smiles."

The "rest market" is expected to expand even further.

As Ms. Katayama experienced firsthand, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened people's awareness of their health, and the importance of rest is being re-evaluated.

Driven by increasing demand, the market for rest-related goods and services is expanding.

Regarding the expansion of the rest market, Matsunaga says, "There is still a sense of guilt about taking a rest in Japanese culture. I hope that in the future, the value of rest will be widely recognized as part of health management."

Katayama also said, "I hope this isn't just a passing fad, but that it becomes an opportunity for people to think about their health. I hope Resona Bio can play a part in that."

Designs that can be incorporated into fashion

Now, let's take a closer look at the products that Resona Bio will be offering for pre-sale* at the 'ISETAN HOME HOTEL' event this summer.

The main focus is the high-spec line "Resona Bio+", which is classified as a general medical device. The cardboard knit top and bottom will be available in three sizes and three colors (black, organic color, and olive), as well as the "Active Double Knit T-shirt" and "Active Double Knit Pants".

Matsunaga explains the reason for using double-knit fabric, which consists of two layers of fabric, the outer and inner layers, joined together with a middle thread: "It creates an air layer, making it harder for heat to escape between the body and the garment."

In addition to its heat retention properties, it also offers a soft feel and excellent stretchability. Katayama says that, on the other hand, the design is not just functional, but also beautifully crafted.

Katayama : "I focused on creating a design that can be worn anywhere. While it has a relaxed fit, the silhouette and colors are flattering, making it suitable for anyone, regardless of gender or skin tone. I paid close attention to the design, including comfort, aiming to create a product you'll want to wear every day. I especially hope that Isetan Shinjuku customers, who are always highly interested in health and beauty, will try it."

Why the buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , focused on "recovery wear"

ISETAN HOME HOTEL also sells the standard line* "Relaxed Long-Sleeve T-Shirt" and "Relaxed Straight Pants." These items have a relaxed fit with no ribbing at the cuffs or hem, making them ideal for sleeping.

'ISETAN HOME HOTEL,' which was first held during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to increased demand for staying at home, is now in its fifth year. With the theme of "enriching everyday time," the event features interiors and furnishings, but what was the reason buyer Kimura focused on "recovery wear" and "relaxation wear"?

Kimura: "With more and more customers seeking quality in every aspect of their daily lives, I believe recovery wear and relaxation wear are items that enrich our lives. In particular, recovery wear that meets the standards for general medical devices is amazing because it supports your health just by wearing it. For this event, we selected brands not only based on whether they meet the standards for general medical devices, but also on their design and comfort. We hope you will come to the store and enjoy actually picking them up and trying them out."

Experience the effects at 'ISETAN HOME HOTEL'

This article features Resona Bio , but the event will also feature two other brands, including NEWPEACE. Both brands will be exhibiting pajamas and comfort wear, including general medical devices.

"We want this to be an event where everyone, including our customers, can think about health together," said Katayama, Matsunaga, and Kimura in unison.

Why not get a head start on experiencing relaxation wear, which is sure to become even more popular in the future, at ISETAN HOME HOTEL?

Event information is available here.

*The event featured in this article has already concluded.

Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: Shin Ichinose

＊All prices include tax.
＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

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Phone 03-3352-1111 Main representative
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