Kao and Tokyu Real Estate launch “Stay in the Shade” cooling project in Tokyo’s Omotesando

Kao Corporation and Tokyu Real Estate have partnered on the “STAY in the SHADE” project, set up on the rooftop of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando (referred to as “Omokado”) and running through August 5. The initiative creates shaded rest spots where visitors can pause under parasols, deck chairs and misting devices while strolling the Harajuku‑Omotesando area during Japan’s intense summer heat.

The project incorporates popular San‑X characters such as Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi and Tarepanda, and offers a cooling towel (Biore Cool Towel) that maintains a three‑degree skin‑temperature drop for an hour. Kao senior executive Takashi Hatanase highlighted that heatwaves are a “societal challenge” and that the venture aims to restore the value of summer street experiences while preventing heat‑stroke. Tokyu Real Estate’s corporate communications head Miyako Tanaka described the effort as a way to promote climate‑adaptation behaviours and showcase the company’s renewable‑energy‑driven facilities.