Japanese consumer product and sports developments

Japanese companies continue to advance developments in consumer products, apparel, and sports. Sharp Corporation is releasing the Plasma Cluster Drape Flow Hair Dryer (IB-WX903), featuring a ‘Dry Assist’ mode to prevent hair damage.

In the apparel and retail sectors, San-ai Resort has introduced amphibious yoga and activewear. ActiveM JAPAN has entered an advisory contract with Yomiuri Giants player Kokoa Higashi to develop improved athletic undergarments for the 2026 season. Additionally, the SATISFY and Oakley collaboration has unveiled its eighth collection, ‘Equipment for our World’, which focuses on high-performance eyewear and apparel with advanced ventilation and is scheduled for release on October 14. In retail news, the Himalaya Sports & Golf Apita Inazawa store is set to undergo renewal and relocation on October 9, 2026, to enhance customer experiences through measurement services and product testing.

Regarding professional sports, the 2026 Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament is scheduled to take place in Ariake from October 24 to November 1, featuring players such as Naomi Osaka. Meanwhile, the 2026 Baku World Judo Championships are currently taking place in Azerbaijan. Japanese competitors Yuhei Oino and Haruka Kaju are participating in the men’s 81kg and women’s 63kg categories, respectively, with Kaju seeking her second consecutive world title.