More comfortable outings, even in the heat.
MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD®is a high-performance series of heatstroke-prevention products developed to help address intense sunlight and heat. By combining high-performance heat-shielding fabric with a proprietary patented structure, the products are designed to address not only heat from the sun, but also reflected heat from the ground and heat trapped beneath the canopy.
Our goal is to help create an environment in which older adults, people with disabilities, children, and many others can go outdoors more comfortably even on hot days.
As temperatures rise around the world, outdoor conditions during hot seasons are becoming increasingly severe. For people who are particularly susceptible to heat, including older adults, going outdoors during the daytime can place a significant burden on the body. Shopping, medical visits, walking, and many other parts of daily life still require people to go outside.
MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD®pursues both heat-shielding performance and ease of use to help make outings on hot days more comfortable.
A parasol is designed to block intense sunlight. However, in hot outdoor environments, comfort is also affected by heat from sunlight, reflected heat from roads and the ground, and heat that becomes trapped beneath the umbrella. MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD®focuses on these multiple sources of heat and approaches heat protection through the structure of the entire umbrella.
Heat-shielding fabric is used on both the outer and inner layers, with an air layer between them. This air layer acts as insulation, helping reduce the transfer of heat from the sun into the space beneath the umbrella.
The inside of the umbrella incorporates a heat-release structure designed to allow trapped heat and air to escape more easily. By reducing heat transfer with heat-shielding fabric while also allowing internal heat to escape, the design takes comfort beneath the canopy into consideration.
Under intense sunlight, roads and ground surfaces can also generate reflected heat. MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD®uses heat-shielding fabric on the inner layer as well, creating a structure designed with heat coming from below in mind.
For WITH FAN, SEMI-AUTO, and ELECTRIC AUTO, independent third-party testing of the fabric alone confirmed heat-shielding rates of 75% or higher. TRANSFORM TYPE uses fabric with a heat-shielding rate of 69%.
These figures exceed the 35% or higher heat-shielding standard established by the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association (JUPA), the Japanese umbrella industry organization.
*Testing was conducted in accordance with JIS L 1951. *Test values are measurement results for the fabric alone.
In addition to heat-shielding performance, MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD® uses fabric designed to handle both intense sunlight and rain. It can be used in a wide range of situations, from sunny days with strong sunlight to sudden rainfall.
We compared head surface temperatures with no umbrella in use and with MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD® in use.
Under the measurement conditions, the head surface temperature was 64.0°C without the product and 30.5°C with MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD® — a difference of 33.5°C.
*Results are based on head surface temperature measurements conducted in Osaka City in August 2023.
*Results may vary depending on the measurement environment, weather conditions, and other factors.
SUGITA Co., Ltd. is advancing product development through collaborations with medical institutions and government organizations, including industry-academia partnerships with Nippon Medical School.
By incorporating knowledge from the medical field, we continue developing products that support outdoor activity for older adults and others who are more susceptible to heat.
MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD®is available in four models, each with different features. Choose the model that best suits the user and intended situation.
The development of MEDICA-HEAT SHIELD® and SUGITA Co., Ltd.'s efforts in heatstroke prevention have received endorsements from individuals in a range of fields, including medicine and public administration.
Former Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications / Former Minister of State for Disaster Management
As climate change and population aging progress, heatstroke prevention is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of disaster preparedness as well. Mr. Takeda has endorsed SUGITA Co., Ltd.'s efforts to develop technologies that support the safety of older adults and address social challenges.
Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital
From the perspective of a medical researcher, Mr. Kanda has endorsed SUGITA Co., Ltd.'s efforts to develop practical products for heatstroke prevention among older adults.
Mayor of Higashiosaka
In Higashiosaka, a city known for manufacturing, collaboration between the medical and manufacturing sectors continues to advance. Mayor Noda has expressed expectations for SUGITA Co., Ltd.'s product development aimed at preventing heatstroke among older adults.
MEDICA HEAT-SHIELD® won the Assistive Living category at the 14th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2026.
It was recognized for its social significance and technology as a product that supports the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and others.
We welcome questions about our products as well as inquiries regarding OEM, ODM,
and distributorship opportunities.
