Writer Yoppy Launches a Business in Ashiya to Sell the “Baby Air” Heatstroke Prevention Vest for Toddlers

Writer Yoppy has apparently launched a company called “Baby Air Inc.” in Miyagawa-cho, Ashiya!

Quoted from the press release

Yoppy is a writer known for his work on “Yahoo! News,” “Omocoro,” and other media. Inspired by his own parenting experience, he founded the company to sell “Baby Air,” a heatstroke-prevention vest for young children.

The crowdfunding campaign reached its ¥5 million goal in just three days. The company reportedly raised a total of ¥50 million from investors and placed an order for 10,000 vests. Its high-profile investors apparently include mixi founder Kenji Kasahara and Hiroyuki.

Quoted from the press release

“Baby Air” is a cooling vest for preschool-aged children. Its built-in fans draw in outside air, helping lower the skin’s surface temperature through evaporative cooling.

Quoted from the press release

• The fans are positioned directly at the sides, where they are less likely to hit the ground if a child falls
• The slim, lightweight design puts less strain on children
• Mesh prevents children from putting their fingers into the fans
• Standard or rechargeable batteries are recommended instead of lithium-ion batteries

These features show that special attention has been paid to safety for a product designed for young children.

One set costs ¥10,800 (tax included) on the official website, and it can apparently be used for years—from around 18 months old, when children begin walking, until about age four.

↑ The exterior of “Prime States Ashiya,” where Baby Air Inc. is located. Ashiya Biyokan is on the first floor of the building.

(Baby Air is not sold at this location or at Ashiya Biyokan. Please purchase it from the official online store.)

Here’s the location on the map ↓

The address is 兵庫県芦屋市宮川町1-11-1.

Final Thoughts

Who would have thought that Yoppy would start a company in Ashiya? What a surprise! He seems to travel back and forth between places like Tokyo and Osaka, so we’d love to ask why he chose Ashiya. With the height of summer approaching, check out “Baby Air” if it sounds like something you might be interested in!