• Otsuka Pharmaceutical has received an Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year at the Hitosuzumi (Cool Break) Awards 2017. The awards are presented to recognize outstanding participants in the Heat Disorders Prevention - Communication Project, a public/private initiative under the auspices of Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
• In addition to ongoing heat disorders awareness activities, the company's cooperative initiatives in partnership with local governments and other entities and team efforts implemented by Otsuka employees were recognized with the Team Excellence Award (Corporate Division).
• Otsuka also received a Top Runner Award, presented to the organization that implemented the most effective heat disorders prevention public awareness initiatives during the course of the year.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) has received an Excellence Award at the Heat Disorders Prevention - Communication Project Hitosuzumi (Cool Break) Awards 2017. In addition to heat disorders prevention public awareness initiatives implemented in partnership with local organizations and sports events, Otsuka has been proactively expanding the scope of activities through collaborative partnerships with prefectural governments and local communities as well as team efforts uniting company employees, efforts that were recognized with the 2017 Team Excellence Award (Corporate Division). Otsuka also received the Top Runner Award (Corporate Division), presented to the organization that implemented the most effective heat disorders prevention public awareness initiatives during 2017. Otsuka was named "Top Runner" for the second consecutive year.

From the initial launch of POCARI SWEAT, Otsuka has emphasized the importance of hydration and replenishment of electrolytes (ions) based on the results of proprietary research to verify the benefits of ion supply beverages. Cooperative efforts to expand awareness of heat disorders were launched in 1992, and in the intervening years Otsuka has continued to provide information and organize public awareness activities focusing on the importance of hydration during sports, as an element of occupational safety in the workplace, and for elderly people.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Heat Disorders Prevention Communication Activities

(1)Cooperative public/private heat disorders awareness and prevention activities

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has concluded cooperative agreements with 42 prefectural and metropolitan governments throughout Japan. Maximizing years of expertise in heat disorders prevention, Otsuka provides information and participates in cooperative public/private awareness activities using pamphlets, posters, and other educational tools.

(2)On-site heat disorders prevention seminars presented by Otsuka employees

For more than 25 years, Otsuka employees have been dispatched to deliver on-site seminars, providing information about heat disorders awareness and prevention. Initially targeting sports enthusiasts, coaches and instructors, and schools, these activities have been steadily expanded to include high temperature working environments and provision of information for elderly people, who account for a large number of heat disorders patients transported by ambulance.

(3)Public awareness initiatives at events

In addition to sponsorship of heat disorders-related events, Otsuka is an active supporter of sports events, including the nationwide Inter-High School Athletic Meeting, junior high school athletic events, the National Athletic Meet, and other sports events, where the company provides products and awareness raising initiatives regarding the importance of hydration and electrolyte (ion) replenishment.

According to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency, a total of 50,886 heat disorders patients were transported by ambulance between May and August 2017, an increase of 4,486 compared to the previous year. Heat disorders can often be prevented through proper awareness and precautions. In response to environmental and social challenges such as global warming and progressive aging of the population, and to ensure the ability to safely enjoy sports and recreational activities, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will continue efforts to promote public awareness and understanding of the importance of hydration and electrolyte (ion) replenishment in various lifestyle scenarios.