Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Nutraceuticals
June 25, 2025
POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY Adopted as a New Heat Illness Prevention at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan,
Supporting the Safe and Secure Operation of the Expo
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) announce that its product POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY has been adopted as a heat illness prevention for operational staff at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (Osaka Kansai Expo), with implementation beginning in June.
POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY
On-site use at the Osaka Kansai Expo
The Osaka Kansai Expo is underway, built around the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." As the peak of summer approaches, there is an increasing need for enhanced heat preventative measures not only for visitors but also for operational staff. In recent years, Ice slurry - a semi-frozen beverage that "cools from the core" - has emerged as a promising new option for preventing heat illness.
Otsuka launched POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY in 2018 as a beverage that "cools body from the core," based on heat illness prevention management focusing on core temperature. Following discussions with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (the Expo Association), it has been decided to use our product, which has been widely used by individuals working in hot environments has been officially adopted as a heat preventative measure for operational staff at the Osaka Kansai Expo. In addition to hydration and electrolyte replenishment through beverages such as POCARI SWEAT, which are available for purchase on-site, this new scientifically grounded heat countermeasure will help support the health of operational staff and contribute to the safe and secure operation of the Osaka Kansai Expo.
Regarding the adoption of this product, Kosuke Iwadare, Chief of the General Affairs Bureau at the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition and Class-1 Health Supervisor, commented: "We are deeply grateful for this generous support. As we prepare to operate the Osaka Kansai Expo during the summer, effective heat preventative measures for operational staff, including our personnel, are essential. With this support, we will continue working to ensure the safe and secure operation of the Osaka Kansai Expo."
■About POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY https://pocarisweat.jp/products/iceslurry/ (in Japanese)
Ice slurry is a liquid in which ice micro-crystals are held in suspension. The extremely fine crystals have a higher cooling effect compared to regular ice.
Otsuka developed a proprietary technology that allows the liquid to be stored at room temperature and frozen into a slurry form when needed. In 2018, the company launched POCARI SWEAT ICE SLURRY as a groundbreaking beverage that can be consumed in its slurry state when frozen. It offers a new option for heat illness prevention, especially for those active in hot environments.
■Our Efforts to Prevent heat Illness https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/sustainability/health/preventing-heat-disorders/
Otsuka developed and offers POCARI SWEAT as an ion supply beverage that quickly replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost through perspiration. For over 30 years, we have also been engaged in educational activities to promote heat illness prevention in a wide range of settings - from sports and schools to workplaces in hot environments. In addition, we are actively promoting heat countermeasures in collaboration with more than 800 local governments across Japan, including all 47 prefectures with which we have signed comprehensive health partnership agreements, as well as with national government agencies such as the Ministry of the Environment, companies, schools, and other partner organizations.
■About Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
・Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives
・Schedule: 184 days from April 13 to October 13, 2025
・Venue: Yumeshima, Osaka
Reference: Otsuka Provides "Wellness Energy" at Osaka Kansai Expo
"Wellness Energy" Featured Website https://www.otsuka.co.jp/wellness-energy/top/en/
Otsuka is sponsoring signature pavilion "Better Co-Being" created with the theme of "Resonance of Lives". Otsuka provides the "Wellness Energy", products created around the concept of "vital life energy" that will be exclusively at Osaka Kansai Expo, as a gift for visitors of Better Co-Being pavilion.
About the Better Co-Being Pavilion https://co-being.jp/expo2025/en/
・Theme: Resonance of Lives
・Project Producer: Hiroaki Miyata (Professor, Keio University)
We are now at a turning point in reconstructing civilisation, not only from an economic point of view, but also in the areas of the environment, human rights, education, and health. In a world where everyone is connected to one another, it is important to respect diverse forms of life and aim to achieve a future where each and every individual can prosper. The thematic project "Resonance of Lives" offers the opportunity to experience human co-being - resonating with life and the future - through co-creating a new world.
Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide,' Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.
About Otsuka
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a total healthcare company that focuses on each individual's potential to enhance their well-being. Our medical-related business provides treatments and diagnostics for both physical and mental health. Our nutraceutical business supports daily health maintenance and improvement. Otsuka's unique products and services are based on scientific evidence, under the guidance of our corporate philosophy: Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.
For further information, please visit www.otsuka.co.jp/en/
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