Japanese Company Creates Life-Changing UV Protection for Children with Rare Skin Condition

A remarkable story has emerged from Japan, where an apparel manufacturer has developed specialized windbreakers for children suffering from xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) – a rare genetic condition that causes extreme sensitivity to UV light, resulting in severe skin damage and increased cancer risk.

Peekaboo Inc., based in Wako, Saitama Prefecture, successfully created windbreakers that block 99.9% of UV rays, offering unprecedented protection for these vulnerable children. The company raised 1.54 million yen through crowdfunding to manufacture 22 of these special jackets for elementary school children with XP.

The innovative windbreakers are made with textiles containing titanium oxide particles and feature two small fans to reduce heat buildup. This thoughtful design allows children with XP to participate in outdoor activities that would otherwise be dangerous for them.

Behind this breakthrough is Kikuko Matsunari, co-founder of Peekaboo Inc., whose journey began 20 years ago when her own son was diagnosed with UV-induced atopic dermatitis. Finding no suitable protective clothing available at that time, Matsunari and her friends established the company in 2002 to address this critical need.

The company now offers over 100 types of UV-protective hats and garments under their “Epochal” brand. Their decision to develop the specialized XP windbreaker came after Matsunari attended a meeting of the Japanese National Network of Xeroderma Pigmentosum in 2018, where parents expressed desires for their children to participate in school sports days.

Nine-year-old Arata Abe, who has undergone five surgeries to remove cancerous skin, was among the recipients. Upon receiving his windbreaker, he smiled and said, “I want to walk to school with my friends” – a simple wish made possible by this innovative protection.

Satoshi Arimoto, head of the national XP network, praised the new protective gear for giving these children more opportunities to be outdoors and build physical strength. With approximately 500 people in Japan living with XP, this development represents a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Matsunari hopes that UV protection education will become more widespread: “Regardless of whether people suffer from a disease or not, it’s necessary to learn about measures against UV light from childhood.”

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20220223-13987/