Explaining the Heat Countermeasure Hackathon Collaboration

During 2019, Toei and Loftwork Inc teamed up to host a one-day hackathon to help Kamen Rider suit actors beat the heat.

Loftwork is a global design firm that works internationally to come up with design solutions and make changes in the workplace – this year, Toei teamed up with Loftwork in order to combat rising temperatures due to global warming.

Under these conditions, filming tokusatsu shows like Kamen Rider can be dangerous for suit actors, especially during the Summer months. That’s why Toei and Loftwork collaborated on the “Save Kamen Rider! Heat Countermeasure Hackathon.”

From August to November 2019, Loftwork worked with Toei by visiting the set of Kamen Rider and meeting with companies specializing in products that block heat and reduce body temperature. The actual hackathon event was a one-day conference where five companies demonstrated products and provided samples that would help further the goal of improving conditions on-set. Staff from Toei like Shinichiro Shirakura (producer for Kamen Rider Zi-O and Toei’s Director of Planning and Production) were present to discuss specific issues and explain details.

As Loftwork worked closely with Toei to understand the full scope of the situation, the hackathon also featured prototyping and refreshments. As a result of the hackathon, Loftwork has been able to come up with practical solutions, combine comfort with functionality, and reduce the overall risk of heat stroke.

Source: Toei and Loftwork via Daisuki Toku