Popularity of adult diapers growing for Asia’s elderly
ELDERLY people in Japan, where the population is ageing at an unprecedented rate, can choose from a variety of diapers that are thin and highly absorbent. These diapers also make it easier for the elderly to travel outside their homes. They are growing in popularity overseas as well, with manufacturers receiving inquiries and being asked to hold study sessions overseas, primarily in Asia.
The biggest maker, Tokyobased Unicharm Corp, has received requests to send teachers to Taiwan and Indonesia. In November 2017, company staff attended nursing care seminars in three cities in Taiwan. Participants remarked on the “incredible absorbency” of Japanese diapers, how they were constructed so people could move normally. They were also surprised at the products’ strong deodorising effect and the fact big manufacturers have developed about 30 varieties of adult diapers to suit different conditions for people who can walk independently or people who cannot walk.
The company was visited last year by nursing students from Taiwan and Singapore who came to study its products.
The attention on Japanese adult diapers came about after some products were marketed in Taiwan, China, Thailand and other places, giving consumers overseas more opportunities to use them. Foreigners visiting Japan have also purchased diapers and told others about how easy they are to use.
Kao Corp, also based in Tokyo, has received an increasing number of inquiries about its adult diapers. Many people have wanted to know where they can buy them.
“People involved in nursing care from Asia and Europe have enthusiastically questioned us at exhibitions,” said a representative of Livedo Corp based in Ehime prefecture.
Some people in countries such as France have purchased the diapers over the internet.
Foreigners also like the dia- pers because they are as thin as regular underwear. Kao named a product it began selling in October 2016, “Marude Shitagi”, which means “Just like underwear”.
“Japanese diapers help the elderly participate in society,” said Hiroyuki Murata, a specially appointed professor at Tohoku University who has studied the lifestyles of elderly people. “That is likely part of the reason behind the overseas interest.”
About 7.4 billion paper adult diapers were manufactured in Japan in 2016, according to the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association. Most were used domestically.