Odakyu Electric Railway will introduce polo shirts as part of its new summer uniform on August 1, 2025 (Fri), as part of efforts to prevent heatstroke for station staff working in scorching hot environments.
Sensible temperatures on station platforms can reach 40°C
This summer, the Kanto region has seen a string of scorching hot days with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C. According to Odakyu, the perceived temperature on platforms bathed in sunlight can reach nearly 40°C. Station staff, who perform responsible duties such as ensuring the safety of train operations in harsh environments, have been proactively encouraged to replenish their fluids and salt intake, and measures have been implemented, including the provision of fan-powered air-conditioned clothing and vests with built-in ice packs.
Following a trial run of polo shirts at the suggestion of station staff, the company will now officially adopt polo shirts made with Uniqlo’s AIRism material, known for its excellent sweat absorption and diffusion properties, as part of its summer uniform. The selection was based on extensive comparison and consideration, based on functionality and the need to maintain the employee’s appearance when worn. The polo shirts are unified for both men and women, featuring the Odakyu Group brand mark on the left chest and a single image of the company’s child-rearing support mascot, “Mokoron,” on the right sleeve.
The bond between Odakyu and UNIQLO
UNIQLO has stores in Odakyu Group commercial facilities such as Shinjuku Flags and Shin-Yurigaoka El Mirador. Odakyu station attendants who wear AIRism have been featured in UNIQLO’s in-store advertising materials, and there have been collaborations such as the production and sale of limited-edition Mokoron-designed T-shirts and tote bags. The introduction of these polo shirts was made possible through UNIQLO UNIFORM, a service that allows customers to purchase UNIQLO products embroidered or printed with corporate or organizational logos in one purchase. While the traditional summer uniform consists of a vest, long-sleeved shirt, and tie, each employee will now be able to choose whether to wear this or a polo shirt.
Odakyu has also taken steps to combat the heat for on-site staff, such as allowing station staff to omit wearing their caps while working at the ticket counter or ticket gate, and drivers and conductors to omit wearing their caps while on board or patrolling the train, and increasing the number of air conditioners in the rolling stock workshop. Furthermore, as part of its efforts to create a more comfortable working environment, the company is reviewing uniform standards to allow station staff to wear black sneakers in addition to the traditional leather shoes.
