April 14, 2011 — Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
In a show of compassion and cross-border cooperation following Japan’s devastating earthquake, Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd. announced today that Kakuta Kodomo (Children) & Allergies Clinic in Miyagi Prefecture has received a donation of 50 Totobobo masks and 500 pairs of filters from FI Corporation, Totobobo’s main distributor in Japan.
The donation comes just weeks after the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and a powerful magnitude 7.1 aftershock on April 7 that rattled Miyagi Prefecture, temporarily shutting off power to over 3.6 million households and injuring more than 140 residents.
Clinic Supporting Vulnerable Children
Situated in one of the hardest-hit regions, Kakuta Kodomo & Allergies Clinic specializes in treating children with respiratory allergies, immune deficiencies, chemical sensitivities, and heart conditions. These vulnerable patients are particularly at risk from pollution and airborne irritants that often worsen after natural disasters.
To help safeguard these young patients, the donated Totobobo masks offer a much-needed layer of respiratory protection. Made of transparent, soft, anti-microbial plastic, each mask features flexible edges and a customizable fit — it can be trimmed with scissors to suit the size and shape of a child’s face.
The masks also stand out for their comfort and practicality: the elastic strap is hypoallergenic, and the reusable design allows parents or medical staff to easily clean the mask and replace the inner filters, reducing both waste and costs.
Designed With Children’s Health in Mind
Developed by Singaporean designer Francis Chu after the 2003 SARS outbreak, the Totobobo mask was created to address a challenge many parents faced – finding small, effective masks that seal properly on a child’s face. The transparent design makes it easier to check for gaps, ensuring a better seal and protection from airborne threats.
FI Corporation, headquartered in Gifu Prefecture, has been distributing Totobobo masks across Japan as part of its commitment to public health and safety. According to the company’s statement, the donation reflects Japan’s spirit of community support and technological innovation in times of recovery.
Hope and Recovery Amid Crisis
Miyagi Prefecture was among the areas most affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which caused massive destruction and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. As the region continues rebuilding efforts, initiatives like this donation underscore the importance of protecting weakened immune systems—especially among children recovering in compromised environments.
“Totobobo masks are particularly suitable for our young patients who are still rebuilding their immune strength,” said a staff member at Kakuta Kodomo & Allergies Clinic. “We are deeply grateful for the thoughtful support.”
About the Donors
- Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore, is the international developer of the Totobobo mask.
- FI Corporation, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, specializes in health products and supplements with a focus on safety certification and sustainable design.
Both companies reaffirmed their shared mission: to provide safe, clean air protection for children and families, particularly in times when health vulnerabilities meet environmental challenges.
Source: Dream Lab One, FI Corporation, Wikipedia (April 2011 Miyagi Earthquake)