Discovering a Sustainable Future from Japan

Period underwear Signature Shorts eliminates leakage and stress

Have you experienced embarrassing menstruation mishaps, uncomfortable dampness and period blood odor? If you are relying on disposable menstrual pads or tampons, chances are that you have at least one or two scary stories about your menstruation.

Be-A Japan’s Signature Shorts are a new alternative that feel just like a regular underwear but protect you from unnecessary leakage. With this menstrual underwear, you can even forget that you’re on your period.

Five obsorbent layers cover up to the waist. The absorbent part is detachable for a handwash. Thermal Terahertz waves keep your lower abdomen warm. (Image: camp-fire.jp)

The idea of Signature Shorts came from two Japanese women at Be-A Japan; CEO Minako Yamamoto and COO Kumi Takahashi wanted to create leakproof protection that cuts back on waste and hassle. From puberty to menopause, a woman gets her period for about 40 years on average. That works out to roughly 480 times in one’s life, and nearly seven years’ time spent managing discomfort and discarding pads or tampons.

Signature Shorts developers: Minako Yamamoto and Kumi Takahashi (Image: withbe-a.com)

Super protective Signature Shorts, kind to your body and the environment

Designed with five layers of fabric, this leakproof underwear can hold up to 12 tampons worth of blood (equivalent to 120ml). The layers consist of a waterproof outer fabric, three ultra-absorbent fabrics, and an antibacterial fabric that traps odor. It is scientifically demonstrated that this odor-controlling effect lasts for up to 18 hours of usage, even after the underwear is washed 10 times. This means that you no longer need to worry about changing your pads or tampons regularly, even on a day with heavy flow.

Signature Shorts also protect you from cramps. The underwear wraps your lower abdomen with a layer that emits thermal Terahertz waves and keeps your body warm. To clean the underwear, you simply hand wash it with cold water first. Once you remove the stains, you can machine-wash it with the rest of your laundry, in cold water.

The crowdfunding project was an overwhelming success

These life-changing panties made a promising start during their pre-sale crowdfunding in June and July. They raised over 100 times more than the one million yen target. Many supporters shared their gratitude for this innovative product, celebrating stain-free mornings and a newly attained peace of mind during periods.

Using the money they raised through the crowdfunding, Be-A Japan plans to donate the panties to medical professionals. These heroes often have to spend hours without changing pads or tampons, while they dedicate themselves to saving lives. Moreover, smaller sizes will be developed for teenagers who are still new to menstruation and learning to cope with irregular cycles. With their blockbuster opening and great ambitions, Signature Shorts are expected to become a reliably comfortable and sustainable option.

(Image: camp-fire.jp)
[Related article] MTI’s new female employee benefit program creates period-friendly workplace|Zenbird
[Website] Be-A Product Page (in Japanese)
[Reference] Campfire

Written by
Misato Noto

Misato Noto is a translator & writer based in Trinidad and Tobago. She covers travel, technology, and entertainment. She loves yoga, (the idea of) hiking, cooking, and traveling.

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Written by Misato Noto