FUKUSHIMA -- A sewing company in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, has begun producing masks made from swimsuit fabric amid a mask shortage caused by the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
Togashi Co., a swimwear and sportswear manufacturer, relies on imports from China for most of the fabrics used in production. However, the fabrics' availability has declined since mid-February. Facing difficulty, the company was approached by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry about the possibility of manufacturing masks. As the company had an excess of swimsuit material in various colors left over from last season, it accepted the offer.
The material can be washed and used repeatedly and is suitable for masks, because it is said to prevent droplets from coughs and sneezes as well as pollen.
Togashi began selling its masks in a showroom next to JR Adachi Station for 330 yen each, including tax, with plans to also sell them online. The company is aiming to produce 1,000 masks a day.
"It's like killing two birds with one stone because we can be of service to people while not having to dispose of the fabric," President Miyoshi Togashi, 71, said.
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