Sales Begin for “GREEN FLEX,” a Next-Generation Tent Designed to Transform Life in Disaster and Conflict Zones

Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo /Osaka Headquarters: Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City; President and CEO: Yuki Nomura) has recently developed “GREEN FLEX,” a next-generation tent designed to address challenges in humanitarian aid activities, in collaboration with the Disaster Relief Research Institute affiliated with the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing (hereinafter referred to as the Japanese Red Cross Disaster Relief Research Institute).This product features a design that allows for setup with less than half the personnel required for conventional large tents, while also helping to minimize temperature fluctuations inside the tent and ensure a comfortable living environment.
Sales to the national government, local governments, fire departments, the Self-Defense Forces, medical institutions, and other organizations will begin in May 2026.

In disaster and conflict zones, tents play a vital role as command centers, medical facilities, and shelters (living spaces). However, challenges have included the fact that large tents require significant manpower and time to set up, as well as the difficulty of maintaining a suitable indoor environment under harsh conditions.To address these challenges, we began developing a next-generation tent in 2021 in response to a request from the Japanese Red Cross Society’s Disaster Relief Research Institute. Development was carried out jointly by the Japanese Red Cross Society’s Disaster Relief Research Institute—which draws on the Japanese Red Cross Society’s extensive expertise gained from humanitarian aid activities in numerous disaster and conflict zones—and Taiyo Kogyo, a company with expertise in membrane structure technology.

In connection with this development, the following comments were provided from a professional perspective on disaster relief:

Disaster Relief Research Institute, Japan Red Cross College of Nursing, International Medical Relief Division
Former Division Director Masaharu Nakade
In recent years, measures to address global warming have become essential even in the field of humanitarian aid. Furthermore, at disaster and conflict sites, it is necessary to rapidly establish bases with limited personnel.This product was developed with a strong focus on practical application in actual relief settings, emphasizing ease of setup and the ability to maintain a stable indoor environment without external power, even under harsh conditions.The fact that it can be set up by a small number of people and operated without specialized training will bring significant changes to relief operations. We hope it will contribute to improving the living conditions of disaster victims and reducing the burden on aid workers, all while minimizing the environmental impact.

“GREEN FLEX” is a large tent, 6 meters wide, that also functions as a medical facility. Its depth can be flexibly extended in 2-meter increments.By utilizing “REI KEEP” (manufactured by Kanbou Plus Co., Ltd.), a new membrane material developed by SPACECOOL that incorporates an optical film with radiative cooling properties, the tent creates an indoor environment that is less susceptible to outside temperatures. It helps keep the temperature inside the tent from rising even in high-temperature environments, thereby improving comfort for evacuees and medical personnel.Furthermore, by replacing the membrane material with one that offers superior thermal insulation depending on the application and climate, the tent can be adapted for use in cold regions. In the future, we are also considering the use of solar power modules designed to be mounted on the membrane roof, which would enable the operation of cooling systems without relying on an external power source.Currently, as part of the verification phase, we are conducting demonstration tests to install solar power modules on top of the tents, and we will continue to advance technological development toward integrating them directly into the membrane material. This initiative also contributes to environmental improvements from the perspective of “well-being,” such as enhancing comfort and a sense of security during evacuation.

・Can be set up by a small team in a short amount of time

Can be set up with less than half the staff required for conventional large tents(No tools required)

・Flexible operation adapted to on-site conditions

In addition to a 6-meter-wide space, the structure can be expanded in 2-meter increments in depth
By replacing the membrane material, the tent can be adapted to different uses and seasons

・Ensures a stable indoor environment even under harsh conditions

Membrane material utilizing radiative cooling technology helps minimize temperature fluctuations

・Durability suitable for long-term use

Product Name: GREEN FLEX
Developed by: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. / Disaster Relief Research Institute, Japan Red Cross College of Nursing
Sales Launch: Full-scale sales will begin in May 2026
Target Customers: National government, local governments, fire departments, the Self-Defense Forces, medical institutions, etc.

A specialized organization that promotes research, education, and practical application in the field of disaster relief, drawing on the expertise accumulated through the Japanese Red Cross Society’s disaster relief activities both in Japan and abroad. With insights backed by extensive on-the-ground experience, it is participating in the development of this product as a practical research institution in the field of humanitarian aid. https://jrcdmri.jp/

Taiyo Kogyo is a leading company in the field of large-scale membrane structures, with a history spanning over 100 years. At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, the company achieved a world first by constructing a low-rise pneumatic membrane structure—one supported solely by air pressure—for the U.S. Pavilion.Since then, the company has participated in large-scale projects around the world, including the construction of the membrane roof for the Tokyo Dome and the Millennium Dome in London (now known as The O2 Arena), one of the world’s largest dome structures. Furthermore, for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, the company handled the design and construction of more than 20 pavilions, playing a key role in the creation of the Expo site.With membrane structure technology—which excels in cost-effectiveness, constructability, light transmission, and design—at the core of our operations, we have expanded our business from architectural projects such as sports and transportation facilities into the fields of civil engineering, logistics, and the environment, thereby supporting safety and peace of mind in society.
Together with group companies such as TSP Taiyo Co., Ltd., which provides event consulting, and Actio Co., Ltd., which manages facility operations, we are committed to providing new value to society under the motto, “Softening the World. Warming the Future.” https://www.taiyokogyo.co.jp/

Taiyo Kogyo offers a wide range of disaster prevention products, including flood control equipment designed for use in a variety of settings, such as city centers and along rivers.