It is said that only Japanese people have stiff shoulders, but this does not seem to be the case. For example, even in the United States, many people suffer from physical stiffness and pain, and it is difficult to make reservations for massages, and a reservation-only app called "zeel" is gaining popularity. In American TV dramas, it is common to see characters being massaged, and Phoebe, one of the main characters in the TV drama "Friends," which was aired in the United States until 2004, was a massager. ..

"Zeel", a popular massage reservation app in the United States "Is there an online reservation?"
"Zeel", a popular massage reservation app in the United States "Is there an online reservation?"

That's how "Aira Wear" was born in Los Angeles, USA, where the shoulders are actually stiff and seeking massage and healing. This is a hoodie with a built-in massager.

Parker "Aira Wear" with a built-in massager
Parker "Aira Wear" with a built-in massager

An air vest that inflates with air is installed inside the "Aira Wear", and the air vest is equipped with individual massage modules that massage the neck, back, and hips. These massage modules push the acupoints and massage the stiffness.

6 massage modules push the acupoints and massage the stiffness
6 massage modules push the acupoints and massage the stiffness

In order to enhance the massage effect, the air vest has been devised in some ways. Normally, hoodies are made of highly elastic materials, but air vests are made of almost no elasticity. This prevents the force from escaping when pushing the stiff part. The vest also incorporates six inflatable pillows, which are also used to enhance the massage effect.

The "Aira Wear" hoodie is also equipped with a pump that pumps air into the air vest.
The "Aira Wear" hoodie is also equipped with a pump that pumps air into the air vest.

The massage module can be controlled with the smartphone app. It is possible to knead and loosen the required parts with the required strength.

Massage module can be controlled with smartphone app
Massage module can be controlled with smartphone app

Knead and loosen the necessary parts with the necessary strength
Knead and loosen the necessary parts with the necessary strength

"Aira Wear" is a hoodie developed to eliminate the drawback of massage chairs, which is "unportable". Unlike massage chairs, you can enjoy a massage while working in the office, relaxing at home, or commuting.

Massage chairs everywhere!
Massage chairs everywhere!

The size is a little larger than a normal hoodie. You can also put it in a suitcase and carry it with you when you travel.

Massage even when traveling!
Massage even when traveling!

"Aira Wear" is also equipped with a posture correction function. This uses a built-in sensor to automatically pump air into the pillow around the waist to correct the posture when it is determined that the posture is bad. The purpose is to reduce stiffness by maintaining a good posture.

Can you reduce stiffness if you maintain a good posture?
Can you reduce stiffness if you maintain a good posture?

The connection with the smartphone is via Bluetooth, and the battery is charged via micro USB. It can be used continuously for 3 to 6 hours on a single charge.

As a variation, in addition to the hoodie type, there is a vest type that is easy to wear under a jacket. There are three color variations for the Parker type: gray, navy, and black. The best will be offered in a single color of dark gray.

Best type (left) and Parker type (right)
Best type (left) and Parker type (right)

The best type is easy to wear under the jacket
The best type is easy to wear under the jacket

Parker type color variations are gray, navy, and black.
Parker type color variations are gray, navy, and black.

Developer Christopher Olenik is currently running a campaign to recruit investors on the crowdfunding site kickstarter with the aim of commercializing "Aira Wear." At the time of this writing, the best type is available with a $ 99 investment and the Parker type is available with a $ 129 investment. The amount required to obtain it will increase as the campaign progresses, and the retail price after the end will be $ 199 for the best type and $ 249 for the Parker type. A separate shipping fee of $ 20 to Japan is required. Shipment is scheduled for November 2016.

The price of $ 249 is extremely high for a hoodie. However. If you think of it as a massage chair, it may be said that it is a reasonable price.