HALU

Halu Inc. is a Kyoto-based startup dedicated to creating a more inclusive society through product design. Founded in April 2020 by Yuri Matsumoto, the company develops and markets products for children under its brand "IKOU," catering to all children, including those with disabilities. The company's vision is to "transform diversity into value and create a world without division through inclusive design."

The inspiration for Halu came from Matsumoto's personal experiences. After her eldest son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she faced the challenges within the social welfare system and the environment surrounding children with disabilities. This motivated her to leave her nine-year career in product planning for the Toyota Corolla to establish a company that would bridge the gap between children with and without disabilities.

The flagship product is the "IKOU Portable Chair," a foldable and lightweight chair designed to help infants and toddlers with weak core muscles sit stably. It is designed for use at home and on-the-go, easily attaching to various adult chairs and has even been adopted by venues like the Vantelin Dome Nagoya baseball stadium. The product line also includes the absorbent "IKOU Bib" and "IKOU Kids Wear" for temperature regulation. The business operates on a B2C model through e-commerce and also engages in B2B by collaborating with businesses on product development and consulting services.

Keywords: inclusive design, children's products, family products, childcare support, disability support, portable kids chair, adaptive products, social inclusion, Yuri Matsumoto, Kyoto startup, accessibility products, e-commerce, product design, lifestyle goods, baby gear, toddler products, pediatric equipment, special needs products, universal design, family-oriented