Phiten Supporter nano METAX – When the Customer’s Voice Sets a New Standard for Body Support

Phiten Supporter nano METAX stands as a clear testament to Phiten’s core philosophy: “Everything we do, we do it for your health.” Rather than being created behind closed laboratory doors or built on theoretical assumptions, this product was developed directly from real customer feedback at Phiten stores—where needs, inconveniences, and expectations are expressed most honestly and clearly.

Officially launched on October 15, Phiten Supporter nano METAX is a comprehensive upgrade of the previous Phiten Supporter line, guided by a consistent goal: to create a supporter that can be worn year-round—providing reliable support when needed, yet remaining comfortable enough for everyday use.

From Store Floor to Product Development – The Journey of Shun Kikuchi

At the heart of this story is Shun Kikuchi, who spent nearly seven years working directly at a Phiten Shop. During that time, he not only advised customers on products but also listened closely to what they truly experienced: the stuffiness when worn for long hours, the difficulty of choosing the right support level, and the inconvenience of putting on and removing the supporter during daily activities.

The turning point came when Kikuchi joined the company’s internal Young Leaders Promotion Meeting, a platform where employees can present ideas directly to the Product Planning department. Driven by the desire to “turn the customer’s voice into a real product,” his presentation convinced leadership and initiated the development journey of Phiten Supporter nano METAX.

The Core Challenge: Balancing Stability and Comfort

Previously, Phiten supporters were divided into three lines—Soft, Middle, and Firm. While this offered variety, it also created confusion for users. In particular, as the level of stability increased, materials tended to become thicker, reducing breathability and causing discomfort during prolonged wear.

Kikuchi set a challenging objective: to combine the firm support of the Firm type with the comfort of the Soft and Middle types—creating a supporter that could be worn for extended periods, even daily, without placing unnecessary strain on the body.

The solution was to use the Middle type as the foundation, then integrate supportive elements from the Firm type, such as stabilizing stays, reinforcement bands, or embedded structural support within the material itself. At the same time, the fabric was continuously refined to achieve the optimal balance among stability, breathability, and skin comfort.

Streamlined Options, Optimized User Experience

After extensive testing, Phiten simplified its classification system from three lines to two clear types:

• Fit Type: designed for periods of active pain, requiring firm fixation and strong support

• Soft Type: intended for injury prevention or light daily support

One of the biggest design challenges was the knee Fit Type. Slip-on designs offered excellent stability but were inconvenient to remove, while wrap-around designs were easier to use but often compromised support. The final solution was a wrap-around structure combined with flexible plastic stays and a three-layer material construction—ensuring ease of use while maintaining the necessary stability and breathability.

XAREC™ (SPS™ Resin) × nano METAX – Phiten’s Distinctive Foundation

Beyond design improvements, Phiten Supporter nano METAX is elevated by the incorporation of XAREC™ fiber (SPS™ resin) from Idemitsu Kosan, applied to the Soft Type for knees and elbows. This material stands out for its quick-drying properties, lightweight feel, and excellent heat retention—making it suitable for daily wear across various conditions.

The core distinction lies in nano METAX, Phiten’s most advanced technology. Developed through Phiten’s proprietary Aqua technology, nano METAX is created by dissolving metals such as titanium, gold, silver, palladium, and platinum into a water-based solution, where they exist as ultra-fine nanoparticles.

Rather than being merely coated on the surface, nano METAX is integrated directly during the manufacturing process. This allows the supporter to help the body maintain a naturally relaxed state—gently and sustainably throughout use.

The Remarkable Benefits of nano METAX Technology

Even before being incorporated into Phiten Supporter nano METAX, this technology had already been widely applied in living spaces, vehicles, and personal apparel. Nano METAX contributes to creating a more comfortable environment, helping reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance sleep quality.

When directly integrated into a supporter, nano METAX does more than provide structural support—it also promotes active recovery. It helps improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and enable smoother, more natural movement—even if the effect is subtle rather than immediately dramatic.

Recognized by Therapy Professionals

Phiten Supporter nano METAX has received positive evaluations from medical professionals. Yoshinari Imamura, a therapist and executive board member of the PSI Association, noted that the product not only excels in compression and stability but is also easy to wear correctly, stays securely in place, and remains breathable during prolonged use.

According to him, the Fit Type is appropriate during periods of active pain, while the Soft Type is better suited for the recovery stage to provide gentle support and prevent recurrence. Nano METAX plays a key role in helping the muscles surrounding the affected area relax more effectively, supporting both movement and recovery.

A Supporter for Everyday, Long-Term Use

For Kikuchi, an ideal supporter is not something used only during pain—it is something that can be worn daily to proactively prevent injury and maintain the body’s balance. Phiten Supporter nano METAX was born from that very perspective—the culmination of years spent listening to and understanding customers at Phiten Shop.

To fully experience the product’s value, Phiten encourages users to visit a store for personalized consultation, size fitting, and hands-on experience. Every body is different, and proper fit is the key to maximizing a supporter’s effectiveness.

Kikuchi always looks forward to hearing customers say, “I use it every day.”

And that is ultimately the greatest goal of Phiten Supporter nano METAX—to become a reliable, long-term companion for physical well-being, not just today, but throughout the long journey ahead.