A new plant-based alternative to down is on the way: NEO DOWN KAPOK® BEYOND, described as the world's first※1 "100% plant-based down"※2, will be unveiled on October 6, 2026, by KAPOK JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka; Representative Director: 深井喜翔). The loft insulation for apparel is made entirely from kapok fiber.
To mark the launch, a two-day event called "NOT A DOWN" will be held October 6 and 7 in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo.
Alongside the new material itself, the event will give visitors their first look at a signature down jacket made with NEO DOWN KAPOK® BEYOND. The launch positions plant-based insulation as a new "third" option for winter outerwear around the world, following animal-derived down and petroleum-derived polyester.
※1 As an apparel loft insulation composed of 100% kapok fiber that achieves down-like loft through special processing, based on expert research as of March 2026. Loft data is the company's own.
※2 "Plant-based down" describes the concept behind this material. The insulation is 100% kapok fiber (plant-derived) and does not use feather down.
"NOT A DOWN" Launch Event Overview
- Venue: THE BATON 4F, 3-1-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Maps)
- Dates: October 6 (Tue) and 7 (Wed), 2026
- Day 1, October 6 (Tue): open to the public 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:30 PM)
- Day 2, October 7 (Wed): open to the public 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- Registration: Those hoping to attend should apply by 6:00 PM on Monday, October 5, using the registration form.
Access
THE BATON 4F, 3-1-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- 5-minute walk from Gaienmae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
