Japan Designs 2024 Olympic Uniforms To Block Pervs From Using Infrared Cameras

Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan. 25th July, 2021. Aiko Sugihara of Japan during the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification at the Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Center, Tokyo, Japan. Kim Price/CSM/Alamy Live News

Japanese athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be sporting a new kind of armor—uniforms designed to deflect infrared cameras. Developed by sportswear giant Mizuno in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining and Kyodo Printing, the gear effectively blocks infrared rays that can penetrate traditional fabrics. What gives? Well, the resulting clothing remains opaque under infrared scrutiny, a design feature the nation deems necessary following past incidents in which depraved voyeurists tried to see through uniforms with these cameras.

Mizuno’s efforts address a growing concern over illicit photography at sports events as well as past incidents where athletes were targeted by infrared cameras.

In 2021, a 57-year-old man in Chiba prefecture was arrested for photographing a female volleyball player with an infrared camera and selling the video on a pornography website. The Japanese Olympic Committee has condemned such practices, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding athletes’ dignity.

Mizuno’s new fabric, inspired by stealth aircraft technology, incorporates elements that absorb and deflect infrared radiation. This significantly reduces the wearer’s thermal signature, making it difficult for infrared cameras to penetrate the uniform and capture clear images.

Tests conducted by the sportswear brand demonstrated the effectiveness of the fabric. When placed over a black letter “C,” the new material rendered it almost invisible under an infrared camera, while the letter remained distinct beneath regular fabric.

Image via Mizuno

Image via Mizuno

While the primary function is to protect athlete privacy, the technology also touts potential performance benefits. By regulating body heat more effectively, the fabric could contribute to improved comfort and potentially even enhance athletic performance in hot weather conditions.

The material will be used in various athletic garments, including track uniforms, sports bras, and swimsuits, ensuring comprehensive protection for athletes across disciplines.

[via Business Insider, TechSpot, Asahi Shimbun, images via various sources]