Narita International Airport is testing an innovative machine to compress clothing. This trial directly addresses a dramatic surge in abandoned suitcases left by travelers. Consequently, the airport hopes this technology will solve a major operational headache. The three-day test occurred in mid-January within the airport’s terminals.
The Narita International Airport Corporation partnered with startup SJOY Co. for this initiative. SJOY developed the proprietary machine called “Pocket Tips.” This device compresses garments to one-seventh of their original maximum size. Furthermore, it completes this process in approximately one minute without vacuum bags.
The number of abandoned suitcases presents a serious and growing logistical challenge. Officials collected just 124 such items in fiscal year 2020. That figure then rose steadily to 338 the following fiscal year. It subsequently jumped to 552 in fiscal 2022 and 811 in 2023. Finally, abandoned suitcases reached 1,034 in the most recent fiscal year.
This represents an increase of roughly 8.5 times over just four years. Airport authorities attribute the rise directly to inbound tourism recovery. Many tourists apparently buy new luggage for extra souvenir space. They then intentionally leave their old, empty bags behind at the airport. This behavior creates storage and security complications for staff.
Locked abandoned suitcases require labor-intensive security checks. Officials must also dedicate scarce storage space for these lost items. The situation strains personnel resources and airport facility management. Therefore, the compression machine offers a potential preemptive solution for travelers.
SJOY President Sanmi Kawaguchi explained her machine’s unique advantages. It compresses clothes without using traditional vacuum storage bags. This method prevents re-expansion due to air pressure changes during flights. Users can simply wash the garments to restore them to original size.
Previous tests occurred at Haneda, Naha, and Kumamoto airports successfully. Users reported the machine created crucial extra space for souvenirs. The Narita test allowed free use while surveying passenger reactions. Officials will analyze this feedback for a potential paid-service model next.
NAA official Akari Saito highlighted the test’s broader commercial goal. Some passengers currently abandon desired souvenir purchases due to space constraints. The machine could therefore unlock additional retail revenue at the airport. A successful implementation would benefit both operations and commerce.
The trial represents a growing trend of airports adopting smart technologies. Solutions must address real passenger behavior and post-pandemic travel patterns. If effective, the machine could see permanent installation at major travel hubs. This would mark a significant step in operational innovation for the industry.
Ultimately, the project tackles a symptom of booming international tourism. The sheer volume of abandoned suitcases indicates a systemic travel pain point. Solving it requires cooperation between infrastructure managers and agile startups. The Narita test outcome will guide future investments in passenger experience tech. This focus on practical problem-solving is essential for modern aviation hubs.
