Photo/Illutration A Mizuno shirt, designed to combat voyeurism, is shown in an infrared photo to be effective in blocking images underneath the garment. (Provided by Mizuno Corp.)

A major sporting goods manufacturer is offering peace of mind to female athletes in shielding them from the growing scourge of voyeurism at competitions. 

Mizuno Corp. has developed uniforms with a special fabric to block infrared cameras from capturing images under the clothing.

Members of Japan's national teams in seven sports, including volleyball, table tennis and hockey, will compete at the upcoming Paris Olympics wearing these special uniforms.

Japanese athletes from other sports will also train in Paris while wearing garments utilizing the same protective material.

“I hope the new sportswear gains attention at the Paris Olympics and helps combat the voyeurism of athletes,” said Kazuya Tajima from Mizuno’s development team.

Mizuno has received positive feedback from athletes, who say the new gear helps them focus on their performances.

Sportswear featuring the new fabric is already available for purchase by the public.

The new fabric utilizes threads kneaded with a special mineral that absorbs infrared rays.

Infrared cameras rely on these rays to capture images, so if the fabric absorbs the infrared rays emitted from the body, photography becomes difficult.

Mizuno has been working on developing voyeurism-resistant fabrics for nearly two decades.

However, previous attempts to thicken the fabric or incorporate metal materials compromised its breathability and softness.

This time, Mizuno took a different approach, focusing on breathability and comfort rather than voyeurism prevention.

The aim was to enhance breathability by absorbing heat, which is near-infrared rays, emitted from the body and utilizing them for moisture evaporation.

It was during this process that the fabric's ability to thwart infrared cameras was discovered.

"If we had solely focused on voyeurism from the outset, we might not have achieved this breakthrough," said Tajima.

Secretly photographing female athletes for sexual gratification or harassment purposes is a growing problem in the sports community.

Some event organizers have already banned unauthorized photo shooting at competitions.

However, it is difficult to control spectator photography at events where large crowds gather, such as at long-distance races held on public roads.

In addition, voyeurs are increasingly refining their techniques by using infrared cameras modified to resemble ordinary ones.

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