Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Malaysia recently celebrated Salonpas Day 2026 with a meaningful event that combined wellness, sports, and community engagement. Held in conjunction with the globally recognised Salonpas Day on 18 May, the celebration highlighted the brand’s commitment to helping Malaysians stay active while embracing healthier lifestyles.
The event also marked a major milestone for the brand as Salonpas® was once again recognised by Euromonitor International as the world’s No.1 OTC topical analgesic patch brand for the tenth consecutive year since 2016.
Alongside the recognition, Hisamitsu Malaysia also announced new strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives aimed at connecting with a younger and more active generation of consumers.
A Legacy of Pain Relief and Innovation
Founded in Japan in 1847, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. has become a globally recognised healthcare company specialising in transdermal patch technology. With a presence in more than 50 countries, the company continues to innovate through trusted brands such as Salonpas® and ByeBye-FEVER®.
Salonpas Day itself carries special meaning in Japan. The numbers “5” and “18” symbolise the Japanese phrase “Kori wo Iyasu,” which translates to “relieving stiffness.” It perfectly reflects the brand’s mission of helping people move more comfortably in their everyday lives.
As Salonpas® celebrates 92 years since its launch in 1934, Hisamitsu Malaysia is now focusing on digital transformation, e-commerce expansion, and lifestyle collaborations to strengthen its connection with modern consumers.
Salonpas Day : Pickleball and Wellness Come Together
One of the key highlights of the celebration was the Salonpas Day Pickle & Patch event, organised in collaboration with PLAYA Racquet Club @ PARC Subang. The partnership marks Hisamitsu Malaysia’s first collaboration with a sports and wellness venue, opening the door for future partnerships within Malaysia’s growing active lifestyle community.
Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports globally, attracting people of all ages due to its fun, social, and beginner-friendly nature. Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, the sport offers a great balance between fitness and enjoyment.
For many attendees, including myself, it was also a first-time pickleball experience.
My First Pickleball Experience
Walking into the court for the first time, I honestly did not expect pickleball to be this physically engaging. At first glance, the game looked simple and casual, but after a few rounds, I quickly realised how much movement, coordination, and quick reflexes were involved.
The fast-paced rallies, side-to-side footwork, and repeated swings definitely made me sweat more than expected. However, what made the experience enjoyable was how beginner-friendly and social the sport felt. Everyone was encouraging each other, laughing during rallies, and simply enjoying the process of learning something new together.
Even as a first-timer, it was easy to get hooked on the game after just a short session.
Using Salonpas® Before and After Playing
Before stepping onto the court, I decided to apply Salonpas® on my shoulders and lower back as a precaution since I had not been active in racket sports for quite some time. The cooling sensation immediately felt soothing and helped me feel more prepared physically.
After spending a couple of hours playing pickleball, I could definitely feel muscle soreness starting to build, especially around my calves, shoulders, and lower back. This was where Salonpas® became especially useful.
Applying the patch after the session helped provide a cooling and comforting sensation that made my muscles feel more relaxed. It was particularly helpful after all the sudden movements and repetitive swings throughout the game.
What stood out to me was how convenient the patches were to use. Whether before or after exercise, Salonpas® easily fits into an active lifestyle routine, especially for people who enjoy sports, workouts, or even long working hours that cause muscle stiffness.
Strengthening Connections Through Community Engagement
Beyond the sports activities, the event reflected a larger vision from Hisamitsu Malaysia — creating stronger engagement with communities through wellness-driven experiences.
According to the company, the collaboration with PLAYA Racquet Club is only the beginning of a broader initiative to partner with sports and wellness venues across Malaysia. The goal is to position Salonpas® not only as a pain relief solution but also as a trusted recovery companion for active individuals.
This direction aligns with growing consumer interest in fitness, preventive wellness, and healthier daily habits. As more Malaysians embrace active lifestyles through sports like pickleball, running, hiking, and gym training, recovery products are becoming increasingly important as part of the overall wellness journey.
Looking Ahead for Salonpas® in Malaysia
With strong brand recognition, decades of trust, and a growing focus on digital engagement and community outreach, Salonpas® continues to evolve alongside changing consumer lifestyles.
The Salonpas Day 2026 celebration successfully showcased how the brand is moving beyond traditional healthcare marketing by creating experiences that genuinely connect with people through sports, wellness, and everyday movement.
From first-time pickleball players to experienced fitness enthusiasts, the event served as a reminder that staying active should also come with proper recovery and self-care.
As Malaysia’s wellness culture continues to grow, initiatives like the Salonpas Day Pickle & Patch event demonstrate how brands can play a meaningful role in encouraging healthier and more balanced lifestyles — one game, one movement, and one recovery session at a time.
For more information, visit: https://global.hisamitsu/
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