In 2019 Iwasaki Industries Co.,Ltd. opened its own brand of medical equipment. They began with the production of disposable (one-use) tongue depressors and speculums. The main component, which must be able to resist force, is made out of a tough plastic material, while the part of the device that makes contact with the body is made out of a soft material. This spring, five hospitals will begin trial use of the products. Replacing metal equipment that must be repetitively sterilized with disposable equipment will reduce the work load of medical personnel while also relieving the patients of discomfort.