Universal sound design

Japan is facing an aging of the population. As an increasing number of seniors become involved in society,
the reality is that fewer people will be able to enjoy lectures and events due to poor hearing. SONORITY is a
revolutionary system that improves hearing through clarity rather than volume. This enables
the realization of a sound environment where is easy-to-hear clear sounds can be enjoyed.

We at the Ohisama-kai Medical Corporation have focused our many years of experience dealing with home healthcare to establish retirement housing project “La Maison de Soleil” in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture in May, 2015. In our facility, we focus not only on a restful stay, but also on creating a space where residents can enjoying music from the bottom of their hearts so that they can live every day energetically and in a positive manner.  This is why we implemented SONORITY, speakers that allow everyone to hear what’s projected even the hard of hearing. We typically use these speakers when we play soothing background music while serving food, when we hold regular events where professional entertainers are invited to take part in musical programs, or when we offer study programs or workshops for senior citizens. Especially during musical events, we can see directly how our residents are enjoying being able to hear the music and when we see their faces, it makes us glad that we implemented the SONORITY system. Actually, musical event performers often mention how clear the sound is and how it makes a world of difference. One thing that has been made clear to us when choosing speakers, is that louder speakers won’t necessarily mean that the hard of hearing will hear sounds better. What’s important is not volume but whether or not sounds are clear and easier to hear. For example, loud volume during an event performance will inhibit communication and prevent someone from being able to talk to the person next to them. In the future, in a society with a high number of senior citizens, speakers such as SONORITY that produce clear and easy to hear sounds, will become more and more essential.

Our inn is a seaside inn built on an ideal spot - facing the Futamiura Beach, one of Japan’s top 100 beaches known for its famous “husband and wife” rock formation. The current proprietor is a 4th generation owner of this well-established traditional inn, and wanted to create the unique concept of an “Inn by the sea where the jazz flows free”. We began holding free jazz performances some 15 years ago and now, as a gift that you don’t have to pack, free jazz concerts are held once a month with each one featuring a wide variety of musical guests. I also perform as a vocalist. Originally it began as a revitalization project carried out on an individual level, but as our reputation spread, we began to have more and more customers staying just for the live performances. At the beginning we used normal speakers, but as the level of our performances increased, we wanted to have better sound. It was then that I met Mr. Nakaishi - this was before he established and became president of Universal Sound Design Inc. I had the opportunity to listen to SONORITY which was still in the development stage, and the moment I heard it’s sound, I fell in love with this silky and clear sound quality. In 2012 we became the first to implement the system. Of course we wanted to provide the SONORITY sound to our customers with discerning tastes, but the true magic of SONORITY is that it allows seniors who are losing their hearing or those with hearing disabilities to enjoy clear sound. Not being able to enjoy music because of unclear sound is a tragedy. I sing in the hopes that I can provide some precious, pleasant moments for such people who come to our live performances.