Obu City to trial gamma wave sound technology for elderly health

Obu City in Aichi Prefecture is set to implement a new health promotion initiative using advanced acoustic technology. Ahead of the November 2026 opening of the Obu City Health Promotion Support Facility (coconowa obu), the city will host trial sessions for ‘Machikado Exercise.’

This program, developed by the Yamaha Music Foundation in collaboration with Mie University and Mie Prefecture, combines gentle movement with music to support elderly wellness and dementia prevention. The trial sessions will utilize ‘Gamma Wave Sound™’ technology developed by Pixie Dust Technologies, led by Chairman Yoichi Ochiai.

Using ‘kikippa’ speakers, the technology modulates music and voices at a 40Hz frequency to mimic gamma waves, which are brain waves associated with memory and concentration. The city aims to verify the effectiveness and acceptance of this approach, which integrates music, gentle exercise, and cutting-edge sound technology for community health.