neumo, Provider of Auditory Training Service 'Kikumore' That Enhances the Brain's Listening Ability, Launches Educational Radio Program 'Asa kara Mimi Radio' on Radio Nippon Focusing on Ear and Brain Science

neumo Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryusei Wakabayashi; hereinafter 'neumo') will begin sponsoring the new radio program 'Asa kara Mimi Radio,' broadcast on Radio Nippon, starting Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 6:00 AM.

The program will focus on the themes of 'the ear' and 'brain science,' clearly explaining everyday curiosities and the cultural and scientific aspects of sound.

Topics such as 'Why do sounds from thermometers or kitchen timers become harder to hear?', 'Why is conversation difficult to understand in izakayas?', and 'Is it true that only insults seem to be heard?'—common auditory experiences many have felt—will be clearly explained over 12 episodes from the perspective of the relationship between the ear and the brain.

Background of Program Sponsorship

In recent years, 'hearing' has gained attention not only as an issue for the elderly but as a topic relevant to a wide range of generations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that over one billion young people worldwide may be at risk of future hearing loss due to listening to music at high volumes. Additionally, among older adults, hearing loss is associated with up to a fivefold increased risk of dementia and is considered the largest contributing factor to dementia. Thus, 'hearing' has become a societal issue deeply connected to health and quality of life across all generations.

However, 'hearing' is often viewed solely as an issue of the ears, and opportunities to explore how the brain processes sound and understands language—the relationship between 'ear and brain'—are extremely limited.

neumo aims to bring 'hearing' closer to the public and provide an opportunity to shift focus not only to the ears but also to how the brain functions.

With this background, neumo will begin sponsoring the new program 'Asa kara Mimi Radio' on Radio Nippon. The program will clearly explain everyday questions about ears and sound, incorporating perspectives from brain science, such as 'The diversity of hearing revealed by a Barbie doll with a hearing aid,' 'Safety rules for cycling with headphones prompted by legal changes,' and 'Understanding ear and brain fatigue through our relationship with headphones.' By connecting specialized content to daily life and culture, the program aims to deepen understanding of 'hearing.'

Program Overview

Program Name: Asa kara Mimi Radio Broadcast Start Date: July 5, 2026 (Sunday), 6:00 AM Number of Episodes: 12 episodes (planned) Broadcast Station: Radio Nippon (AM 1422 kHz / FM 92.4 MHz) Featured Guests: Freelance announcer Mayumi Ogawa / neumo CEO Ryusei Wakabayashi Sponsor: neumo Inc.

How to Listen

In addition to Radio Nippon's broadcast area, the program is also available via the internet radio service 'radiko (Rajiko).' Using the time-free function, listeners can enjoy the program at their convenience within one week of the original broadcast date.

Radio Nippon Official Website: https://www.jorf.co.jp/ radiko (Rajiko): https://radiko.jp/index/JORF/

Planned Broadcast Topics (Partial List)

Each episode will cover accessible themes related to the 'ear' and 'brain.'

How does the brain respond when we hear sound?—The fascinating relationship between ear and brain

High and low pitches—The tiny world inside the ear

Barbie dolls and the 'world of hearing'—Diversity expanding from toys

The secret behind 'no headphones while cycling'

Headphone culture across generations

Plants that 'hear' sound?—The mystery of the evening primrose

Concert culture and earplug use overseas

The wonder of ears picking up voices in noisy places

Babies' ability to 'distinguish sounds'

Beethoven and the story of sound

The relationship between sound and memory

Volume culture in orchestras and live houses

*Broadcast content is subject to change.

In-Program Commercial

The program will feature radio commercials for 'Kikumore,' provided by neumo.

The commercials will depict real-life scenarios based on user feedback, focusing on everyday hearing-related concerns such as 'difficulty hearing family or friends in noisy places,' 'repeatedly asking for repetition, making conversations less enjoyable,' and 'increasingly laughing along without understanding, leading to fewer social interactions.'

Through stories showing how improved listening confidence leads to positive changes—such as 'conversations with my son have become enjoyable,' 'I can now enjoy meals with friends,' and 'I look forward to making plans for our next meeting'—the commercials will convey the impact of 'hearing' on daily life.

These commercials will also be made available online for those who miss the radio broadcast, and will be widely distributed as content that encourages reflection on 'hearing.'

About Kikumore

'Kikumore' is an auditory training service that aims to enhance the brain's listening ability, focusing not on the 'ear' but on the 'brain.' While traditional hearing aids compensate for hearing by amplifying sound, Kikumore addresses challenges such as 'hearing sounds but not understanding speech' by targeting the brain's processing functions.

A key feature is training conducted via smartphone, supporting the enhancement of 'listening ability itself' seamlessly within daily life. It provides a new option for 'difficulty understanding speech' that cannot be fully addressed by hearing aids.

Service Overview

Service Name: Kikumore Availability: Currently available Compatible Devices: iPhone / Android Pricing: From 6,600 JPY/month (tax included) Service Website: https://kikumore.net/

Company Overview

neumo Inc. aims to 'realize a society where people regain their listening ability and reconnect with others' by developing products that integrate neuroscience and technology. From the perspective that sound only gains meaning after being processed by the brain—not just received by the ear—the company pursues the innovative approach of 'training the brain's listening ability, not the ears.'

Company Name: neumo Inc. Representative: CEO Ryusei Wakabayashi Headquarters: 1-11-19 Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Founded: August 21, 2017 Business: Development and provision of 'Kikumore,' an auditory training service based on neuroscience

URL: https://neumo.jp/ Service Website: https://kikumore.net/