Full-scale implementation of 'Air Knock,' a service to curb prolonged use and deliver advertisements, to begin on March 28 (Sat) in 1,857 restroom cubicles mainly in the Osaka Umeda area

Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., VACAN, Inc., and Hankyu Hanshin Marketing Solutions, Inc. are pleased to announce that starting Saturday, March 28, they will launch the full-scale implementation of 'Air Knock,' a service that combines the prevention of prolonged restroom use with advertisement delivery, by installing approximately 10-inch digital signage in restroom cubicles of office buildings, commercial facilities, and train stations, primarily in the Osaka Umeda area. In urban office buildings, commercial facilities, and train station restrooms, improving usage environments—such as alleviating congestion and early detection of abnormalities within individual stalls—has been a persistent issue. The 'Air Knock' service features not only advertisement delivery but also the ability to track occupancy status via sensors. This allows the system to inform users of congestion and their current stay duration. Additionally, if a stall is occupied for an extended period, it can alert facility managers as a safety measure. This initiative stems from VACAN winning the Excellence Award in the 2024 'Hankyu Hanshin Properties Business Co-Creation AWARD,' co-hosted by Hankyu Hanshin Properties and the Japan Startup Support Association. Following careful consideration, a pilot program began in July 2025 in restrooms within the Osaka Umeda area. The results showed a strong deterrent effect on prolonged use, with 'usage of 30 minutes or more' decreasing by approximately 47% compared to pre-implementation levels. Consequently, the target facilities were expanded for full-scale deployment. This rollout covers 24 facilities and 1,857 cubicles, making it the largest installation of its kind in the Kansai region to date. Details are as follows. ■ About the 'Air Knock' Service for Curbing Prolonged Use and Delivering Ads The system detects the opening and closing of restroom doors via sensors to display usage time and congestion status during extended stays, while also delivering advertising content during normal usage. ● Alleviation of Restroom Congestion By displaying the duration of stay on the digital signage inside the cubicle during prolonged use, it encourages users to vacate voluntarily, thereby reducing congestion. ● Improved Sense of Security During Use If a stall remains occupied for an extended period, an alert is sent to facility managers. By early detection of potential accidents or health emergencies, it provides an environment where restrooms can be used with peace of mind. ● Delivery of Highly Visible Advertisements Using the approximately 10-inch (15.7cm height x 21.5cm width) digital signage installed in each cubicle, it is possible to deliver advertisements. The confined space of a restroom stall ensures high visibility. It is also possible to tailor advertisements according to specific targets, such as gender or facility type (office buildings, commercial facilities, etc.). ■ Facilities of Implementation Full-scale installation began sequentially in January 2026 in office buildings, commercial facilities, and train station restrooms primarily in the Osaka Umeda area. As of Saturday, March 28, the facilities scheduled for implementation total 24 locations, covering 1,857 cubicles. [Office Buildings] Osaka Umeda Twin Towers South, Osaka Umeda Twin Towers North, Herbis OSAKA, Herbis ENT, Hankyu Terminal Building, Hankyu Grand Building, Applause Tower, Kita-Hankyu Building, Nishi-Hankyu Building, Hankyu Five Annex, Hanshin Sankei Sakurabashi Building, Hanshin Shinmei Building, Shin-Osaka Hankyu Building [Commercial Facilities] Hankyu Sanbangai, NU Chayamachi, NU Chayamachi Plus, Herbis PLAZA, Herbis PLAZA ENT, HEP FIVE, HEP NAVIO, Hankyu 17th Avenue, Hankyu 32nd Avenue, Kappa Yokocho [Train Stations] Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station * Please refer to the attached sheet 'Regarding Implementation Facilities and Number of Cubicles' for the number of cubicles in each facility. * The number of cubicles to be implemented is based on the plan as of Saturday, March 28, and is subject to change. ■ Rollout Schedule for Restroom Advertising Media Full-scale operation as a restroom advertising medium is scheduled to begin this July. The reception for advertising slots to be delivered via 'Air Knock' will be handled by Hankyu Hanshin Marketing Solutions, Inc. as the general agency.