[First Adoption in Public Transportation] NTT's Acoustic Technology 'PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)' to be Introduced in Tokaido Shinkansen Premium Class Seats

NTT Docomo Business Inc. (formerly NTT Communications Corporation; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Katsushige Kojima; hereinafter 'NTT Docomo Business') and NTT Sonority Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroshi Sakai; hereinafter 'NTT Sonority') will develop and implement acoustic solutions and dedicated control systems to incorporate 'PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)' (*1), a patented technology developed by NTT, into the premium class seats (private and semi-private types) of the Tokaido Shinkansen N700S, which Central Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi; President and CEO: Shunsuke Niwa; hereinafter 'JR Central') plans to introduce sequentially from fiscal year 2026. This initiative marks the first time that PSZ technology, previously implemented in consumer products, has been adopted by public transportation in Japan. By providing a private space where passengers in premium seats can enjoy audio content without worrying about their surroundings, even while traveling, we aim to offer new experiential value.

1. Introduction of PSZ Technology to Tokaido Shinkansen Premium Class Seats

Speakers equipped with NTT's patented 'PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)' technology will be installed in the headrests of the premium class seats (private type) scheduled to launch in October 2026, and the premium class seats (semi-private type) scheduled for introduction during fiscal year 2027 on the Tokaido Shinkansen N700S. By wirelessly connecting to the passenger's device, audio from music, videos, and other content will be localized to the passenger's ears, allowing them to enjoy it comfortably without worrying about sound leakage to others. We anticipate a wide range of users and scenarios, including business professionals who wish to conduct online meetings without hesitation, passengers who prioritize privacy, and those who simply want to relax without concern for their surroundings.

2. What is PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone) Technology?

NTT's patented 'PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)' technology makes it possible to achieve the ultimate paradox: 'containing sound while suppressing sound leakage.' By applying the principle that sound is canceled when a sound wave (positive phase) is overlapped with a waveform with a 180-degree phase shift (inverted phase), the technology simultaneously 'emits sound' and 'cancels sound.' This allows sound to be contained within a specific area even in an open environment. It creates a private sound space where only the necessary audio can be enjoyed in high quality while suppressing leakage to the surroundings.

While PSZ technology has previously been incorporated into consumer products such as open-ear devices under the acoustic brands 'nwm' and 'cocoe' developed by NTT Sonority—a company established to commercialize PSZ as its core technology—this initiative marks the first time it will be implemented in domestic public transportation.