Proposing a New Well-being Habit with Indoor Walking × Audiobooks! 'audiobook.jp' and 'CLAS' Launch 'Indoor Mimikatsu Walking' Campaign

OtoBank Inc., which operates 'audiobook.jp', the No. 1 audiobook lineup service (※1), is launching its first collaborative campaign with 'CLAS', a furniture and appliance rental/subscription service, starting May 8th. As the first phase, they will hold "Indoor Mimikatsu Walking! with CLAS," proposing "Mimikatsu Walking" – walking while listening to audiobooks – utilizing indoor walking machines. ※1. According to a November 2023 survey by Japan Marketing Research Organization. Survey on the number of Japanese audiobook titles. ■ Background of the Collaboration Campaign One common use case for audiobooks is users enjoying "reading while doing" during walking as a health habit. In response, audiobook.jp has been running the "Mimikatsu Walking" campaign since 2023, which has been well-received. However, outdoor walking is affected by weather, and some users find it a high hurdle if they don't have a regular exercise routine. Therefore, in collaboration with 'CLAS', this campaign offers discounts on renting indoor exercise equipment such as indoor walking machines, steppers, and spin bikes, allowing people to easily enjoy exercise at home. Additionally, coupons for a casual audiobook experience will be provided to 'CLAS' users, aiming to create new usage experiences and expand awareness for both services. ■ Campaign Name "Indoor Mimikatsu Walking! with CLAS" ※ Joint campaign by OtoBank × CLAS ・Dates: May 8, 2026 – June 7, 2026 ・Overview: This campaign combines audiobooks provided by OtoBank with CLAS's furniture and appliance subscription service, proposing a new lifestyle that merges "Mimikatsu" (learning/reading by ear) and "Walking" (exercise). On the special "Mimikatsu Walking Campaign LP," recommended CLAS items that make exercise more comfortable, including indoor walking machines, are introduced. The campaign supports creating an environment where people can enjoy "Mimikatsu" healthily at home. ・Benefits from both services ▼ Benefits from CLAS (for audiobook.jp users) CLAS discount coupons usable for all products ① 1,000 yen worth of points usable within the service ② 5% off the monthly fee (tax included) ▼ Benefits from audiobook.jp (for CLAS users) Audiobook all-you-can-listen plan: First 30 days free trial ・Campaign URL: https://special.audiobook.jp/mimikatsu2026 ■ What is Mimikatsu Walking? "Mimikatsu Walking" (or "Mimikatsu Fitness") refers to exercising, such as walking, while listening to audiobooks. Joint research by OtoBank and Professor Kenta Shigemori of the Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Kansai University of Health Sciences, confirmed that exercising while listening to audiobooks has brain blood flow activation effects equivalent to conventional dementia prevention training (※). "Mimikatsu Fitness" and "Mimikatsu Walking" are advocated as enjoyable dual-task training by listening to favorite works. ※. Newly discovered brain blood flow activation effects equivalent to dementia prevention training through dual-tasking with audiobooks and exercise https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000225.000034798.html When performing Mimikatsu Walking, please set the audiobook volume so that surrounding sounds can still be heard, observe traffic rules, and pay sufficient attention to safety and manners. [Inquiries regarding collaboration for Mimikatsu Walking/Mimikatsu Fitness] ● Contact: https://www.otobank.co.jp/contact ■ What are Audiobooks? Audiobooks are "books to listen to" narrated by voice actors or narrators. Since you can enjoy reading with just your ears, they are suitable for people who find it difficult to read text, as well as for "reading while doing" in various daily situations such as running, commuting by train or car, or doing housework. In recent years, the number of audiobook users has rapidly increased due to the widespread use of smartphones and wireless earphones, which have quickly improved the listening environment for audio content, and the introduction of subscription plans that offer unlimited listening to various works for a fixed fee. Currently, audiobooks are expanding as the third form of books, following paper and e-books. [Reference] Audiobooks