Promoting Social Implementation of Patented 'Cartilage Conduction' Technology Starting from Expo Legacy: Pasona CCH Sound Co., Ltd. Launches Operations on June 1st

Pasona Group Inc. has announced the acquisition of CCH Sound, a company specializing in the development and sale of acoustic equipment utilizing the patented 'cartilage conduction' technology, effective June 1, 2026. Following the acquisition, the company has been renamed 'Pasona CCH Sound' and has commenced operations today. This initiative builds upon the successful deployment of the technology at the 'PASONA NATUREVERSE' pavilion during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Leveraging Pasona Group's extensive network of corporate and municipal partners, the company aims to expand the technology's use in public service counters, security, tourism, and welfare/nursing care, striving for a society where everyone can comfortably access audio information. In Japan, the number of people with hearing loss is estimated at approximately 14.3 million, or 10% of the population. Beyond age-related hearing loss, there is growing concern regarding the impact of prolonged, high-volume headphone use, particularly among the youth. The 'cartilage conduction earphones' provided by CCH Sound do not block the ear canal; instead, they are placed lightly near the ear cartilage, allowing users to hear audio while remaining aware of their surroundings. The design also avoids insertion into the ear canal, reducing discomfort during long-term use. Furthermore, the spherical structure, free of holes or crevices, allows for easy cleaning, making it ideal for shared use in municipal counters and financial institutions, where it is already utilized in over 3,500 locations nationwide. Pasona Group's relationship with CCH Sound began when the latter won the grand prize at the 'AWAJI Well-being Business Contest 2022.' Since May 2024, the group has collaborated with CCH Sound, incorporating insights from Dr. Yuji Hosoi, Professor Emeritus at Nara Medical University, who discovered and named the technology. During the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the technology was used for staff intercoms at the PASONA NATUREVERSE pavilion. Pasona CCH Sound will continue to promote the technology nationwide while strengthening its product development and sales structure. The company is committed to contributing to the realization of 'NATUREVERSE,' a world where people, nature, and technology coexist, by expanding the reach of cartilage conduction technology and developing new products and services that enhance human well-being.