Pixie Dust Technologies and Kita Ward, Tokyo, Conduct PoC for Sound Environment Improvement at 'Takinogawa Nursery School'

Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & Chairman: Yoichi Ochiai; Representative Director & President: Taiichiro Murakami; hereinafter PxDT), in collaboration with Kita Ward, Tokyo, will conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) to improve the sound environment using the sound absorption technology "iwasemi" at the Kita Ward "Takinogawa Nursery School".

In recent years, it has been pointed out that sound reverberation in facilities attended by children may affect their play and learning. Through this initiative, the sound absorption performance of iwasemi will be utilized to verify its effectiveness in reducing indoor reverberation and improving the childcare environment.

Pixie Dust Technologies and Kita Ward, Tokyo, Conduct Sound Environment Improvement PoC at "Takinogawa Nursery School"

■ Background: Growing Social Interest in the "Sound Environment of Children's Facilities"
Experts and academic societies have pointed out issues regarding the indoor sound environment in facilities where children spend long hours, such as kindergartens and nursery schools. In spaces with long "reverberation times"—where sound continues to echo after the source has stopped—it is suggested that children may find it difficult to hear words clearly, prompting ongoing discussions both domestically and internationally.

In countries like the UK and the US, target values for reverberation times in children's facilities are established, and sound environment design is institutionally positioned. On the other hand, in Japan, there are currently no official numerical standards for indoor sound in facilities such as kindergartens and nursery schools, and the development of the sound environment is left to the discretion of each facility.

Given this background, there is a demand to accumulate empirical cases of sound environment improvement based on scientific knowledge and to present implementable technologies.

■ Overview of This Initiative
In this PoC, iwasemi will be installed in the childcare rooms of Takinogawa Nursery School in Kita Ward, and verification will be conducted from the following perspectives:

- Effectiveness in reducing indoor reverberant sound
- Changes in reverberation time
- Sensorial changes regarding the vocal strain of childcare workers
- Qualitative evaluation regarding ease of hearing for nursery school children

Leveraging the characteristics of iwasemi, which allows for retrofitting without large-scale renovations, the feasibility of implementation in existing childcare facilities will also be verified.

■ Comment from the City Branding Strategy Division, Policy Management Department, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Kita Ward has established a new branding message, "Tokyo Kita Ward, Exceeding Expectations (Kitai)". This conveys a strong determination that Kita Ward has charm that exceeds "expectations (kitai)" and that we will further refine that value. Through these branding steps, we hope to foster fan pride among ward residents.
This PoC is an initiative to verify the concrete possibility of improvement through advanced technology while incorporating the knowledge of experts. Through such efforts, we aim to realize a higher-quality child-rearing environment, strengthen the transmission of Kita Ward's charm, and lead to the realization of "Tokyo Kita Ward, Exceeding Expectations".

■ Future Developments
Based on the results of this PoC, we aim to establish a model for improving the sound environment in facilities attended by children.
Through sound environment design utilizing iwasemi, we will contribute to creating spaces where children can spend time with peace of mind and converse calmly.

■ About the Applied Technology "iwasemi OC-β"
iwasemi OC-β is a sound absorption module that applies acoustic metamaterial technology to suppress sound reverberation, focusing on the central frequency band of human conversational speech (500–1000Hz). By increasing the degree of freedom in design, material, and construction, rather than just sound absorption performance, it shifts the positioning of sound absorption from a "pasting" countermeasure to an "embedded" design.

[Basic Specifications]
Release Date: March 3, 2026
Product Name: iwasemi OC-β
Size: W140 x H140 x D38mm

■ Features of iwasemi OC-β: Three Design Freedoms to "Embed" Sound Absorption
1. Freedom of Selection in Surface Materials: Making sound absorption part of the design plan
It increases the freedom of choice for surface materials, making it easier to incorporate sound absorption in line with the space concept and material plan. Because sound absorption becomes less visually intrusive, the sound environment can be optimized while preserving the interior aesthetic. Depending on the application, there is also room to expand alongside partners, such as coordinating with building or decorative materials and adding functionality.

2. Freedom of Selection in Installation Specifications: Adaptable to site conditions
It supports multiple installation specifications, such as double-sided tape, magnets, and screw fixation. Because it can be selected according to the substrate and operational conditions, it reduces constraints from introduction planning to construction and expands the scenarios that can be proposed.

3. Sound Absorption Performance Specialized for Conversational Speech: Tuning the "hearing" of conversations
Focusing on the central frequency band of human conversational speech (500–1000Hz), it suppresses echoes...