NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Ltd.'s mobile calm-down booth is introduced for the first time in an entertainment space | Sony and Nomura conduct a demonstration experiment of a new viewing experience at "CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026"

NOMURA Co.,Ltd. will introduce its self-developed mobile calm-down booth to a music event for the first time.
At the CENTRAL STAGE of the "CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026," held at K Arena Yokohama from April 3rd (Fri) to 5th (Sun), 2026, NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd., Sony Group (hereinafter referred to as Sony) Creative Center, and Sony Music Solutions (hereinafter referred to as SMS), concept design division of Sony Group, will be conducting a trial run of a "live experience-type calm-down booth."

The mobile calm-down booth is one of the products from NOMURA Co.,Ltd. 's Sensory Friendly Project, which has the mission of "Go wherever you want, wherever you want to go. Don't give up on going out or having experiences because of the difficulty of getting there."
We developed this product to be easily portable and set up, so that it can be used at events and facilities where it is difficult to set up a permanent calm-down room. We aim to create a new "shared space" where everyone can feel safe and secure, in a variety of locations, while addressing the anxieties and difficulties that may arise when people are out and about.
Currently, we are undertaking custom orders that include planning appropriate traffic flow within the booth's installation location.

The live-experience-type calm-down booth combines a mobile calm-down booth developed by NOMURA Co.,Ltd., which was designed while incorporating feedback from multiple individuals and educational and research institutions who find it difficult to go out, with an experience developed by Sony Creative Center that adjusts video and sound based on repeated interviews with multiple individuals. This offers a new viewing option that allows people with sensory sensitivities or those who dislike crowds to enjoy the music experience without interrupting the excitement and sense of unity of the venue, while adjusting the level of stimulation from live video and sound.

The live-experience calm-down booth will be set up within the CENTRAL STAGE at the "CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026" from April 3rd (Fri) to 5th (Sun), 2026, and will be by invitation only for those directly involved and related parties.

 

Features of the mobile calm-down booth developed by NOMURA Co.,Ltd. 

Focusing on "various sensations that are difficult to visualize" and "differences in individual brain and nerve characteristics," which can cause discomfort to stimuli that many people don't even notice, we are working with experts and specialists to create sensory-friendly spaces and experiences. We not only avoid unpleasant stimuli, but also prioritize protecting the senses and nurturing comfort, concept design spaces and experiences that are attentive to the voices of those affected.
By creating an environment where not only the individual but also their family and caregivers can feel at ease, we aim to lower the motivation and psychological barriers to going out, thereby expanding their connections with society. At the same time, we also aim to contribute to improving hospitality at the facility by broadening the range of visitors.

■ Reflecting user feedback
- A structure that allows for safe entry and exit, with a design that reflects the opinions of those involved.
- Mesh material is used on the ceiling to reduce the feeling of confinement while softly blocking light.
• To enhance the calming atmosphere of the interior space, wall colors and materials were carefully selected.
- Panel height that does not create a feeling of confinement and provides a sense of security.

■ concept design
• Surface concept design can be freely customized.
- Painting in workshops, etc.
Supports the representation of participatory programs.

■ Consideration for the user experience
- Furniture such as chairs can be selected to suit the installation location and users.
• Cushion types can be selected according to their intended use.

■ Panel Functions
- The uneven surface softens and reduces ambient noise.
• Designed with simple packaging and transport in mind.

[About the Inclusion & Art Project]
NOMURA Co.,Ltd. is advancing its R&D activities to realize its sustainability policy of "creating spaces that are easy for everyone to use."
In the "Inclusion & Art" project at our in-house research and development organization, the Institute for Future Creation, we are working to realize our vision by collaborating with universities, companies, organizations, and individuals who possess expertise and technology in their respective fields. Our goal is to create "access for all spaces and experiences where everyone can be themselves," and we are conducting research and implementation to achieve this.
Specifically, our activities are centered around the following three aspects of accessibility:

① "Physical" accessibility that takes into account the characteristics of the body, brain, and nervous system.
② Psychological accessibility that alleviates anxiety experienced by family members who are raising children or caring for elderly relatives when they are out and about.
③ Accessibility of "interaction" through art programs, which are seen as opportunities to broaden one's perspective and encounter new ways of seeing things by providing a platform for interaction with diverse people.

Based on these three accessibility principles, we aim to enhance accessibility from both a spatial and experiential perspective, thereby increasing the number of places where everyone can be themselves and creating value for society and individuals to live together in harmony.
 
 

Live interactive calm-down booth

This project was born from a survey of 100 people with developmental disabilities or sensory sensitivities, conducted in cooperation with Ledesone LLC.
While "going to live shows and concerts" was a top choice for entertainment experiences people want to try in the future, many also commented that "I want to experience the energy of live shows, but they're too intense and I can't enjoy them" and "there's no space to take a break in between."
Traditional calm-down booths have served as temporary refuges for people with sensory sensitivities, intended to provide a place to "calm down" when they become overwhelmed by stimuli.
However, at music concert venues, there was a problem in that once you entered a booth, the entertainment experience itself was interrupted.
This project fundamentally re-examines this challenge and redesigns the experience to fit the context of entertainment. It redesigns it not as a "temporary refuge," but as "a place where each person can continue to enjoy entertainment in a way that suits their own characteristics."


●CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026
"CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026" is a new urban music festival that will simultaneously host independent events with different artist lineups and concepts at four venues representing Yokohama, the "city of music": K Arena Yokohama, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Red Brick Park Special Venue, KT Zepp Yokohama, and Rinko Park.
CENTRAL aims to create inclusive events where everyone can experience entertainment and share in the excitement, and we are actively working to ensure accessibility.