News On Japan

Honda’s First Startup Launches Navigation Device for the Visually Impaired

TOKYO, Sep 15 (News On Japan) - There are approximately 2 million visually impaired individuals in Japan and 300 million worldwide. Due to their impaired vision, going out often comes with the risk of accidents. In response to this issue, Honda's first startup Asirase, led by CEO Chino, developed a navigation device called 'Ashirase' to assist visually impaired individuals in walking safely.

When a destination is set via a dedicated smartphone app, a device attached to the user's shoe sends vibrations to their feet, guiding them in the right direction. Currently, the company is developing its latest model, with plans to expand sales beyond Japan to the UK and Spain by 2025.

Novelist Jin Mayama takes a closer look at CEO Chino’s efforts to tackle this social challenge.

Novelist Jin Mayama, known for his economic dramas, dives deep into the stories of pioneers like Chino, who are paving the way for the future. Japan is home to roughly 2 million visually impaired individuals, while the global number reaches 300 million. Due to their impaired vision, they often face risks such as accidents when venturing outdoors. However, a new technology is making headlines: a system that assists these individuals with walking by sending vibrations through a device attached to their shoes, helping guide them to their destination.

This innovative system continuously vibrates the user's feet as they walk forward, adjusting vibrations to indicate turns. It was developed by Asirase, the first startup born out of Honda. Originally, CEO Chino worked for a major company, but he realized that social change rarely happens from within large corporations. This led him to venture out and create a solution that could make a real difference.

Novelist Mayama interviews Chino, a young pioneer determined to break new ground for the visually impaired and explore the uncharted world of technological innovation.

As they meet in Hibiya Park, Chino explains how his company is using digital technology to help visually impaired individuals navigate the world safely. “Right now, we're testing a walking navigation device for the visually impaired,” he says, showing a small attachment for shoes. “We’re working on refining the fit and functionality of the device.”

The device, called Ashirase, uses vibrations in both feet to guide the user on their path. Chino explains, “Unlike many other systems that rely on sound or auditory signals, Ashirase uses the sense of touch to navigate. This allows users to keep their ears free for important environmental sounds, which is crucial for their safety.”

A visually impaired man who tested the device shared his experience: “It's a completely new sensation. Before, I had to rely on sounds through earphones to navigate, but with this, I can feel the direction and know when to turn just by the vibrations in my feet. It’s incredibly convenient.”

As Mayama tries the device himself, he quickly notices how easy it is to use: “It only takes about 10-20 seconds to get used to. It's not intrusive, and it doesn't affect how you walk. It fits seamlessly into your shoes, and after a few minutes, you hardly notice it.”

Once the destination is set in the app, the device automatically provides directions through vibrations, guiding the user to their destination.

Source: テレ東BIZ

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Construction of the Integrated Resort (IR) complex in Yumeshima, Osaka—adjacent to the site of the 2025 World Expo—began on April 24th, with plans to open the facility in five years.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced on April 24th that its global sales for fiscal 2024 totaled 10,273,719 vehicles, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year, marking the first year-on-year decline in four years.

Rice prices in Japan continue to soar, more than doubling from the same period last year, with no clear signs of easing despite the government’s decision to release stockpiled rice. The current situation—dubbed the “Reiwa Rice Crisis”—has drawn comparisons to past supply shocks, prompting public concern and debate over whether government intervention has come too late.

At the Shanghai Motor Show, which opened to the press on April 23rd ahead of its public run from April 27th to May 2nd, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed a series of new models, including a new electric vehicle, as it works to regain ground in the increasingly competitive Chinese market.

The average weekday lunch spending in Japan rose for the third straight year to a record 485 yen in 2024 -- a 7.3% increase from the previous year -- highlighting how inflation is reshaping workers' midday habits.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has announced it will raise prices on 217 beverage products starting with shipments on October 1st.

The emergence of Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has become a key catalyst in the discussion of a potential Nissan-Honda merger. Having grown through iPhone production, the company is now pushing into the electric vehicle (EV) sector, led by a Japanese executive who once held top roles at major Japanese firms.

The average price of new condominiums in Greater Tokyo has marked a record high for a fourth straight year amid rising costs. (NHK)