In Part 1, we discussed the origins of the OmimimO project, the importance of protecting children’s hearing, and the significance of creating a culture where everyone wears earmuffs. In Part 2, we asked about the meaning of parents and children spending time together at stadium, the hopes embodied in Hiroshima, and the collaborative creation that connects people from different fields.
🎧Memories of time spent together at stadiums can be both frightening and cherished.
Starlite (S)：I think going to a stadium as a family really creates a strong sense of togetherness.
N (Professor Nanakida)：Yes! But when adults all stand up at a crucial moment and yell “Woo-hoo!” or when cheering chants echo through the stadium, children get startled and hold their breath for a second. They may cover their eyes and ears, curl up, or start crying. Parents bring their children thinking, “We will have fun together”, but for the children, it becomes a terrifying experience.
S：Such a sad thing should not happen…!
N：Also, Hiroshima is a prefecture with a high population outflow. That is why I believe memories of cheering with family at the stadium during childhood explain why we feel drawn back as adults, thinking, “Hiroshima really is the best”. The stadium is a special place where both children and adults can cheer and have fun. Is there anywhere else like that?
S：The memories of cheering our hearts out together are truly priceless treasures.
N：OmimimO earmuffs are a way for families to cheer together safely and comfortably. Moments of shared laughter are irreplaceable, letting us feel not only family bonds but also a true, warm connection with the community. This fosters children’s sense of self-esteem, helping them feel, “I belong here” and “I’m a member of this community”.
S：For children, experiences that make them feel “this is my place” and cheering at stadiums play a role beyond mere entertainment.
N：Plus, spending time outside together as a family—soaking up the sun, playing ball, and getting exercise on a day off—will lead to a happy and healthy lifestyle. We want to create an environment where the entire community supports that kind of positive cycle.
S：OmimimO is a tool for protecting hearing, yet it also fosters a sense of unity within families and communities.
🎧Knock on the door and hear "Welcome!". Meet people from different fields and turn your ideas into reality.
S：How do you feel working with Starlite?
N：I feel a miraculous connection in my encounter with Starlite. I never knew there was a company like this near the school I used to go to in my hometown (Shiga Prefecture), which was right across Konze River from the road I always used to take. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to walk this path again.
S：Was there an event that prompted you to step outside and form that connection?
N：I used to be a teacher for children with multiple disabilities and visual impairments. Even though we share the same space and time, I could not understand the things children were trying so hard to say. The feeling of helplessness remains unforgettable to this day. There are walls that cannot be overcome by the power of childcare and education alone. I felt that we need more power from science and engineering.
S：In moving forward with the project, even that regret has become the driving force behind your work.
N：One more thing. The government’s “Children First” slogan was surprisingly little known in society, even though it was at the very center of our childcare workers’ consciousness.
Honestly, when you are in the world of childcare and education, there is this underlying assumption that everyone knows about child development. But after listening to the Diet’s response during the pandemic, I realized that it was not the case. I felt a lump in my throat and thought, “What on earth have we been doing?”.
I need to get out more and reach more people. That thought pushed me forward.
S：OmimimO will become the symbol of “Children First”!
N：That sounds nice. The economy is important, but I am grateful that there are people at Starlite who share the same belief that the healthy development of children living now and in the future is just as important as the economy. Thank you so much for listening intently to the story of my OmimimO project, which is filled with my deep passion. Starlite has been offering one technical idea after another to make it lighter, safer, and more appealing for children to wear.
S：More people are joining us, drawn to your vision. Early childhood education specialists, sports science experts, sound and materials specialists, professional sports teams, and people in the community—all these diverse individuals are joining forces to move forward with this project together!
N：Yes, through this project, I have had the opportunity to meet experts from fields outside the world of childcare and education, and I am thrilled to be experiencing a whole new world. We will continue our activities by holding workshops with students and conducting research at kindergartens and stadiums. We will also capture facts using our senses such as our eyes, ears, sense of smell, and sense of touch. Stay tuned for our next project!