Media > Media: Sectors

GAMMA WAVE SOUND

DROGA5 , PART OF ACCENTURE SONG, Tokyo / GAMMA WAVE SOUND / 2024

Awards:

Bronze Spikes Asia
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Overview

Credits

Overview

Why is this work relevant for Media?

The Gamma Sound Project marks a significant step forward in cognitive healthcare through the use of sound modulation technology.

This innovative approach democratizes cognitive care by making it universally accessible, easy to implement, and free. Like traditional media delivering information and messages, we aim to transform and utilize all spaces with sound as new media that can deliver cognitive healthcare seamlessly by modulating everyday sound and music into gamma-wave sounds, from BGMs to jingles played in public spaces, at $0 media cost.

This initiative tackles the challenges of an aging population through the innovative use of media.

Background

Japan is a hyper-aging society, with nearly 30% of the total population over the age of 65. By 2025, it is predicted that one in five seniors will suffer from dementia, a disease with no definitive cure and a devastating mental, physical and economical burden for those affected. Worldwide, the number of people with dementia is expected to triple to more than 150 million by 2050.

With a high annual treatment cost of approximately $30,000 and drug development and approval timelines of over a decade to reach the public, there is an urgent need for alternative cognitive care approaches beyond traditional methods such as light and sound therapy, medication and exercise.

This escalating crisis underscores that dementia is not just a challenge for Japan, but a global societal threat and a critical concern for humanity.

Please provide any cultural context that would help the jury understand any cultural, national or regional nuances applicable to this work e.g. local legislation, cultural norms, a national holiday or religious festival that may have a particular meaning.

Dementia is a pressing global concern, with countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy and Spain facing this common challenge.

Japan, by far the world's most hyper-aging nation, leads the trend with 30% of its current population over the age of 65. By 2025, it is predicted that one in five seniors will suffer from dementia, including a growing number of early-onset cases. Japan faces several significant challenges related to its rapidly aging population, including healthcare demand, caregiver shortages and social security.

Despite this growing concern, only a small percentage of people are taking preventive measures, and patient satisfaction with existing treatments remains low and difficult to sustain.

Describe the creative idea / insights

Ongoing studies show that exposure to 40 Hz sound and light inhibits the decline in cognitive

function. However, current treatments involving flickering lights, brain exercises, and expensive medications are difficult to sustain.

Despite the widely recognized importance of preventing dementia, many are reluctant to change their lifestyles.

The Gamma Wave Sound Project is an initiative to combat dementia on a societal level using sound, aiming to create a world where everyone can receive cognitive healthcare effortlessly.

Developed by Pixie Dust Technologies, a wave technology pioneer, and Shionogi Pharmaceutical, a leader in dementia research, "Gamma Wave Modulation Technology" converts any audio source into 40Hz gamma wave sound using a patented algorithm, that induces gamma waves in the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function.

This innovative approach transforms any sound-filled space into a cognitive care space as listeners enjoy the music wherever they are, through common auditory platforms such as radio and TV.

Describe the strategy

Turning 40Hz gamma wave sound into an audio experience opened up new opportunities to provide cognitive stimulation to a broader audience, including people with Alzheimer's and those seeking to maintain cognitive function.

To integrate the technology into everyday settings, the GWS-Alliance is formed, which includes top Japanese companies across industries, alongside governments and local authorities such as the Japanese Ministry of Justice, playing a crucial role in installing the Gamma Wave Sound into the infrastructure of local communities, particularly those with a large senior population.

The locations and media for this project were strategically selected to maximize the benefits to the target audience, based on insights from interviews with people with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and doctors who are integral members of the project team.

While startups alone would have had limited exposure, our broad alliance enabled large-scale applications in public and commercial facilities, as well as nationwide and overseas expansion.

Describe the execution

Using Gamma Wave Modulation Technology, the project has composed two original 40Hz soundtracks, available on global platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Additionally, everyday sounds like ringtones, jingles, and the familiar background music at the supermarket, have been converted to 40Hz gamma wave sound, ensuring seamless integration into everyday settings and environments.

The gamma wave sound has been integrated into various settings, including BGM for national broadcast radio programs, at a fitness facility for seniors, Japan Football Association sports events, Karaoke tracks, relaxing tunes at public onsen baths, in-flight BGM on Alii Palau's international flights, and as a BGM option on Voicy, one of the largest podcast platforms.

There are ongoing collaborations with artists to create editions of their hit songs modulated with the gamma wave sound. These tracks have been released and performed live at concerts, providing a unique experience that blends popular music with cognitive healthcare.

List the results

The Gamma Sound Project, with its seamless integration, sustainability, and free accessibility, is rapidly expanding globally, attracting interest from diverse communities, corporations, and governments that share the same vision. The alliance has successfully brought the Gamma Wave Sound experience to numerous public touch points, impacting over 8 million individuals and garnering significant media attention with 6.5 billion worldwide impressions. The growing network now extends to 930,000+ touch points, potentially affecting over 210 million people, with $0 media spend.

Upcoming initiatives include collaborations with major artists to modulate their hit tracks and the release of plug-in software for creators. Music, as a universal language, holds immense potential for application and can spread faster than traditional treatments or medications.

The Gamma Wave Sound Project is not only transforming dementia care, but also shaping the future of cognitive healthcare. This innovative approach marks a significant step toward a world free from dementia.