Forties Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Takayuki Kawazoe, hereinafter Forties) is launching a new series under the 40s brand, the portable bear repellent speaker "KUMAMORITM" series. The first product in this series, "Kumamori Speaker Z," will be released on July 7, 2026.
This product is the industry's first* speaker with sound sources, developed in collaboration with Forties and Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory (Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture).
*Regarding the application of portable speakers with BGM sound sources for animal repellency (June 2026, self-researched)
Bear Sightings Are Increasing in Various Regions
In recent years, bear sightings have occurred one after another in living areas across the country, exposing many people to anxiety and danger. This has also impacted daily life, leading to temporary business closures and school cancellations. Currently, there are few effective means to keep bears away from human living spaces. Bears that enter urban areas must be culled, leading to a proportional increase in the number of bears killed.
On the other hand, problems such as the decrease and aging of hunters (holders of Type 1 firearm licenses) who can cull bears are pressing issues, and the burden on local governments is increasing year by year.
Bear sighting incidents have rapidly increased in recent years, and the number of bears culled has also increased due to the necessity of culling.
A Solution Using the Power of Sound and Field Experiments
In light of this situation, we aimed to separate the behavioral spaces of bears and humans using the power of sound, rather than physical capture or culling. We commissioned Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory to create special sound sources that combine multiple types and frequencies of sounds that bears are said to dislike. The concept was not simply to startle bears with loud noises or sound effects, but to create sound sources that not only repel bears but are also not unpleasant for humans to hear in their living environments. We repeatedly developed prototypes together.
We then tuned the completed sound sources to the optimal balance for the characteristics of Forties' speakers.
Furthermore, we conducted field experiments using speakers equipped with these sound sources on actual Asiatic black bears (Tsukinowaguma) at Higashi-Chikuba Utopia, and succeeded in verifying a certain "dislike effect (repellent effect)."
Demonstration with the Asiatic black bear Poppo-chan. Demonstration with the Asiatic black bear Koro-kun.
"Kumamori Speaker Z" is a product that comes with an SD card containing the sound sources created in this way, pre-installed in a portable outdoor speaker.
No complex operations are required; playback can be started with a single button, making it easy to use even for those who are not comfortable with electronic devices. Once the sound source starts playing, it will continue to play automatically in a loop as long as the battery lasts, maintaining an acoustic space where a bear repellent effect can be expected.
With a lightweight, compact, and robust body and a carabiner, this product leverages its characteristics of both bear repellent effects and sound sources that are not unpleasant for humans to hear. It is ideal for the upcoming summer season for use during hiking and camping, as well as for preventing bear intrusions into urban areas and residential properties, and for preventing damage to orchards and fields. It features IPX7 waterproof performance, so sudden rain is not a problem.
Comparison with Bear Proximity Prevention Goods
"Kumamori Speaker Z" has many advantages compared to other portable bear proximity prevention goods.
In particular, the range of volume adjustment, the convenience of continuous use, and the versatility of the device make it easy to integrate into people's daily lives and highly useful given the current situation of bears appearing in human living spaces and urban areas.
Comparison of portable goods that prevent bear proximity by emitting sound *Comparison based on general products; may vary by product.
About the Speaker
Color Variations Outdoor Specifications
The base model used for the first product in the KUMAMORI series, "Kumamori Speaker Z," is Forties' portable outdoor speaker "HW2."
This has been a long-selling model among Forties' speakers, receiving support from customers and audio experts for its robustness, waterproofness, and compact yet excellent volume and sound quality. It has won awards in specialized magazines and has been reissued with continuous improvements.
While the SD playback function is used for playing bear repellent sound sources, the HW2 also features Bluetooth input and AUX input functions. For example, it can be used as a bear repellent speaker during travel for camping or hiking, and then connected via Bluetooth at the destination for enjoying music. It can also be used for a wide range of purposes, such as listening to music in the bath for relaxation or connecting to a TV via AUX as a nearby speaker.
About Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory
Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory Studio ACOON HIBINO
Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory was established in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, with the aim of providing an environment where everyone can easily balance their health and mind in daily life by fusing "healing power" with "original music." Its core research is the application of Solfeggio frequencies, and it also studies the relationship between other frequencies and their effects. For example, it aims to put the effects of sound into practical use in various fields such as agriculture, livestock, and brewing.
The representative of Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory is ACOON HIBINO. His unique method of composing using 528Hz from musical and medical perspectives has been highly acclaimed, earning him the 57th Japan Record Award for Planning. He is a leading composer and artist of "music with function."
Kyoto Environmental Music Laboratory Official Website
https://kyoto-aml.com/
Demonstration Facility and Experiment Overview
Higashi-Chikuba Utopia
"Higashi-Chikuba Utopia," which cooperated in the field experiments for the release of the KUMAMORI series, is a zoo located on Minejiro Mountain in Ibaraki Prefecture, housing various protected animals. Many of the animals are not overly accustomed to humans and live in environments close to their natural habitats, making it a suitable environment for field experiments.
In this experiment, the following tests were conducted on two protected bears.
Demonstration Facility: Higashi-Chikuba Utopia (Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Demonstration Date: May 28, 2026
Demonstration Subjects: Asiatic black bears "Koro-kun" and "Poppo-chan."
Photos and videos of the field experiment will be sequentially released on the 40s official website, so please check there.
*Inquiries regarding the field experiment should be directed to Forties. Higashi-Chikuba Utopia, the demonstration facility, only cooperated by providing the experimental site and cannot respond to inquiries about the content.
Furthermore, the experiment does not guarantee effectiveness and does not imply that the same effect will occur with all bears.
Higashi-Chikuba Utopia is also home to various other types of rescued animals. If you support their activities, please visit and offer your support. For details, please check the official website below.
Higashi-Chikuba Utopia Official Website
https://www.sen-zoo.net
About the KUMAMORI Series
"KUMAMORI" is a coined word combining "Kuma" (bear) and "Omamori" (talisman/amulet). It also carries the meaning of "Kuma ga Mori e" (bear to the forest), signifying returning bears to their natural habitat.
In the field experiments, a certain repellent effect was confirmed by our staff and the regular keepers who interact with the bears. However, it cannot be said that the same effect applies to all bears, and reactions and their degrees are likely to vary depending on the surrounding environment and individual bears.
Products in this series, like bear bells, do not guarantee 100% bear repellent effect. However, they are intended to be used as a kind of "amulet" that can be worn or carried, offering even a slight expectation of preventing encounters with bears. Users are advised not to rely on them excessively.
This product is not a bear deterrent to be used when encountering a bear. In the unlikely event of encountering a bear, please prioritize actions to protect your life.
*This is a concept image.
We are currently cooperating with and considering various facilities, and research on sound sources is progressing in parallel. Starting with the first product in this series, "Kumamori Speaker Z," we will continue to verify effectiveness and make improvements, and strive to expand sound sources and strengthen our product lineup in the future.
Furthermore, we will leverage the know-how gained from our work with bears to advance research on applications for other animals and birds, contributing to the creation of a natural environment where humans and animals can coexist through the power of sound, without resorting to unnecessary capture or killing.
Kumamori Speaker Z Product Overview
Series Name: KUMAMORI
Product Name: Kumamori Speaker Z
Official Website: https://www.40s.biz/kumamori1
Main Specifications
Bear Repellent Sound Source Playback: Sound source MicroSD card *Pre-installed in the main unit.
Other Playback Methods: Bluetooth (wireless), AUX (wired)
Waterproof Performance: IPX7
Product Size: 165(mm) x 79(mm) x 43(mm)
Product Weight: 357(g)
Battery Capacity: 3600(mAh)
Continuous Playback Time: Approx. 10 hours (at 60% volume)
Price
List Price: Open price
Estimated Retail Price: 16,500 - 19,800 yen (tax included)
Sales Locations
Sales will begin on the following official EC sites, with sales channels expanding sequentially both online and offline.
Forties Official Rakuten Ichiba Store: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/forties/kumamori1/
Forties Official Yahoo! Store: https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/forties/kumamori1.html
Forties JAL Mall Store: https://ec.jal.co.jp/shop/g/g0137-kumamori1hw2k/
Forties Direct (Official Store): https://shop.forties.co.jp/products/kumamori1
*Retailers interested in handling this product are requested to contact the inquiry contact below.
*We also accept inquiries for bulk purchases from corporations and organizations. Please feel free to contact us.
Remarks
The bear repellent effect from the field experiment is solely a reaction observed under the specific environmental conditions and individual bears on the day of the experiment. It is not guaranteed to have the same effect at all times or with wild bears. Like various commercial bear repellent products, this is not a 100% foolproof measure, so please use it at your own discretion.
While internal hardware failures of the speaker are covered by warranty, reasons related to the content (e.g., "different from what I expected," "not effective on bears") are not covered.
This product is intended to prevent bears from approaching and is not for use in repelling a bear encountered face-to-face. In the event of encountering a bear, please take immediate action to protect your life.
*Regardless of the product's usage, our company will not be held responsible for any personal injury or property damage caused by bears.
Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Press Release
Forties Co., Ltd.
4-6-4-5F Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Takayuki Kawazoe
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 製品発売