Audio maker's new proposal for 'Nighttime Smartphone Habits': Night Earphones 'ZE500 NYUMIN'

final Co., Ltd. (CEO: Mitsuru Hosoo, Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture), which operates the audio brand final, will begin pre-sale of the "ZE500 NYUMIN" (pronounced Z-E-500 Nyu-min), a fully wireless earphone designed exclusively for nighttime audio experiences before sleep, on Makuake, a crowdfunding service for new products and experiences, starting July 7, 2026 (Tue).

During the pre-order period, we will offer a 25% off super early bird special for the first 24 hours, as well as a two-earphone bundle option.

A survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that the average sleep duration for Japanese people is among the shortest in member countries year after year (Note 1). One of the contributing factors, as indicated in surveys by public institutions and academic papers, is the association with smartphone use before bedtime (Note 3). "I know I should stop, but I can't put down my smartphone in bed at night" – this is a common nighttime dilemma for many people in 2026.

ZE500 NYUMIN is not a product that denies these 'Nighttime Smartphone Habits,' but rather a new category of product, an 'earphone for the night,' that accompanies modern people's pre-sleep moments with a new approach of redesigning the audio experience during that time. We have poured our knowledge gained from cumulative sales of 300,000 'sleep earphones' (Note 2) and acoustic psychology research since the wired model 'E500,' which sold 500,000 units (Note 4), into a single device specialized for nighttime use.

◆ Makuake Project Page https://www.makuake.com/project/final_ze500_nyumin/

【Product Highlights】

◆ A new category product that addresses the aspect of pre-sleep audio experience in an era where the short sleep duration of Japanese people, among the lowest in the OECD, is discussed in relation to bedtime smartphone use.

◆ "Not denying nighttime smartphone habits, but refining them" – final's unique proposal axis.

◆ The culmination of cumulative sales of 300,000 'sleep earphones' (Note 2) and the development expertise of a company that is rare globally in developing ASMR-specific wireless earphones.

◆ Approximately 35% reduction in volume (Note 5) and an ultra-compact design of approximately 3g per side (Note 6) compared to our previous model 'COTSUBU for ASMR'.

◆ Equipped with features such as volume steps adjustable to the "0" and "1" level via a dedicated app, a mode to reduce vocal roughness, and a connection-maintaining sleep timer.

◆ Pre-sale begins on "Makuake" on July 7, 2026 (Tue), with super early bird returns offering a 25% discount for the first 24 hours.

Clarification Regarding Product Positioning

This product is not a medical device. The expressions in this release are intended for pre-sleep relaxation and creating a nighttime listening environment, and do not guarantee sleep improvement, sleep induction, or other medical or therapeutic effects. Individual experiences may vary. If you have symptoms such as sleep disorders, please consult a medical institution.

Japan's Sleep Challenges and Modern 'Nighttime Smartphone Habits'

The OECD's "Society at a Glance" reports that the average sleep duration for Japanese people is among the shortest in member countries year after year (Note 1). Furthermore, various health-related surveys by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicate that many Japanese people experience daytime sleepiness and sleep-related concerns, making sufficient sleep a significant lifestyle challenge in modern Japanese society.

In this context, the association with smartphone use before bedtime has been pointed out in recent surveys and academic research (Note 3). With the widespread adoption of smartphones, nighttime smartphone use has become a daily routine for many people across all age groups in 2026. On the other hand, the desire to "stop, or must stop," yet finding oneself opening videos, social media, radio, or podcasts in bed – this is a modern dilemma born precisely from the responsibility taken in facing one's own sleep.

At final, we propose "another option" to this dilemma: not by demanding behavioral change, but by redesigning the audio experience of that time. Instead of putting down the smartphone, add earphones as an accompaniment. That alone can slightly refine the nighttime moments – this is our conclusion, derived from the accumulation of 300,000 cumulative sales of 'sleep earphones' (Note 2).

Product Concept – A New Category: 'Earphones for the Night'

Most commercially available earphones are developed with a focus on acoustic design for music listening. Consequently, there has been room for improvement in scenes unique to 'nighttime moments,' such as the intelligibility of 'human voices' at very low volumes, long-term wear while lying on one's side, and re-connection in the middle of the night.

ZE500 NYUMIN has been developed to address these challenges as an audio device specialized for pre-sleep moments. The 30 minutes after getting into bed. Videos, short videos, radio, podcasts, ASMR, ambient sounds – we have re-examined the acoustic design, fit, and app from three perspectives to allow users to enjoy the diverse 'nighttime smartphone content' more comfortably and at their own pace.

Key Product Features – 6 'Audio Designs for the Night'

01 | 【Ultra-Compact Design】 A fit you'll forget you're wearing

Approximately 3g per side (Note 6). Further reducing the volume by approximately 35% (Note 5) from our previous model 'COTSUBU for ASMR,' which was well-received by users with smaller ears, we have achieved our smallest size yet. The shallow insertion design suppresses the feeling of foreign objects even when lying on your side with your ear against a pillow. Early testers reported, "I forgot I was wearing them," and "I could naturally enjoy watching videos while lying down."

02 | 【Volume Step Revolution】 Finer volume adjustment than standard smartphones

By optimizing the volume steps in the dedicated app, finer volume control is possible than with standard smartphone volume levels (Note 7). "Volume 2 is too loud, and Volume 1 is inaudible" – we address the dilemma of single-step volume differences experienced by many during nighttime smartphone use with our app function.

03 | 【Low Volume Acoustic Design】 Voices are comfortably audible even at very low volumes

Standard earphone sound quality is designed for music listening. For ZE500 NYUMIN, we have redesigned the sound quality itself to suit scenes where 'human voices' are heard at very low volumes. Even when the volume is reduced, the texture of voices and bass is less likely to degrade, allowing for comfortable listening to podcasts, radio, streamer chats, and more before sleep.

04 | 【Vocal Roughness Reduction Mode】 Streamed audio optimized for nighttime

Many streaming audio contents, such as podcasts, radio broadcasts, video sites, and ASMR videos, are delivered in a compressed format. During this compression process, a unique 'roughness' can occur in the high frequencies of human voices, which can lead to listening fatigue, especially in the quiet environment before sleep. This mode suppresses this compression-induced roughness in streamed audio, preserving subtle nuances like whispers and breaths, and is designed for fatigue-free listening over long periods.

05 | 【Ventilation Port】 Pressure adjustment with final's unique structure

When earphones seal the ear, a feeling of air pressure can occur inside the ear. ZE500 NYUMIN employs a design that creates a pathway for air between the earphone and the earpiece, allowing pressure within the ear to escape through the ventilation port. This design suppresses the feeling of fullness or pressure in the deep ear and maintains a natural fit, reducing ear strain even when lying on your side.

06 | 【Dedicated App】 A suite of functions optimized for nighttime scenes

The ZE500 NYUMIN dedicated app includes several functions optimized for pre-sleep scenes. These include a tap operation sound and guidance voice OFF mode, a connection-maintaining sleep timer with options for 30/60/90/120 minutes, and 8 types of nighttime sounds such as ocean waves, rain, campfire, brown noise, pink noise, and white noise. We have also included original recordings from the globally popular ASMR artist "SoriBaguni ASMR" exclusively for this product.

About the Recorded Sounds for Nighttime Use

With the cooperation of ASMR artist SoriBaguni ASMR, who has many fans worldwide, we have selected sounds from his original recordings that are particularly compatible with pre-sleep moments and provided them exclusively for this product. You can enjoy 5 types of sounds, including ocean waves and rain, from his archive, which boasts overwhelming realism, with ZE500 NYUMIN.

By combining the time spent enjoying videos and radio on your smartphone with the nighttime sounds from the dedicated app at your preferred timing, you can create your own personalized night routine.

Development Background – As a Pioneer in the ASMR Earphone Category

Since the wired model 'E500,' which has sold 500,000 units cumulatively (Note 4), final has continuously researched the relationship between ASMR experience and acoustic engineering/psychology. We have pioneered the category of ASMR-specific earphones with products such as the 'COTSUBU for ASMR' released in 2021 as a rare ASMR-specific fully wireless earphone globally, its successor 'ZE500 for ASMR' released in 2022 with further miniaturization and an ASMR port for pressure dispersion, and 'ZE3000 for ASMR' released in 2025 pursuing a new approach to ASMR experience.

Receiving numerous reports from customers who love these products about their use during pre-sleep relaxation time, the ZE500 NYUMIN was developed in response to the request to "use them while sleeping." We have poured the 'sense of sound distance' and 'texture reproduction capability' cultivated through ASMR-specific designs, along with years of accumulated feedback, into a single device that refines modern 'nighttime smartphone habits' from an acoustic perspective.

For more details on the development background, please see the article below.

▼Development Background Article https://x.com/final_audio/status/2072653658488218082?s=20

final's Lineup of 'Sleep Earphones' / ASMR-Specific Earphones

Release Year

Model Name

Positioning

2021

COTSUBU for ASMR

Rare ASMR-specific fully wireless earphones globally. Released as the "wireless version of E500."

2025

ZE500 for ASMR

Revised design of COTSUBU for ASMR, further miniaturized. Equipped with an ASMR port for pressure dispersion.

2025

ZE3000 for ASMR

A new approach to ASMR experience. Acoustic design pursuing the delicate texture of comfortable tingles.

2026

【NEW】 ZE500 NYUMIN

final's first 'earphone for the night' category product, with redesigned acoustics for nighttime moments. Approximately 35% reduction in volume (Note 5) compared to our previous model 'COTSUBU for ASMR'. Equipped with volume step optimization, vocal roughness reduction mode, connection-maintaining sleep timer, and nighttime sounds via dedicated app.

Product Concept / Comfortably refining your nighttime smartphone experience

ZE500 NYUMIN is not a product that denies nighttime smartphone use. Rather, it is an audio device designed to slightly refine your nighttime moments simply by changing your accompanying earphones, assuming the 'nighttime smartphone habit' that is difficult to change for modern people.

・Listen at your preferred volume, even next to family or a partner. ・Find a comfortable volume for pre-sleep moments, with finer steps than standard smartphone volume levels. ・Acoustic design that clearly delivers 'human voices' even at very low volumes. ・Weight and shape that allow you to forget you're wearing them, even when turning over in bed. ・A connection-maintaining sleep timer that allows you to resume playback with a single tap without the hassle of re-pairing, even if you want to play something in the middle of the night.

These are all innovations to refine modern 'nighttime smartphone habits' from an acoustic perspective. Furthermore, it is designed to allow you to carry your usual nighttime moments with you, whether in a hotel room on a business trip or while traveling, along with the nighttime sounds from the dedicated app or your favorite audio content.

Makuake Project / Pre-sale Information

ZE500 NYUMIN will begin pre-sale on Makuake, a crowdfunding service for new products and experiences, starting July 7, 2026. As Makuake exclusive prices, we will offer several return options, including a 25% off super early bird special (limited quantity, first-come, first-served basis) for the first 24 hours, a two-earphone bundle option, and a return with an extended pack of nighttime sounds.

Additionally, pre-announcements and the latest information about the Makuake project launch will be sent in advance to those who register via the final official store site and the final official LINE account.

◆ Makuake Project Start: July 7, 2026 (Tue) 10:00 AM https://www.makuake.com/project/final_ze500_nyumin/

◆ Pre-sale Price: Makuake Exclusive Up to 25% OFF Super Early Bird (Limited Quantity, First-Come, First-Served)

◆ General Sale: Scheduled after the Makuake project concludes.

◆ Pre-announcement final Official LINE: https://page.line.me/461prgnj

Pre-sale Exhibition Information

To coincide with the Makuake pre-sale, ZE500 NYUMIN will be on display at the following two venues. You can experience the fit, size, and sound quality firsthand, which cannot be fully conveyed by spec sheets alone.

1 SoftBank Ginza "Makuake GINZA TOUCH LOUNGE" ・Period: July 8, 2026 (Wed) to July 17, 2026 (Fri), 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily ・Venue: SoftBank Ginza 2F Free Space ・Talk Event: July 15, 2026 (Wed) 18:30 – "final Discusses 'Sound Fundamentalism': The Secret Story Behind Developing Sleep-Specialized Earphones Born from ASMR" (Pre-registration required: Apply here)

2 Nojima Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Store (Makuake Exhibition Booth) ・Exhibition Period: July 4, 2026 (Sat) to August 20, 2026 (Thu) ・Exhibition Location: Nojima Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Store (Takashimaya Times Square Main Building 11F, near the 2C Kitchen Appliances Corner) *If you cannot find the location, please feel free to ask a nearby staff member, "Where is the Makuake corner?"

Product Specifications

Item

Details

Product Name

ZE500 NYUMIN

Type

Fully Wireless Earphones

Communication Method

Bluetooth® 5.4

Supported Codecs

SBC, AAC

Continuous Music Playback Time

Earphones: Up to 4.5 hours / With charging case: Up to 18 hours

Battery Capacity

Earphones: 25mAh / Charging Case: 350mAh

Water Resistance

IPX4

Weight

Approx. 3g per side (Note 6)

Size

Approx. 35% reduction in volume compared to our previous model "COTSUBU for ASMR" (Note 5)

Body Color

Midnight Navy

Supported OS

iOS / Android (Dedicated app planned)

Characteristic Structure

Ventilation port (pressure dispersion/adjustment)

Included Items

Main unit (left/right) / Charging case / Integrated soft earpieces (S/M/L) / Dust filter / Quick manual / Cleaning swab / QR code for special web page

About final Co., Ltd.

final Co., Ltd. is an audio brand headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. We handle almost all processes in-house, from basic research and development, product planning, design, engineering, manufacturing, to sales. We develop products from our unique perspective as an audio brand, including flagship models like the "A10000" and "D8000 DC Pro Edition," the flagship wireless earphones "TONALITE" released in December 2025, the gaming earphone series "VR Series," and the ASMR-tuned "COTSUBU for ASMR," "ZE500 for ASMR," and "ZE3000 for ASMR."

Item

Details

Company Name

final Co., Ltd.

Location

Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Representative Director

Mitsuru Hosoo

Business Activities

Research and development, design, manufacturing, and sales of audio equipment (earphones, headphones, etc.)

Official Website

https://final-inc.com/

Notes and Evidence

*1: Average Sleep Duration for Japanese People: Based on comparative data among member countries in the latest edition of OECD's "Society at a Glance," it indicates that Japan's average sleep duration has been among the shortest year after year. Specific year and metrics will be detailed in separate evidence documents for this release.

*2: Cumulative 300,000 'Sleep Earphones': Based on cumulative sales of our wireless earphones tuned for ASMR and sleep (as of December 2025, our research). Sales data documents will be submitted as examination materials for the Makuake page.

*3: Association between Bedtime Smartphone Use and Sleep: Various health-related surveys by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and academic papers point to an association between smartphone use before sleep and its impact on sleep. This release does not claim specific medical effects but cites a socially discussed fact.

*4: Cumulative 500,000 Units: Based on cumulative sales of the wired earphones "E500" using binaural technology (as of December 2025, our research). Sales data documents will be submitted as examination materials for the Makuake page.

*5: Approx. 35% Volume Reduction: Volume comparison value with our previous model "COTSUBU for ASMR." Based on values stated in the specifications of both models.

*6: Approx. 3g per side: Based on our specification values.

*7: Finer Volume Steps: Comparison with our previous model and standard smartphone volume levels. Not a comparison with other companies' products.

final Co., Ltd.

final is a Japanese brand specializing in earphones and headphones, headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. We believe that the quality of sound reproduction greatly influences the music experience, and we design our sound quality to provide exhilaration from music regardless of price, from highly acclaimed high-end planar magnetic headphones to affordable entry-level earphones.

Official HP: https://final-inc.com/ X: https://x.com/final_audio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/final_audio/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@final_LIVE