summary

• MMD Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo) led the planning and production of “OTOBACO,” the world’s first immersive sound gondola, which began operating on the Hakone Ropeway on April 13, 2026. MMD also developed the experience content and spatial design for “Chikyu no Tani,” the new observation area at Owakudani Station. Since its debut, “OTOBACO” has been well received by visitors and has attracted attention as a new tourism experience in Hakone. Rather than simply “seeing” the scenery, visitors can “feel” nature through sound. This new approach to tourism grew out of MMD’s concept of “Nature-Sensing Tourism.”
  
  From Seeing to Feeling
  
  In recent years, what people seek from tourist facilities has changed significantly. Rather than simply admiring beautiful scenery, more people are looking to experience the nature and culture of a place through all five senses and create memories that stay with them. Focusing on this shift, MMD Inc. is working to create new experiential value at tourist facilities and aquariums under the theme of “Nature-Sensing Tourism.” Our aim is not simply to “show” scenery or exhibits. We design experiences that spark people’s curiosity about nature, making them want to know more and inspiring them to return.
  
  The World’s First Immersive Sound Gondola “OTOBACO”
  
  “OTOBACO” is a project that embodies this philosophy. MMD Inc. led the planning and production together with Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd., bringing to life the world’s first ropeway gondola equipped with a Dolby Atmos® immersive sound system, in collaboration with qooop, Inc., which built the sound system. By fusing Hakone’s majestic natural environment with immersive sound, “OTOBACO” offers a tourism experience unlike any other. On clear days, the music complements the scenery; on rainy or foggy days, it invites visitors to imagine the landscape hidden from view. By turning even the weather into part of the journey’s appeal, “OTOBACO” creates a new kind of tourism experience that goes beyond simply “seeing” the scenery.
  
  *“World’s First” is based on research conducted by Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd.*

  Name: Hakone Ropeway “OTOBACO” (Immersive Sound)
  Client: Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd.
  Planning & Production: Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd., MMD Inc.
  Immersive Sound System Construction: qooop, Inc.
  Music Production: Point Blank Inc., Xylomania Studio LLC
  Technical Cooperation: Dolby Japan K.K.
  Supervision: MMD Inc.