King Jim, one of the largest office stationary supplies in Japan, has announced the launch of “Oshige Light”, a compact device designed to visualize voice volume with light. The product will go on sale on June 5, priced at ¥4,994 ($31). Oshige Light uses a front-facing microphone to monitor ambient sound levels. When voices exceed a preset threshold, the device responds by flashing a light – a subtle, non-verbal cue to lower the volume. Since people often misjudge how loudly they speak, especially in shared spaces, the device aims to eliminate the difficulty of person-to-person reminders by acting as an automated “quiet prompt.”
Oshige Light uses a front-facing microphone to monitor ambient sound levels. When voices exceed a preset threshold, the device responds by flashing a light – a subtle, non-verbal cue to lower the volume. Since people often misjudge how loudly they speak, especially in shared spaces, the device aims to eliminate the difficulty of person-to-person reminders by acting as an automated “quiet prompt.”
The system measures sound with A-weight (dBA), a standard that reflects how the human ear perceives loudness. This allows the device to provide feedback closely aligned with real-world listening conditions rather than raw decibel levels. Users can choose from three sensitivity settings depending on the environment:
Low (60 dBA): Ideal for quiet places like libraries,
Medium (70 dBA): Suitable for typical office settings
High (80 dBA): Designed for harsher environments
In addition to noise control, Oshige Light can also function as a vocal training aid. Users can practice projecting their voice until the light activates, helping to establish a clear and consistent sense of appropriate speaking volume – something that is often difficult to communicate verbally. The device includes three interchangeable display sheets – “Be Quiet”, “Speak Loudly”, and a customizable blank option – allowing you to adapt to different use cases. It supports various installation methods, including freestanding placement, magnetic mounting, and wall mounting. Oshige Light measures approximately 95 × 34 × 90 mm and weighs approximately 113 grams. It can be powered via four AA batteries or a USB connection, offering flexibility for portable and fixed setups.