Legend Channel Episode 6 Now Available! Featuring Hideki Amano

The 6th episode of “Legend Channel”, a podcast series featuring interviews with legendary figures in the world of sound, is now available.

This episode welcomes Mr. Hideki Amano, President of Musicmine Inc.
With a career spanning music label operations, artist management, production, and digital distribution, Mr. Amano played an important role in shaping Japan’s music scene. As the founder of SUBLIME RECORDS, he helped introduce a wide range of artists to the world, including KEN ISHII, Guitar Wolf, SHING02, Rei Harakami, CHEHON, and Hakushi Hasegawa.

In addition to releasing more than 800 CD titles, he was also an early adopter of streaming and digital distribution, always exploring new ways to deliver music while keeping an eye on the future of the industry. This interview, recorded in early summer 2025, captures Mr. Amano’s unique perspective as well as his deep passion for music.

Mr. Hideki Amano sadly passed away in January 2026.
We would like to express our deepest respect for his tremendous contributions during his lifetime, and offer our heartfelt condolences. This episode is presented as a precious record in his memory.

Interviewers
Isao Kumano, CEO of PHONON Inc.
Motoaki Sayama, CEO of Nice Company Inc.

🎧 Now available on the official Legend Channel website:
https://niceinc.jp/legendchannel/topic/101

[Worldwide Limited to 50 Units] MasterSounds × PHONON SMB-02G-XM Headphones

PHONON is very happy to announce our wonderful latest headphone collaboration with England premium audio brand MasterSounds with the “MasterSounds x Phonon SMB-02G-XM” model, with only 50 individually numbered editions produced for the world available exclusively via the MasterSounds web-shop in the UK.

The SMB-02G-XM headphones build upon the sonic pedigree of Phonon’s SMB-02 series, beloved by mastering engineers, DJs, and audiophiles for their precise and natural sound reproduction.
The collaboration enhances both form and function, incorporating a variety of bespoke MasterSounds upgrades:

・MasterSounds satin gold ear plates individually engraved with edition numbers from 01/50 to 50/50.
・Custom forest-green braided headphone cable featuring gold MasterSounds x Phonon branding
・Premium comfort ear pads for extended listening sessions
・SMB-series transport case for safe and secure travel
・Organic cotton carry bags for both headphones and the cable
・Hand-signed edition certificate by MasterSounds founder Ryan Shaw
※Each of the 50 sets is individually numbered, underlining the rarity and collector value of the collaboration.

MasterSounds web-shop：
https://mastersounds.co.uk/products/mastersounds-x-phonon-smb-02g-xm-headphones

Legend Channel Episode 3 Released! Guest: Akira Inoue

The podcast series “Legend Channel” features interviews with “legends” who have shaped the world of sound. Episode 3 is now available!

This time’s guest is Akira Inoue, a keyboardist, arranger, and producer who has long been active at the forefront of the music scene.

Beginning with composing music for commercials and studio work, he has worked on numerous iconic projects for leading artists such as Akira Terao, Eiichi Ohtaki, Yosui Inoue, and Masaharu Fukuyama. He also produced the reading piece “Snowflake” by Peter Gabriel and Akiko Yano. Throughout his career, he has released countless hit songs and groundbreaking works.

As a true legend who continues to support Japan’s music scene, Inoue takes on a new challenge alongside interviewer Mr. Isao Kumano.

In this interview, we delve into the thoughts he put into this project and the journey that led to its realization.

Interviewers

• Isao Kumano, CEO of PHONON Inc.
• Motoaki Sayama, CEO of Nice Company Inc.

🎧 Now streaming on the official Legend Channel website!
https://niceinc.jp/legendchannel/topic/68

[EVENT] Headphone Oasis vol.0 – A Concert to Experience the Ultimate Acoustic Environment through Headphones

“An imaginative musical experience where every audience member can enjoy the best acoustic environment, as if seated at the very center of the hall.”

This special event is supervised by PHONON in the field of acoustics.
All guests will be provided with PHONON’s award-winning headphone model SMB-01L (retail price ¥77,000), along with PHONON’s original headphone amplifier, specially designed for live use, to deliver the finest sound quality.

<Event Details>
Produced by MUTEX, a project proposing an unprecedented collaboration between music and textiles.
Carrying on the legacy of Eiichi Ohtaki’s legendary “Headphone Concerts,” this new series will begin at Cafe, Dining & Bar 104.5.

Date:

　October 6, 2025 (Mon)
Time:
　OPEN 18:00
　LIVE 19:00 (Part 1) / intermission / 20:15 (Part 2)
　CLOSE 22:00 (L.O. 21:00)

Members:

　Akira Inoue (Composer, Arranger, Keyboard, Voice)

　Tsugumi Yamamoto (25-string Koto, Voice)

Charge:

　FREE (Admission is free of charge)

Venue:

　Cafe, Dining & Bar 104.5
　WATERRAS TOWER 2F, 2-101 Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
　TEL: 03-3251-1045

• Each live set will last approximately 30 minutes (total of 60 minutes).
• No seat reservations available. Seating is shared during crowded times.
• Guests with reservations are kindly asked to order at least 1 drink & 1 food item.

Reservation:
Click here to book via TableCheck

PHONON’s Story Featured on the Websites of NICE COMPANY and 380 SOUND

We are pleased to share that NICE COMPANY and 380 SOUND have featured the story behind PHONON’s development on their websites.

・Japanese Version: NICE COMPANY
📎 PHONONヘッドフォン開発ストーリー – 音楽の本質を伝えるために

・English Version: 380 SOUND
📎 PHONON Headphones Interview – 380 SOUND

The article highlights how PHONON was born out of Tokyo’s music scene and has evolved into a headphone brand dedicated to reproducing studio-quality sound—
told through real episodes and experiences behind the brand.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to NICE COMPANY and 380 SOUND for publishing such a thoughtful and meaningful feature.