BFM Developed "SAZAE RADIO" made from real turban shells!

Chiba-based independent FM radio station "bayfm" has developed the "SAZAE RADIO," an FM tuner made from the shells of turban shells harvested in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, and will sell it in limited quantities.

At a product launch event held in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on March 23, Masayuki Ogata, Deputy Director of Programming, explained the inspiration for the development: "Our station is located in an area surrounded by the sea on three sides, and we had long considered collaborating on something related to the ocean. When I saw turban shells at the port, I imagined someone holding a shell to their ear, and thought it would be interesting if radio sounds came out of it. That was the starting point."

The turban shells are provided by local fishing cooperatives. While bleaching and sun-drying ensure a clean finish, Deputy Director Komagata personally handles the shell collection and polishing with gold brushes. The electronic circuit board was developed in-house to fit inside the individually varying abalone shells while achieving high-quality sound. Hachiro Yoshida, the company's technical lead responsible for radio development, explained, "As a radio station, we were particular about sound quality, so we used a large speaker," revealing the challenges of integrating the board.

 

The radio features simple functions like a power switch, volume control, and station selection, and can be charged via USB. It also supports Wide FM. Only 100 Sazae Radios will be sold. Applications will be accepted on a special website ( http://www.bayfm.co.jp/sazaeradio/ ) from April 1st to 30th. If applications exceed the limit, a lottery will be held. The Sazae Radio, which defies the conventional notion that radios must be square, is likely to draw significant attention.

To mark the launch, the company produced a web movie titled "New Radio Device from the Sea." featuring program personalities and project staff. It has been available on the special website and the official Bay FM YouTube channel since March 23rd. The approximately 3-minute video features reactions and smiles from Sazae enthusiasts Takumi Saito, Noriyuki Makihara, and Moe Oshikiri as they hold the Sazae Radio.