Nissin Foods Announces Fork to Counter Noodle Harassment Caused by Slurping Sounds

Nissin Foods began accepting pre-orders on October 23 for the "Otohiko" fork, which features a function that automatically plays a sound source to camouflage noodle slurping noises when it detects such sounds. As the number of tourists visiting Japan increases ahead of 2020, this product also aims to help resolve the issue of noodle harassment caused by slurping noises.

Otohiko is the first product from "PRODUCT X," a product development project that tackles various food-related issues from Nissin Foods' uniquely creative perspective. Its sales method marks Nissin's first crowdfunding campaign; sales will proceed if 5,000 pre-orders are reached by December 15. The price is ¥14,800 (tax included).

"Otohiko" Fork with Noodle Slurping Sound Camouflage Function - Pre-orders Now Open

Inspired by TOTO's "Otohime," which masks unpleasant sounds with pleasant ones, Otohiko aims to solve the problem of noodle harassment caused by slurping noises.

When the fork's high-performance microphone detects noodle slurping sounds, it triggers a dedicated smartphone app (iOS only) to play camouflaging sounds via short-range wireless communication.

Sound producer Shinya Kiyokawa, a music composer known for creating melodies woven from natural sounds, handled the sound design.

The product features a simple design with only a start button and an LED light indicating the remaining charge on its cylindrical form.