#Japan #Tokyo #SoftBank #Communication #Headphones

SoftBank's New Web Video: A Call for Better Communication

SoftBank Corporation has launched a new web video titled "君に伝えたいことがある" (I Have Something to Tell You), focusing on the everyday issue of customers wearing headphones while interacting at cash registers. Released on September 9, 2025, on SoftBank's official YouTube channel, the timing was chosen as a playful nod to the shape of the number 9 resembling an ear with a headphone.

With a mission to contribute to society through information revolution, SoftBank aims to foster a harmonious relationship with technology and human interactions. While smartphones elevate our lives in many ways, they also create subtle disconnects in face-to-face communications. This video serves as a reminder to consider better ways to coexist with our devices in our daily lives.

The video features popular comedy duo, LALANDE, comprising of Saya and Nishida, who find themselves illustrating moments of miscommunication that many experience. A recent survey conducted by SoftBank in August 2025 revealed that 74.6% of employees who dealt with headphone-wearing customers reported feeling stressed and 53.3% believe it's a matter of etiquette to remove headphones during more personal exchanges.

About the Web Video Story

Set in a convenience store, the narrative unfolds as Saya, the cashier, asks a headphone-wearing customer if they need a bag. When met with silence, an enigmatic elderly figure appears, questioning whether Saya seeks strength in communicating. Guided by this “mentor,” Saya practices sending strong thoughts in various settings, trying to bridge the gap between herself and her customers.

As the story progresses, Saya becomes increasingly hopeful about sharing her message. Confronted by Nishida, another character absorbed in his device, she attempts to convey her thoughts through heart-shaped gestures. Unfortunately, when Nishida finally removes his headphones, he replies with a letdown of “Sorry, I have a girlfriend,” leaving Saya’s aspirations dashed and filled with frustration.

At the end of the video, the statistics are revealed, showcasing how the majority of staff experience stress when dealing with customers unwilling to disengage from their headphones. The closing message prompts viewers to value proper communication, especially at the cash register, urging, "Let’s communicate properly while at the checkout."

Survey Insights

In an effort to understand employee sentiments about headphone-wearing customers, SoftBank conducted a survey with 1,000 cash register workers aged 15 to 69 years. Key findings include:

• - Approximately 28% of participants reported they encountered headphone-wearing customers regularly, most notably observed among the younger generation (particularly 47.4% in their teens).
• - An overwhelming 74.6% of respondents expressed feeling stressed while interacting with such customers, with 30% stating they experience this stress acutely.
• - When asked about etiquette, 53.3% believed that customers should remove their headphones, while 46.7% felt that being able to hear was sufficient.

This disconnect represents not just a minor inconvenience but a broader commentary on social etiquette in our increasingly tech-driven lives. Enjoying music or podcasts on our devices is important for well-being, yet acknowledging those around us is equally vital, especially in service scenarios like a checkout line.

Though it may seem trivial, taking a few seconds to connect with the person in front of us can significantly enhance our interactions. SoftBank’s initiative aims to promote awareness and foster more considerate behavior in public spaces. In doing so, they hope to enrich everyday exchanges, making us more mindful of the world around us.

Understanding the Comedians Behind the Video

The comedic duo LALANDE has been capturing audiences' attention for years, initially coming together in a university comedy club. With multiple appearances on television, including drama series and variety shows, their charm shines through both in this web video and their comedic presence. In interviews surrounding this project, they reflected on their own experiences addressing customers with headphones and acknowledged the need for mutual respect in public interactions.

Ultimately, the discussion sparked by SoftBank's new video is crucial, as it challenges us all to consider our digital habits and how they affect those around us, encouraging a cultural shift towards more meaningful interactions, whether in retail environments or everyday life.