#Japan #Tokyo #audiobook.jp #Otobank #Well-Being Partnership

Otobank Launches Well-Being Partnership

Otobank, based in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, has announced a new initiative called the "Well-Being Partnership," set to begin in October 2025. This program aims to merge corporate social contribution activities with public relations support. Through its flagship audiobook distribution service, audiobook.jp, Otobank will collaborate with companies to address challenges such as educational and information disparities, visual impairments, and the aging society.

Promoting Reading Accessibility for All

The Well-Being Partnership seeks to create a society where everyone has access to knowledge and learning through audiobooks. By leveraging support from participating companies, Otobank will produce and distribute high-quality audiobooks tailored for individuals with visual impairments, reading disabilities, the elderly, and busy professionals, making reading opportunities more widely available.

Otobank has long been committed to expanding the culture of "listening to books" in collaboration with publishers and creators. This new initiative will enable businesses and local governments to play a direct role in promoting reading accessibility.

Through this partnership, Otobank aspires to foster support for learning and cultural development within the community.

Three Core Values of the Well-Being Partnership

1. Contributing to Well-Being
The program aims to eliminate educational and information inequalities, achieving a society where everyone can access knowledge and learning equally. By broadening opportunities for reading, it will contribute to enhancing life quality and supporting mental and physical well-being.

2. Corporate PR and Branding
By showcasing a commitment to solving social issues, participating companies can enhance their credibility and brand value. As interest in well-being and sustainability rises, companies engaging in socially contributive activities will earn empathy from stakeholders and communities, improving their reputation. This initiative also boosts employee pride and engagement.

3. Contributing to the SDGs
The partnership aims to provide reading opportunities specifically for those historically unable to read traditional paper books, such as individuals with visual impairments and the elderly. This contributes to addressing educational gaps and promoting lifelong learning, thus supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like "Quality Education for All" and "Reducing Inequalities."

Remarks from Otobank’s Chairman

Wataru Ueda, Chairman of Otobank, expressed, "We have always aimed to create a world where everyone can enjoy reading. With audiobooks, we strive to provide greater access to knowledge and culture. The Well-Being Partnership represents a new challenge to extend this reach into communities and businesses. We are committed to balancing social contribution and corporate value, working together to build a future where everyone can enjoy learning."

Introduction of Participating Companies

Currently, seven companies have joined the Well-Being Partnership, with plans to expand to twenty by next year. These companies include:

• - Nippon Design Co., Ltd.
• - BNI Japan
• - Ohsumi Co., Ltd.
• - Sphere Law Office
• - Chusho Real Estate Co., Ltd.
• - La torch Co., Ltd.
• - Seishindo Co., Ltd.

Inquiries for Coverage

For media inquiries, please contact:
Otobank Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
For other inquiries, visit: Contact Us

What is an Audiobook?

An audiobook is "reading by ear," where narrators or voice actors read books aloud. This format allows individuals who find traditional reading challenging to enjoy literature through listening, all while multitasking during various activities like exercising, commuting, or chores.

Recently, the surge in smartphone and wireless headphone usage has created an optimal environment for audio content, leading to a rapid increase in audiobook listeners thanks to subscription plans that offer unlimited access to various titles. Audiobooks are steadily gaining ground as the third form of reading, alongside traditional and electronic books.

About audiobook.jp

Operated by Otobank, audiobook.jp is one of Japan's largest audiobook distribution services. Launched in March 2018, following the renewal of the "FeBe" service from 2007, it aims to expand the audiobook category and reach 3 million members by February 2024.

• - Service Name: audiobook.jp
• - Website URL: audiobook.jp
• - App Store Link: iOS
• - Google Play Link: Android
• - Pricing Model: Unlimited listening plan at ¥1,330 per month (tax included), with a two-week free trial for new members. Individual purchases are also available, typically priced similarly to physical books.

About Otobank

Founded in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Otobank operates primarily in the audio content sector, aiming to create a "culture of listening," enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals, and promote the publishing industry. With partnerships with over 500 publishers, Otobank offers a diverse range of audiobooks through audiobook.jp and engages in book promotion through its online guide, "Shinkan JP".