Kashimura launches the BL-145, an open-ear stereo headset designed for comfort, situational awareness, and safety-conscious use in commuting, housework, and work-from-home scenarios amidst Japan’s growing focus on cycling safety.
Kashimura has launched a new open-ear stereo headset, the BL-145, designed to leave the ear canal unobstructed while playing music. The company says the product is intended for everyday use, with particular emphasis on comfort over long periods and on remaining aware of surrounding sounds. Kashimura is positioning the device for commuting, housework and work-from-home use, where users may want audio without fully isolating themselves from their environment.
The timing reflects a wider focus on cycling safety in Japan after the introduction of the blue-ticket traffic violation system for bicycles in April 2026. According to Kashimura, demand is increasing for earphones that allow external noise and voices to remain audible, especially for riders using voice navigation. The company says the BL-145’s open-wear design is meant to support that use case while also making the device more practical in ordinary day-to-day settings.
Kashimura says the headset uses directional speakers and an ear-hook design to improve stability. Because it does not seal the ear, the company claims it reduces the pressure and fatigue often associated with in-ear models. It also says the left and right units are connected as a single piece, making the headset less likely to come loose during movement.
The product specifications are modest but broadly in line with mainstream portable audio. Kashimura says the BL-145 offers around 10 hours of continuous playback on roughly two hours of charging, carries an IPX4 splash-resistance rating and supports basic on-device controls such as volume adjustment and play-pause operation. The company and its retail listings on its own site, Amazon Japan and Rakuten all describe the BL-145 in similar terms, presenting it as a simple, safety-conscious alternative to conventional sealed earphones.
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