Named in honour of the its statue of the Faithful Dog Hachiko, Shibuya’s Hachiko Square and its pedestrian crossing– reputed to be the busiest in the world – have become one of Tokyo’s most iconic images

The square is bordered by a department store and two train stations, and provides an irresistible advertising space. Recently, professional sound company, Katoya Recording Service (KRS), was commissioned to provide a sound system to support the imposing 24.3m x 17.3m LED screen that overlooks the intersection.

The square is teems with people, especially during evenings and weekends as a prime people-watching spot and a popular meeting place. Locals and tourists alike, gravitate toward the Akita Inu statue of ‘Hachi’ – the original of which was erected in 1934 to honour the dog who met his master, Professor Ueno Hidesaburo, every day at the station after work. When Professor Ueno died in 1925 and did not return, Hachiko continued to wait for him daily for the next nine years, appearing exactly when the train was due. The story continues to be told and the 2.4m people who use Shibuya Station pass by the bronze dog each day.

‘To provide high quality and intelligibility within a defined area at such a distance required high-power loudspeakers with exceptional control,’ says KRS MD, Mr Katoya. ‘We chose two Community R.5-66Ts, with 60°x60° dispersion for the main area, and an R.5-HPT with 60°x40° dispersion to focus on the distant crossroads. They deliver the sound clearly to the areas where the displays are seen, but do not create a noise problem with spill.’

A Powersoft M30D HDSP+ETH was chosen to drive the loudspeakers, for its power, audio quality and the onboard DSP it provides.

With the R Series’ all-weather capabilities, KRS has provided a system with the quality and reliability the application demanded – and a system that will be heard by millions in years to come.