FOSTEX KOTORI 501: A Symphony of Design and Technology

Unveiling Toshihiko Sakai's Award-Winning Bluetooth Speaker

FOSTEX KOTORI 501 is not just a Bluetooth speaker; it's a piece of art. Inspired by the concept of "Rolled cake," Toshihiko Sakai envisioned a speaker that could double as a casual gift and blend seamlessly into the interiors of a modern room. The result is a speaker that appeals to the aesthetic sensibilities of the 20 to 40-year-old demographic while delivering high-quality sound.

What sets the KOTORI 501 apart is its unique design properties. The speaker is an acrylic cylinder wrapped in a fabric, giving it a minimalist yet sophisticated look. The fabric cover is replaceable, and users can choose from 10 fabric colors and 4 body colors. The design ensures that the speaker blends with the surrounding interior, with plastic parts set back to maintain the fabric body's prominence.

The speaker's design is complemented by its innovative technology. To achieve rich bass from a small speaker system, an actuator is placed on the inside bottom. This actuator vibrates the surface on which the speaker is placed, creating a high-quality bass that fills the space. The speaker also uses the "cear Field" reproduction technology, providing a sound stage that exceeds the speaker's size and delivers high-quality sound from any listening angle.

The KOTORI 501 is user-friendly, with the left acrylic disc serving as the on/off switch and the right disc controlling the volume. Connecting the speaker to a smartphone is as simple as selecting "KOTORI501" from the Bluetooth section. This ease of use, coupled with the speaker's aesthetic appeal, makes it a perfect gift for music and design enthusiasts alike.

The design and engineering of the KOTORI 501 took place over a span of 10 months in Tokyo, with molding checks conducted at a factory in Shenzhen, China. One of the major design challenges was the use of transparent solid acrylic discs on both sides, a departure from the usual mass production process. However, the technical team found a solution, resulting in a unique and aesthetically pleasing design.

The FOSTEX KOTORI 501 is a testament to Toshihiko Sakai's innovative approach to design. The speaker's unique design and high-quality sound earned it the Silver A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade that recognizes remarkable designs that showcase outstanding expertise and innovation. With its blend of design and technology, the KOTORI 501 is a shining example of how design can enhance our everyday experiences.