Japan Men’s Snowboard (Halfpipe) Olympian, Ruka Hirano, riding with nwm.
TOKYO (November 25, 2025) – NTT sonority’s consumer audio brand, nwm (pronounced ‘noom’), announced today the signing of top-Japanese snowboarder, Ruka Hirano, to be an official brand ambassador of the Japan-based company.
Ranked #3 in the world on the official FIS Snowboard Points List heading into this season, the 3-peat FIS World Cup champion Ruka Hirano represents one of NTT sonority’s first marquee athlete signing and its entry into the sport of snowboarding - one rooted in pushing the boundaries of innovation.
“We’re thrilled to have Ruka part of the nwm family as he continues elevating Japanese snowboarding on the global stage,” said Hiroshi Sakai, CEO at NTT sonority. “Ruka is a natural fit due to his focus on style and innovation, and we’re thrilled that he has chosen to bring nwm along for the ride in what is sure to be an exciting season.”
As part of his ambassadorship, nwm branding will be visible on Ruka’s snowboard throughout the season as he competes around the world with hopes of qualifying for his second Olympic Games with the Japan National Team.
"Snowboarding has always required a unique level of self-expression both on the slopes and in everyday life,” said Ruka. “nwm is a perfect complement to that lifestyle. As a brand that brings that same sense of individuality and creativity to their headphones, together we’ll show how performance and lifestyle can blend seamlessly.”
nwm is known for its headphones that enable users to stay connected to both their audio and their surrounding world through open-ear listening, which balances comfort, style and innovation to deliver a gold medal worthy listening experience.
Learn more about nwm at nwm - Open-ear Headphones | nwm, and follow @nwm_sound on Instagram for official information. In addition to the official nwm website, product purchases can be made by visiting their Amazon store.
About NTT sonority, Inc.
NTT sonority is a Japanese audio engineering-focused subsidiary of NTT, a leading global technology company providing services in over 190 countries and regions to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. NTT sonority’s mission is to foster connection through sound, by letting people choose what they want to hear, and what they want others to hear. The company’s core R&D in sound physics and related hardware powers ground breaking consumer product lines as well as B2B use cases with wide societal impact.
About nwm
Founded in 2022, nwm (pronounced ‘noom’) brand builds on 70+ years of Japanese audio engineering and innovation, revolutionizing the way we experience sound giving you control over the sounds you hear. Short for ‘New Wave Maker’, nwm speaks to NTT sonority’s desire to create a better living by pioneering a new wave of sound technology. Learn more at www.us.nwm.global
