Belle Epoque Beauty College has transformed its Harajuku campus event hall with an L-Acoustics Kiva II professional sound system.
The 25-year-old institution operates at the intersection of beauty and entertainment, regularly hosting fashion shows, idol events, and influencer productions where students do hair and makeup for performing guests. The multi-purpose hall pulls double duty as both classroom and professional event space where student shows and competitions during the week, entertainment companies and talent agencies on weekends. The new K series system ensures students learn on the same rider-friendly, professional equipment they'll encounter at major fashion shows and entertainment productions across Japan.
Maiko Mitsui, secretary general of Belle Epoque Beauty School, said: “The hall regularly programs events for YouTube celebrities and fashion models, who are very popular among young people. Seeing the models showered with cheers during these shows gives the students a boost of confidence and pride in the work they've accomplished with their honed skills.”
The upgrade wasn’t driven by equipment failure—it was about keeping pace with industry evolution and rising expectations.
Nobuyuki Matsuoka of Best Produce Inc, the project coordinator, said: “In recent years, idol events have seen a huge variety of sound sources and tones being used. While our previous equipment was sufficient for live audio playback, it was lacking the clarity of individual sounds. We advised all partnering companies in this upgrade project that a certain level of quality was required to meet the demands of the entertainment industry.”
The College chose the L-Acoustics K series for its flexibility to scale with changing industry demands and its reputation as a rider-friendly solution recognised by touring professionals.
Hiroshi Sudo, president of Sound Office, a longtime L-Acoustics user, led the design and installation. Bestec Audio, a certified L-Acoustics partner, provided the system.
Sudo said: “We’d heard from the technical contractors who regularly use the venue that they were looking forward to working with an L-Acoustics system. I selected Kiva II for its sonic clarity, scalability, and flexibility—all critical for a venue where industry-standard performances have become central to the educational experience. The modular design allows for future expansion as the school's needs evolve, and its rider-friendly reputation means visiting production teams immediately recognise and trust the equipment.”
The system features a main left/right configuration of one SB15m subwoofer over four Kiva II enclosures per side, powered by two LA4X amplified controllers for robust performance and operational reliability.
The response to the K series installation has been overwhelmingly positive.
Manami Uchida, the College's administrative director and PR lead, said: “It’s been extremely well received. It’s only been about a month since installation, and we already had a fashion show-style event with models walking the runway. Attendees were very impressed with the sound quality.”
The enhanced audio capabilities position Belle Epoque to attract higher-profile entertainment partnerships while reinforcing its reputation as Japan's most trend-conscious beauty education institution.
Uchida concluded: “Among the many beauty schools across the country, I want Belle Epoque to be the school that stands at the top. I want the most fashionable and trend-conscious students to think: If I’m going to a beauty school, it has to be Belle Epoque.”