![[Case Study] Kawasaki Frontale's Vision for Smart Stadiums](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ba3150a54f21cfe3f02b031/67d3d3f006e8d4baafb90cfd_kawasaki1.jpeg)
Kawasaki Frontale's Vision for a New Normal: Enhancing Spectator Comfort and Safety
For the past two years, large-scale events have faced strict capacity limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as restrictions continue to ease, the Japan Professional Football League (J-League) has returned to full-capacity stadium events this season. While this marks a positive shift, stadiums must still implement effective infection control measures to ensure that spectators can enjoy matches with peace of mind.
Against this backdrop, Kawasaki Frontale Inc. and Okaya Electronics Co. have collaborated to develop a "Toilet Usage Visualization System" using the IoT edge platform, Gravio. This system aims to enhance the spectator experience by allowing real-time monitoring of toilet occupancy, reducing congestion, and improving overall stadium hygiene. The demonstration test was conducted at Todoroki Athletics Stadium—Kawasaki Frontale’s home ground—over 12 matches from May 14 until the end of the season. This report covers the test conducted on May 25 during the Kawasaki Frontale vs. Shonan Bellmare match, including insights from interviews with Tsukasa Miyazawa of the Kawasaki Frontale Sales Department and Naoki Nagahata of Okaya Electronics.
How the System Works
Developed using Gravio, an IoT edge computing platform from Asteria Corporation and distributed by Okaya Electronics, this system was deployed in 94 toilet stalls across three key locations in the stadium’s main stand:
Key Benefits for Spectators & Stadium Management
On match days, Kawasaki Frontale promoted the system via Twitter, stadium announcements, and giant screens to encourage adoption among spectators.
As the match began at 19:00, we monitored toilet usage in real time via smartphone. Initially, the stalls were largely empty, but as halftime approached, more indicators switched to "in use." By observing occupancy patterns, spectators could identify less crowded areas and make better use of available facilities.
This trial application is currently available only during Kawasaki Frontale home games. The experiment commenced on May 14 and will continue for 12 matches throughout the season.
"Football Match Attendance is Back, But So is Our Responsibility" – Kawasaki Frontale Sales Department
Q: How has the return to full stadium capacity impacted matchday operations?
Miyazawa (Kawasaki Frontale Sales Department):
"J-League matches were initially suspended in February 2020, then resumed as ‘remote matches’ without spectators. Restrictions were gradually lifted, and now we’re back to 100% capacity.
"However, large crowds bring challenges. We needed a way to improve congestion management, particularly in high-traffic areas like restrooms. While past announcements encouraged staggered restroom use, they weren’t effective. That’s when our club partner, Okaya Electronics, introduced the Gravio-based solution."
Since before the pandemic, the toilets in the main stand of Todoroki Athletics Stadium have had a one-way flow line with separate entrances and exits in order to reduce congestion.
"Beyond COVID-19: Creating a Long-Term Smart Stadium Solution" – Okaya Electronics
Q: What were the biggest challenges in implementing this technology in a stadium setting?
Nagahata (Okaya Electronics):
"Unlike office buildings, stadiums have extremely high peak usage times, especially during halftime. Additionally, Todoroki Athletics Stadium is a public facility, requiring special considerations for implementation.
"Fortunately, Okaya Electronics specializes in robust tech solutions. As an authorized Intel distributor, we ensured stable connectivity even in areas without Wi-Fi, using LTE routers to support real-time data transmission."
Q: How can Gravio's IoT capabilities be expanded beyond restrooms?
"Future applications could include CO2 monitoring in VIP rooms and player waiting areas, alerting staff when ventilation is needed. Additionally, at Kawasaki Frontale’s official café (FRO CAFE), motion sensors and AI cameras could help display seat availability on digital signage, further enhancing the fan experience."
Miyazawa: Though still in its trial phase, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have taken to social media, expressing how this is exactly the kind of service they’ve been looking for.
We’re currently collecting feedback from users to refine and enhance the experience further. Moving forward, we’ll continue to explore innovative solutions that improve match-day comfort, and we look forward to continued collaboration with Okaya Electronics.
Nagahata: We’re fully on board! (laughs)
=
Conclusion
While this IoT-based restroom monitoring system is still in its trial phase, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have already taken to social media, praising the convenience of checking restroom availability in real-time.
By leveraging IoT and AI-powered solutions, Kawasaki Frontale and Okaya Electronics are paving the way for next-generation smart stadium experiences—not just for post-pandemic safety, but also for long-term fan engagement and convenience.
Stay tuned for further developments as sports venues continue to embrace digital transformation!
