WM-501

The WM-501 became closely tied to one of Sony's most recognizable advertisements, a television commercial featuring a Japanese macaque sitting quietly with headphones on and a WM-501 beside him.

Directed by Shigeyo Yuki and filmed over several early mornings at Lake Ashi, the production relied on natural light and a calm setting to focus on stillness. The key shot came when the monkey, Choromatsu, briefly settled and closed his eyes without prompting, creating the moment that defined the campaign.

The commercial required multiple takes, but none of the units brought to the set were damaged, and the final image appeared widely in magazines and television broadcasts.