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JR West Japan is currently making efforts to better welcome inbound tourists. As part of such efforts, the company has hired non-Japanese staff, is utilizing iPad translation services, and is offering multilingual announcements onboard trains.
In train stations that welcome many inbound tourists, JR West Japan will be installing the "multilingual audio translation broadcasting system" for the first time in Japan, which is connected to the train stations' existing broadcasting systems.
The "multilingual audio translation broadcasting system" is comprised of a TOUGHPAD (tablet PC) equipped with Panasonic Corp's multilingual translation service, "Megahonyaku." This system can provide preinstalled information on the train station concourses and platforms in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Using this system, JR West said it will enhance the services it provides to inbound tourists.
The system will be installed at Kyoto, Nishikujo, Universal City, Tennoji and Himeji stations from March 30.
© Panasonic Corp
6 Comments
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juminRhee
If we're using software for translation, why not just sell wireless ear buds connected to realtime translation app for phone, or a dedicated in-ear device? Sure, the lips won't be in sync, but that's a later upgrade.
juminRhee
Google glasses for visual translations.
Ganbare Japan!
I dont agree with this.When I have visited USA, Europe etc,I have never seen Japanese information service in train statiion and platform. Japanese can still get by.Why the need to spend billions of yen fir this system?Japanese is the only official language here, perhaps foreigners should try to brush up their Japanese skills to read the notices?
Strangerland
Where does it say billions of yen?
justaname
Just add tourism related information in English as well and call it a day. That's what pretty much every country do, as it's everyone's second language (of you're not native).