Visitors
Toei Subway adopts a multi-lingual communication panel system for handling spoken customer questions, a Japan-first for subway users
To help international travelers and those with hearing impairments use Tokyo’s subway system more easily, a new transparent display system capable of converting spoken inquiries to text and translating between 12 different languages was introduced at Tochomae Station of the Toei Subway Oedo Line on Feb. 29. This is the first use of this system at a subway station in Japan.
This new feature is part of the work being done by the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to improve accessibility for all, including international travelers and people with hearing impairments, through the use of digital technology.
The Bureau has adopted the display system, dubbed VoiceBiz(R) UCDisplay(R), on a trial basis in preparation for the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships and the 2025 Deaflympics, both of which will be hosted in Tokyo.
By observing the new system in action, the Bureau will consider expanding its use to other Toei subway stations from the next fiscal year onward.
1 Adoption on a trial basis
Service launch:
On Feb. 29(Thursday), 2024
Location:
Stationmaster’s window at Toei Subway Tochomae Station
Time of operation:
From the first train to the last
Content to be verified:
Its effectiveness in handling inquiries from foreign travelers and from those with hearing impediments
2 About VoiceBiz(R) UCDisplay(R)
“VoiceBiz(R) UCDisplay(R)” is a universal communication system designed for customer service windows, enabling customers to confirm the translation results, while looking at the person on the other side of the window, by showing text on a transparent display in the language of his/her choice.
An image of a display panel
Languages:
Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Burmese, and Filipino.
Display of subtitles
The system can display subtitles in 12 languages in response to voice or keyboard input, assisting those with difficulty in communicating, due to a language barrier or a hearing impairment.
Reference
As to details of VoiceBiz(R) UCDisplay(R), please visit the homepage of TOPPAN Inc.( External link )
※Please click here for the original Japanese release.
For Inquiries (Assistance in Japanese only)
Public Relations Section, General Affairs Division, Bureau of Transportation
Phone: 03-5320-6095
Recommended for You
“TOKYO Night & Light” Event Attracts Approx. 330,000 Visitors in Total; PAC-MAN Appears in the Projection Mapping on the TMG Building!
September 13, 2024
At “RAINBOW BRIDGE RIDE 2024,” a MULTISPORTS Event will be Held to Enjoy Bicycles and a Variety of Other Sports!
November 1, 2024
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Awarded “UCI BIKE CITY LABEL”—“THE ROAD RACE TOKYO TAMA 2025 ” Joins the UCI Road International Calendar
October 8, 2024
Enchanting Tokyo
February 10, 2023
Lineup Finalized for the International Conference on Open Access to Culture 2024
October 7, 2024
Observatories
September 26, 2024
Buildings | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Finance
September 26, 2024
Tourist Information Centers
August 1, 2024
<Entry NOW OPEN!>The RUN as ONE - GLOBAL Virtual Run Series 2024/2025 7th Challenge
November 22, 2024
<Entry NOW OPEN!>The RUN as ONE - GLOBAL Virtual Run Series 2024/2025 6th Challenge
November 1, 2024