A Tokyo subway station has introduced technology that improves communication between staff and foreign visitors, as well as the hearing-impaired. The new system uses tablets that translate spoken or typed words and instantly project the text on a display.
The service began Thursday at Tocho-mae Station on the Toei Oedo Line. Twelve languages are supported, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French and Spanish.
One foreign tourist was seen asking a staffer for help buying a ticket. The staffer's response, "Where are you going?" appeared on the screen.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is thinking of installing the system at other stations ahead of the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics. The event in Tokyo is slated for 2025. It is expected to attract many non-Japanese people and those who are hard of hearing.
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