Start of Social Experiment Using Multiple Language Voice Translation System in Tourist Taxis for Visitors to Japan

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About the Tottori City, Tottori Social Experiment

1. Background and purpose of the social experiment

KDDI is conducting a social experiment of its Multiple Language Voice Translation System and related R&D technology in the field to overcome the differences in public services caused by language barriers in taxis used by foreign visitors.
Through this social experiment, KDDI will extract issues regarding the Multiple Language Voice Translation System in taxis, and by formulating corresponding solutions, KDDI aims to expedite social implantation of the system and achieve a higher level of hospitality.

2. Experiment period

November 2015 to the end of March 2016 (scheduled)

3. Experiment details (example)

  • (1)
    Observe how foreign tourists communicate with taxi drivers to uncover the actual conditions when foreign travelers use taxis in Japan by analyzing the data.
  • (2)
    Conduct interview surveys with taxi drivers that pick up foreign travelers to determine issues that occur when picking up foreign travelers to uncover issues when foreign travelers use taxis in Japan from the taxi driver's point of view.

<Reference> About the 1000 Yen Taxi Service

This is a taxi service for tourism in Tottori City for foreign tourists that visit Tottori City. Taxi drivers certified as Tottori Tourist Meisters guide tourists to tourist spots throughout Tottori City providing information on the tourist spots.

Open New WindowTottori City official website

  • This social experiment is implemented as part of the Promotion of the Global Communication Plan – Research, Development, and Social Experimentation of Multiple Language Voice Translation Technology research and development project commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
  • The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.