2009 will see Ubiquitous Technology provide Tokyo residents and tourists alike with information on the TMG and areas of interest within the tourist hub of Shinjuku (left), as well as guidance for visitors in the world-famous Ginza district (right)
Tokyo, 10 February 2009 – The technological advancement for which Japan has long been renowned is at the heart of Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is being showcased at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Building following the launch of the 2009 Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project. A joint undertaking between the Yokosuka Research Park (YRP) Ubiquitous Networking Laboratory and the TMG, Ubiquitous Technology uses computer chips embedded in popular shopping and tourist districts to deliver directions, store guides, historical facts and other essential information to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
The launch event was led by Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo, Kazufumi Taniguchi, Parliamentary Secretary of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ken Sakamura, University of Tokyo professor and director of the YRP Ubiquitous Networking Laboratory. Following their respective addresses, a demonstration of the Ubiquitous ID Technology illustrated its potential to benefit visitors to Japan’s vibrant capital city for the 2016 Games.
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
“The Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project is a powerful innovation which will enhance the visitor experience and help make Tokyo 2016 a memorable experience for both domestic and international guests. We share the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s determination to remove barriers to progress, and through this Project, are advancing towards ensuring that Tokyo showcases everything a 21st century city should be by the time of the Games in 2016”.
Ken Sakamura, University of Tokyo professor and director of the YRP Ubiquitous Networking Laboratory, said:
“Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project enhances the Tokyo tourist experience, providing important information in several languages. By 2016, we believe that Tokyo will be one of the most visitor-friendly cities in the world, and I hope Ubiquitous Technology helps to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Tokyo.”
The Ubiquitous Communicator: the device directs users to their destination
Ubiquitous Technology is seen as the ‘third wave’ of computing, following the eras of mainframes and personal computing. It sees technology integrated into the ‘real world’ with its users, spreading access to information away from the work station and into everyday life.
The Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project uses thousands of computer chips embedded into elements of the urban landscape such as sidewalks, subway exits and lampposts. These are read with handheld devices giving users their current location, guiding them to shops and restaurants, explaining the history of important landmarks, and searching for nearby points of interest. In case of emergency, the system offers directions to the nearest police box, hospital or evacuation area. Four languages are currently supported by Ubiquitous Technology: Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese.
The Project is part of MLIT’s Free Mobility Assist Project to promote a society free of barriers to individual and collective progress. Ubiquitous ID Technology was trialled at Ueno Zoological Park and the Akasaka entertainment district in 2005, with full roll out subsequently implemented within the Zoo. 2009 will see the service incorporate information on the TMG and areas of interest in the tourist hub of Shinjuku, as well as guidance to the world-famous Ginza district and its attractions via Nishi-Shinjuku Subway Station on the Marunouchi Line.
