Tokyo Tech Talk: A Glimpse into the Future - Translation Screens Take Over Japan!

Hey everyone, and welcome back to my blog! Today, I want to talk about something truly fascinating that I recently encountered in Japan: instantaneous translation screens.

Imagine this: you're a tourist in Tokyo, lost and confused. You approach an information counter, but you don't speak a word of Japanese. Suddenly, a transparent display whirs to life, translating the conversation between you and the staff member in real-time! Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, guess what? It's happening right now in Japan!

These innovative screens, developed by Toppan Holdings, are popping up all over the place. I saw them at Keikyu's stations in Haneda Airport and Shinagawa, as well as in hotels and even retail counters. It's incredible how these seemingly invisible displays can bridge the language gap so effortlessly.

Here's what makes them so cool:

Transparency: The displays are crystal clear, allowing you to see the person you're talking to without any obstruction.

Real-time translation: No more waiting for clunky translations! These screens translate sentences as they're spoken, making communication smooth and efficient.

Widespread adoption: It's not just a one-off experiment. Seeing these screens in various locations hints at a future where language barriers are a thing of the past.

Now, this technology is still in its early stages. There might be limitations in terms of language variety or capturing complex nuances. But the potential is undeniable. Imagine a world where travelers can explore any country with confidence, where businesses can cater to a global audience with ease.

This is just the beginning, folks. Japan's translation screens are a glimpse into a future where communication is truly borderless. And honestly, I can't wait to see what comes next!

What are your thoughts on this technology? Have you encountered anything similar in your travels? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks Branch

Have you ever wonder how it feels to drink your morning coffee inside an antique house in Kyoto Japan?

We dropped by in Starbucks for our much needed caffeine fix one rainy day. The Starbucks branch in Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya was a 100-year-old traditional house converted into a coffee shop. Boy, was I bowled over by the uniqueness of this cafe. The creaking floors added warmth to this Centenarian building. We are all aware that the upkeep of an old building is a great challenge because it is both an art and a science.

The shop is located in Ninenzaka, a popular street that leads to the World Heritage-listed Kiyomizudera Temple. The unique features of this tatami-floored Starbucks Coffee store took ten years before it debuted on June 30, 2017.

The Starbucks project team wanted to create a "one-of-a-kind shop that conveys the culture and history of Kyoto more than ever before."

However, it wasn't an easy feat. Finding the perfect place was more complicated than expected since most traditional Japanese buildings are small and cannot fit a colossal coffee shop. Moreover, reforming an old building was going to be a challenge.

Even after a building was selected, turning it into a shop while complying with regulations wasn't easy. The Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya shop was only completed with cooperation from local governments.

Twin Lakes Hotel Viewing Deck

 

This post is part of my libreng pasyalan series. 

Twin Lakes Hotel Viewing Deck is astonishing.  There, you could opt to have a selfie or have your pictures taken with the rice terraces like background for free.

Yes, it is absolutely 💯 percent free.  And if you're lucky like us, you could even eat some sweet treats for free at their hotel lobby during the holidays.

Champagne Room's Comfort Room

Are you like me who love taking photographs even inside the John?

I took the photo above inside the comfort room of Manila Hotel's Champagne Room 🍾  when we attended a wedding there.

If you happen to visit Manila Hotel, you ought to try using the comfort room of the Champagne Room 🍾 because of their full ceiling to ceiling mirror which is great in raking photos. 

Twin Lakes Lobby at Christmas Time

 

We dropped by Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay and had a free taste of their Free Puto Bungbung.  

I love Christmas time because the various hotels here in the Philippines decorate their lobbies with wonderful Christmas ornaments and even offer freebies for guests and even to non-guests alike.

Japan

Japan is one of my dream destinations. So imagine my happiness when that dream finally came into reality!

The language barrier is real but because of the latest technology such as google lens translation everything went smoothly. 

Japan culture is very Filipino in my own opinion. At such a young age, Japanese kids are taught how to be prim and proper. Most of them if not all are very polite. They even go out of their way to show you the way to whatever it is that you asked them about.

For sure, we will be coming back for more. 

Merry Christmas everyone 

Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto Japan

Rokuon-ji which is better known as Kinkakuji 金閣寺 or Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The golden temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

Part 2 of the “CAFarmer, CAFisher, Tayo ang Bida” TV Special to air this Sunday on PTV-4

Part 2 of the “CAFarmer, CAFisher, Tayo ang Bida” TV Special to air this Sunday on PTV-4

The second part of the “CAFarmer, CAFisher, Tayo ang Bida” TV Special airs this Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 10-11am on PTV-4.

In the episode, the documentary about the 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries, will be shown, as it explains why data gathering is important, and how it could affect the lives of those in the agricultural and fisheries sector. In the said episode, to be shown are case studies – farmers and fisherfolks, success stories, LGUs, as well as government agencies that work hand-in-hand with the Philippine Statistics Authority to achieve one goal - to preserve and develop our agriculture and fisheries sector for the future generations to come.

Said TV Special will be hosted by award-winning journalist, Niña Corpuz, who will also be joined in the documentary by Philippine Statistics Authority’s Undersecretary, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa, and PSA’s Deputy National Statistician for Censuses and Technical Coordination Office, Ms. Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias.

The 2022 CAF TV Special is an opportunity for viewers to gain insight into the heart of the nation's agricultural and fisheries industry, and it is not only the celebration of the hardworking individuals in agriculture and fisheries, but also a call to action for sustainable practices in the said sector.

For more information and updates on the 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries TV Special, please visit psa.gov.ph.

The TV Special will also be shown via livestream on PTV-4’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.