2015.08.24
New Experience at NOH THEATER with IT
-Real-time Information Service of Noh Performances with Various Languages -
Yarai Noh Theater (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yoshimasa Kanze), KNOW-NOH Limited (Head office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Shizuko Kanze), The Nogami Memorial Noh Theater Institute of Hose University (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Reiko Yamanaka), Hinoki-Shoten Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Tsunemasa Hinoki), and NTT Comware Corporation (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinobu Umino, hereinafter, NTT Comware) provide (tentative) a public address service for audiences in Noh theaters. This service is to provide texts and images to represent Noh verses *1 and interpretation of Noh acts in various languages for audiences to enjoy on tablets.
Background
As Noh, which is one of Japan's traditional cultures, mainly attracts regular customers who are aging, the current issue is to explore ways to increase fans from younger generations to protect such a cultural heritage. Under the circumstances, it is expected that an IT-based service, as a means to effectively introduce the culture, should contribute to spread the joy of the Noh theater experience particularly for tourists from overseas, the numbers of which are increasing as we head toward the year 2020.Features of this Service
This Service is to provide text/image information to tablets so that audiences may easily enjoy the unique and distinct expression of Noh acts. As the Noh theater operator controls the tablets along with the storyline of the acts, the tablets of the audience automatically receive the information on a real-time basis to allow everybody to understand what is happening on the stage.The large texts and images of the interpretation and Noh verses also contribute to helping aged and those with hearing disabilities understand the content. A multi-language service is also available, which helps beginners and tourists from overseas.
The Service is easily accessible with the following features:
(1) Synchronization of displays and high speed transmission for a number of tablets and automatic multi-language channel selection
Since the tablets of the Noh backstage staff send signals to the tablets of audience members for page-turn with the system, synchronization of the display is possible for a number of terminals. The content is also downloaded in an efficient way using a distinct cache technology, which also realizes a stress-free service for users.
With the automatic language settings of the tablet, the audiences can view a page that matches an identical page containing Noh verses and interpretations in different languages.
(2) No dedicated application required
As this application is available on a standard web browser applicable to an HTML5 tablet, the users do not need to download a dedicated application on their smartphones. Although an expensive terminal was needed with conventional systems, this Service makes tablets or smartphones of the individual audiences available for use.
(3) Portability of the System
We provide the Service as a package including the necessary components (e.g., micro server, Wi-Fi access point, tablet and software) to simplify the supply and delivery of the equipment. The organizer can use this portable system wherever needed, even for tours.
The Act using this Trial Service
- Date: September 4, 2015 (Fri) 19:00 Start (18:30 Door Open)
- Location: Yarai Noh Theater (80 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
- Title: The 46th Noh-Know Noh
- Act: Fuji Daiko
Flow of this Trial Service
People who apply for the Service in advance will receive a tablet with their language setting at the reception of Noh Theater. (This Service is not available on personal tablets or smartphones.)Once they are seated, the audience can read and check the story or highlights with the buttons to select the content on the tablets.
Once the acts start, the Noh backstage staff turn the pages of the Noh verses along with the act. Then the pages turn automatically on the tablets so that the audience can enjoy the acts by concurrently seeing the verses of the act.
Furthermore, the audience refers to the interpretation of the verses by using the buttons on the application to deepen their understanding of the performance.
After the act, the audience returns the tablets to the reception.
[Reference] Roles of Five Companies
- Yarai Noh Theater Yarai Noh Theater, registered tangible cultural property, owned by a 100-year-old Noh organization (Kanze Kyukokai, Public Interest Incorporated Association), was built in 1952. We provide an environment to allow anybody to enjoy Noh acts as a cultural heritage venue.
- KNOW-NOH Limited KNOW-NOH, an individual office of Yoshimasa Kanze, Kanze-ryu school, shite-kata) provides quality Noh acts in various styles and families. In particular, we conduct activities to promote Noh, as well as for human development of Noh lovers. In particular, KNOW-NOH Noh is greatly appreciated as an activity to give the opportunity to many people who have never experienced Noh.
- The Nogami Memorial Noh Theater Institute of Hose University The Nogami Memorial Noh Theater Institute of Hose University provides Noh content such as interpretation of Noh performances (including a multi-language service) in cooperation with Hinoki-Shoten.
- Hinoki-Shoten Co., Ltd. Hinoki-Shoten is a dedicated Noh bookstore and has a long-term connection with organizers of Noh acts, as well as Noh theaters. With the results of the trial application, we will continue developing the service toward its start by the end of 2015. In the future, we will explore opportunities and services not only for Yarai Noh Theater, but other Noh Theaters. Our service covers the provision of tablets to Noh Theater, development of content and operation.
- NTT Comware Co., Ltd. NTT Comware provides the solution package for the synchronization and high-speed display of content, the automatic multi-language selection and applicable systems. We aim to expand the purpose of this Service for non-Japanese tourists toward 2020 to experiences other than Noh Theater, such as for tour bus services.
