Tokyo subway station gets automatic translation system

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 and 12 languages are supported including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Myanmar, French and Spanish. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is plans to install the system at other stations ahead of the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics in 2025.