Torchbearers and their families enjoyed the exhibit with advanced technology
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Exhibition booth staff checking guidance procedures before opening
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Thorough preventive measures against infection were implemented for safe and secure operations.
In the event area of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners, various exhibits were prepared for the torchbearers and their attending family members.
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, measures for safety and security were paramount for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay. Of these, ‘How to participate safely and securely’ was a big theme. The event was held so that all participants, including staff and visiting media personnel, would make use of infectious disease prevention measures such as hand disinfection and body temperature measurement.
Of the exhibits on display, an experience booth showcasing communication technology proved to be especially popular. At the three exhibitions providing the torch kiss experience, communication technologies such as NTT's state-of-the-art communication technology Kirari! were utilized for the enjoyment of the torchbearers and their families.
“Torch kiss experience” with tennis star Kei Nishikori
Everyone enjoyed the torch kiss experience with a virtual Kei Nishikori (hologram image)
“Torch kisses,” in which the torchbearer hands over the flame to the next torchbearer, were held in various parts of Japan, and everyone in the localities was encouraged to visit. In order for many people to experience the simulated torch kiss, NTT developed a system that allows you to experience a virtual torch kiss through cooperation of NTT's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Cheer Ambassador, Kei Nishikori. This involves projecting an image of Kei Nishikori holographically as if he were present, for visitors to experience a virtual torch kiss with him. As a keepsake, the virtual torch kiss scene was filmed on the spot and the movie file was offered as a present.
NTT's ultra-high-presence communication technology Kirari! was used for this torch kiss experience with Nishikori. Before the advent of Kirari!, image extraction meant it was necessary to shoot the target object in front of a background curtain (commonly known as “green background”) of a certain color, but Kirari! changed this practice, and enables just the target object, such as a person to be extracted without a background. Even when Nishikori was video-recorded, no background curtain was prepared, and his outline was extracted accurately.
People with visual or hearing disabilities could sense the torch through the “Vibration Torch”
Visually impaired person experiencing a virtual torch kiss using the torch vibration system
Also in this corner was the Vibration Torch, which allows people with visual or hearing disabilities to experience the torch being lit via vibration. This was provided so that everyone could enjoy participating in the Torch Relay, and visitors could experience it in their locality.
A visually impaired person who tried it commented, “I felt a weak vibration immediately after the torch was lit, but when I raised it directly above, the vibrations became strong, which was deeply moving.” A hearing impaired person also commented, “I knew when I received the flame from Nishikori because of the vibration. I think that people with disabilities would be able to live more comfortably and with peace of mind if there were more opportunities to use such vibration-based technologies as these.”
The mysterious torch kiss experience where still images appear to move
A torch kiss experience only achievable using NTT’s technology, where flames and cherry blossoms in the photo flicker
The “Torch Commemorative Photo Corner: optical illusion” was provided in the “Torch Kiss Experience with Nishikori” exhibit—a mysterious trick space showing a still image that appears to move, giving the illusion of a real person being present, achieved through a special form of light projection.
Transform into a Kabuki actor with state-of-the-art communication technology
Experience of transforming into a Kabuki actor, with the Olympic torch
At the interactive experience exhibition, “Torch Commemorative Photo Corner – Kabuki version,” which utilizes NTT's state-of-the-art communication technology, you hold a Kumadori-styled mask (Kabuki makeup) in front of your face for a few seconds. You’ll then see your face transformed through Kabuki-styled makeup, and can have a commemorative photo taken while you’re holding the Olympic torch. Guests found the experience, which fuses traditional Japanese culture with high-speed state-of-the-art image recognition technology, highly enjoyable.
Experiencing the Olympic Stadium ahead of time, with VR
VR goggle-based experience of running on the Olympic Stadium running track. The high degree of realism actually led some people to start walking, unintentionally.
In the “VR experience corner”, using VR goggles you could have the experience of an athlete running around the track in the Olympic Stadium with complete 360-degree view—taking in not only the front and sides but also the sky, clouds, and the slightly wet, shiny ground, providing a real sense of actually being there. Some of the guests commented on the experience: “Everything up to the audience seats was so real. I also felt a little tired because it felt like I was actually running (laughs),” “It was really fun, like an amusement park attraction, and after reaching the goal the firework display was beautiful!”
The fun and ease of enjoying imagery enabled through 5G
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Experience of enjoying the celebrations from various angles in near real-time with 5G
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NTT’s 5G mobile base station vehicle, providing support for the advanced exhibitions and stage productions
A 5G-compatible smartphone was prepared in the “Live Multi-Viewing Powered by 5G” corner, which showed the stage used for the day’s event from four viewing angles. This provided visitors with a hands-on feel for 5G with high speed, high capacity, and low latency, and demonstrated its appeal through the ability to freely switch the angle of view. NTT's 5G mobile base station vehicle accompaniedy the event and provided support for various advanced productions on-stage, as well as radio transmission for the booth area.
The display spheres were highly popular
These spinning spheres provided various artful displays
Exhibited here in the showcase on the 2020 NTT Trailer are the display spheres, which form artful projections using the afterimage of light by spinning at high speed.
Click here for details on the stage preformance
