NEWS
2023.11.21
【Report】The 61st AJI Frontier Seminar was held! Dr. GADJEVA Nadejda Petrova, "Japanese Digital Cultural Promotion: Online Experience of Kyoto"
On June 13th, 2023, the 61st AJI Research Frontier Seminar took place online. Dr. GADJEVA Nadejda Petrova, a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Humanities, Human and Social Sciences, Ritsumeikan University gave a presentation based on her recent book entitled “Japanese Digital Cultural Promotion: Online Experience of Kyoto.”
Dr. Gadjeva specializes in Japanese public diplomacy, and her book, which focuses on the period from 2020-2022 was inspired by how Kyoto was affected by COVID-19, which caused a 99% drop in tourism. She investigated how Kyoto could promote its tourist attractions and found a variety of methods such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Augmented Virtual, Mixed Reality and 3D Audio Visual. These alternatives to a face-to-face visit to the city were being employed in many ways. She gave us the example of “Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM” which was launched in 2021 by the Japan Arts Council – a public agency for the preservation of traditional performing arts, in cooperation with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Through this platform, anyone worldwide can enjoy combining “real” experiences at physical venues and “virtual” experiences through online digital content including video, text, virtual reality, and images, introducing performing arts, nature, art exhibitions, and art festivals of Japan in English and Japanese.
To prevent issues with duplication central coordination was recommended, but Kyoto city lacks funds, and few institutions possess the necessary 5G technology or technicians with suitable digital skills. There are other issues such as assessing the true value after the return of tourism, and legal constraints on video recording in public areas.
Interviews with visitors from Europe confirmed the benefits for the physically impaired and the elderly, and their suggestions included multiple languages, interactive education, and the virtual reality reconstruction of Kyoto’s temples from the past, such as was done with the Notre Dame in Paris, virtual reality tours of Kyoto’s Museums, and virtual viewing of intangible folk traditions, such as tea ceremony, festivals, and performances. As for Japanese audience, most seniors prefer real time experiences while the younger generations tend to favor VR.
Dr Gadjeva’s fascinating description of her book was followed by a Q&A session where the audience asked her whether tourists accept recordings instead of actual physical interaction; if digital tourism can really help Kyoto financially; and whether there were any online tourists during COVID-19. She answered all the questions thoroughly and this informative presentation was concluded.
Dr. Gadjeva delivering her presentation