Experience the Future Glove Connecting Sign Language and Voice - Miraikan

At the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Odaiba, Tokyo, an experimental demonstration titled "Sign Language You Can Hear, Conversations You Can See: The Future Glove Connecting Shapes and Sounds" will be held. This event aims to realize a society where everyone can communicate smoothly, even in situations where verbal communication is difficult.

Experience Future Communication

This experiment utilizes a developing smart glove called "SignGlove" and a real-time translation system to allow participants to experience two-way translation between sign language and voice. When you speak in sign language with the smart glove on, your message is converted into Japanese audio and transmitted to the other person. Conversely, spoken words are converted into sign language animation and displayed on a screen. This technology aims to create a future where people who use sign language and those who do not can communicate while understanding each other's intentions.

Two-Way Communication Experiment

Participants will engage in conversations in pairs, with one person acting as the "sign language role" and the other as the "speaking role," following a given scenario. Even those new to sign language can participate with confidence, as staff will provide simple sign language lectures. The sign language role will use the smart glove to communicate, while the speaking role will respond verbally. The receiving party can confirm the content through sign language animation or translated audio, experiencing the communication process firsthand. Japanese Sign Language is used in this experiment.

Event Details

• Title: Sign Language You Can Hear, Conversations You Can See: The Future Glove Connecting Shapes and Sounds
• Venue: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), 1F Communication Lobby
• Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Dates: September 9(Wed) - 13(Sun), 2026
• Time: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily (Experience duration: approx. 30 minutes)
• Eligibility: Individuals who can wear the smart glove (hand circumference 15cm or larger, approx. elementary school 1st grade and up). Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
• Admission: Museum admission fee only.
• Participation: Experience tickets will be distributed on-site daily. Tickets for slots before 1:00 PM will be available from 10:00 AM, and for slots after 2:00 PM from 1:00 PM.
• Advance Reservation: Priority advance reservations are available for "sign language role" participants who are sign language users or learners.

Access

Approximately a 5-minute walk from Yurikamome "Tokyo Big Sight Station" or Rinkai Line "Kokusai-Tenjijo Station." Miraikan is an indoor facility, making it accessible regardless of the weather.

Important Notes

Participation requires filling out a consent form. A post-experience survey is requested. Priority advance reservations are available for sign language users, interpreters, and learners. Please check the official website for more details.