#Japan #Yokohama #NOSIGNER #WOUDIO

NOSIGNER Inc. Unveils 'Yokohama 360°'

On June 19, 2026, NOSIGNER Inc. marked a significant milestone for tourism in Yokohama by hosting a press conference at the iconic Yokohama Marine Tower. This event was to celebrate the launch of their innovative multilingual audio guide and tourism digital transformation platform, "WOUDIO". This platform officially debuted its flagship product, "Yokohama 360°", on June 2, coinciding with the city's port anniversary, becoming the first facility to implement WOUDIO.

The press event was attended by numerous media representatives and special guests, who were given a firsthand demonstration of the audio guide. The presentation highlighted the features and design perspectives behind "Yokohama 360°", emphasizing NOSIGNER's commitment to revolutionizing the tourism industry by harnessing design to protect and cultivate natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Understanding WOUDIO

WOUDIO—an amalgamation of the words "World" and "Audio"—serves as an advanced tourism digital platform. It enables visitors to discover the history and culture of locations seamlessly on their smartphones, with no need to download an app. By simply scanning a QR code, users can access content available in up to 18 languages. The platform encompasses audio guides, digital maps, disaster preparedness information, and options to donate for cultural preservation, all connected through a single interface.

About 'Yokohama 360°'

The "Yokohama 360°" audio guide is a groundbreaking case of WOUDIO's real-world implementation, serving as the official audio guide for Yokohama Marine Tower. It enhances the visitor experience by blending stunning views from the observation deck with layered information about the area's history and significance. For example, visitors can learn about the famous Bay Bridge and inquire, "What ships could not pass under that bridge?" or discover hidden stories related to Yamashita Park, asking, "What lies beneath the grass?" With 20 engaging questions spread throughout the observation area and QR codes placed nearby, users can access intriguing insights not found in traditional guidebooks through AI-powered audio in eight languages.

Leveraging years of expertise in disaster prevention, NOSIGNER has ensured that this system provides crucial information during emergencies by facilitating access to evacuation sites and hazard alerts, addressing language barriers effectively.

Development Background and Service Insights

Eisuke Tachikawa, the CEO of NOSIGNER, articulated their vision during the service presentation, aiming to use design as a tool to preserve and enhance natural and cultural assets within the tourism sector. To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Yokohama Marine Tower, WOUDIO's "Yokohama 360°" is not just an audio guide but a vehicle for encouraging donations to support local heritage. Launched in conjunction with inbound tourism initiatives and aligned with the city's port opening anniversary, the event served as a platform for spreading awareness about these efforts. Attendees were gifted unlimited access codes to "Yokohama 360°" as a special offering.

Experience the Observation Deck

The hands-on experience of the event was well received, where Tachikawa personally guided participants through the operation of WOUDIO. The interaction cultivated a friendly atmosphere, reminiscent of a networking event, bringing together local stakeholders from Yokohama’s Chinatown. This shared engagement rekindled interest in the city's history and culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for Yokohama's unique story through the lens of the "Yokohama 360°" experience.

Future Prospects

The "WOUDIO" initiative stems from Tachikawa's enduring vision to protect cultural and natural assets through the rich medium of tourism. Integrating the latest in generative AI and design, WOUDIO represents the company's first internal startup venture, emphasizing a holistic development process led by Tachikawa himself. The platform is set to expand into various domestic and international facilities, aiming to present the historical and cultural value of diverse locales in multiple languages.

Moreover, WOUDIO goes beyond tourism guidance, incorporating disaster response features that provide multilingual navigation to evacuation sites during emergencies. Quickly adapting to ensure cultural outreach and safety measures will be fundamental for the next generation of tourism digital transformation.

NOSIGNER is dedicated to transitioning the tourism sector from one that merely consumes spaces to one that nurtures and cultivates them, reinforcing its mission to contribute to the protection and enhancement of global cultural and natural heritage.

About Eisuke Tachikawa

Eisuke Tachikawa is the founding representative of NOSIGNER and a special professor at Keio University Graduate School, as well as a visiting professor at UNAM in Mexico and an honorary guest professor at Kanazawa College of Art. His strategies extend across product, graphic, and spatial design, addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, renewable energy, disaster preparedness, resource recycling, and community revitalization. He has received over 150 design awards worldwide and has contributed to notable projects such as the Tokyo Disaster Prevention initiative, the open design project OLIVE, and the city framework ADAPTMENT. Tachikawa is also creative director for the Japan Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka-Kansai. His book, "Evolving Thinking," has earned the prestigious Yamamoto Nanpei Award in the field of humanities.

About NOSIGNER

Founded in 2013 by design strategist Eisuke Tachikawa, NOSIGNER Inc. is a design firm committed to revealing societal potentials and fostering a better future through what it terms "Creative Co-Evolution." The company engages in design consulting aimed at solving social issues, spanning various areas including architecture, product design, and graphic arts. NOSIGNER collaborates on branding, innovation design, and social design in both national and international projects.