#Japan #Yokohama #Yokohama Marine Tower #NOSIGNER #WOUDIO

Exciting Launch of WOUDIO

On June 2, 2026, a groundbreaking multilingual audio guide named WOUDIO will be officially introduced at Yokohama Marine Tower. Developed by NOSIGNER Co., Ltd., a prominent design firm based in Yokohama, this innovative platform aims to redefine the tourist experience while fostering digital transformation in the tourism sector. Led by the visionary Hiroshi Tachikawa, NOSIGNER's first in-house startup has successfully transitioned from concept to launch, presenting a unique approach to exploring local heritage and culture through audio narratives.

What is WOUDIO?

WOUDIO combines the concepts of "World" and "Audio" to create a unique audio guide experience. This platform allows visitors to access narratives about a location's history, culture, and scenery through their smartphones, supporting up to 18 different languages. Unlike traditional audio guides, users do not need to download an app; they simply scan a QR code to access information. This unique feature makes WOUDIO not only an audio guide but also a medium for cultural preservation, disaster information dissemination, and donation for heritage conservation.

Discovering Yokohama with Yokohama 360°

The 'Yokohama 360°' experience represents the initial deployment of WOUDIO. Visitors to the observation deck of Yokohama Marine Tower will engage with 20 unique questions that spark curiosity about the local environment. For instance, curious minds can learn why specific ships couldn't pass under the Bay Bridge or what might be hidden beneath the lawns of Yamashita Park. These narrative experiences are delivered through AI-driven voices in multiple languages, enhancing the depth of knowledge shared with visitors.

Redefining Sightseeing Spaces

Traditionally, audio guides have been limited to indoor settings such as museums or galleries. In contrast, 'Yokohama 360°' transforms the observation deck into an interactive space that engages visitors meaningfully, prompting them to explore nearby areas like Chinatown or Yamate. By using sound bites as a starting point, visitors are encouraged to venture out into the city and create lasting connections with the history and present of Yokohama.

Future Vision from Yokohama

Hiroshi Tachikawa's vision for WOUDIO stems from a long-standing commitment to protecting cultural arts and natural assets through tourism. With the deployment of this platform at Yokohama Marine Tower, Tachikawa aims to extend the system to various facilities, emphasizing the area's rich history and cultural significance in multiple languages. Moreover, WOUDIO is equipped with features that switch to disaster information, providing real-time navigation to local emergency shelters, marrying cultural promotion with safety—a crucial aspect of modern tourism strategies.

The mission of WOUDIO is to shift tourism from a 'consumption model' to one that emphasizes 'nurturing places,' promoting Yokohama as a hub for innovative tourist experiences that contribute to the preservation of global heritage.

Press Conference Details

Save the date! A press conference will occur on June 3, 2026, at Yokohama Marine Tower where representatives will discuss the service and demonstrate WOUDIO in action. Attendees will also receive a free access code to explore all aspects of the 'Yokohama 360°' experience.

A Message from Hiroshi Tachikawa

Tachikawa expresses a profound hope to broadcast the innovative attributes of WOUDIO globally, stating that the mix of human and AI collaboration ensures accurate content creation. The fusion of disaster management features and ease of access signifies a new era for audio guides, representing a vital step towards enhancing safety and cultural engagement.

About NOSIGNER

Established in 2013 by Hiroshi Tachikawa, NOSIGNER strives to unlock potential in society through design, blending architecture, product, and graphics for various sectors, including public projects and international collaborations. With over 150 awards, the firm tackles pressing global issues such as climate change, resource recycling, and community revitalization.

For more information about NOSIGNER, visit their official website: NOSIGNER.