NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced that it has developed a handy smartphone app that will enable foreigners in Japan who have special restrictions to determine the detailed contents of Japanese-labeled food products simply by photographing the products with their smartphones. ntt docomo recognition app for foreigners

The app will leverage an image-recognition engine built with NTT’s corevoTM AI technology to identify the product and then provide the user with a detailed list of its ingredients in English. The commercial launch date has not been decided yet.

Until now, foreigners with special dietary restrictions, such as Muslims and vegetarians, have had to use translation apps to check product labels written in Japanese and then attempt to determine if the ingredients are acceptable.

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Due the difficulty and inconvenience of this procedure, some foreigners visiting Japan have felt it necessary to go to the trouble of bringing products from their own countries. With DOCOMO’s new app, however, these people will be able to identify the ingredients and appropriateness of products available in Japan easily and quickly, without having to touch the products.

The app will be especially timely as the number of inbound visitors to Japan continues to climb and unfamiliar Japanese products attract increasing attention. Visitors with special restrictions are expected to welcome the app’s introduction enthusiastically.

Prior to the app’s introduction, NTT DOCOMO will provide the image-recognition and related system technologies for use in HALAL GOURMET JAPAN, a popular restaurant-discovery app for Muslims in Japan, which is managed by FOOD DIVERSITY Inc., from September 26 to December 31. ntt docomo recognition app for foreigners

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Here are some key features of the Hanashite Hon’yaku app: ntt docomo recognition app for foreigners

1. Real-time speech translation: The app uses AI-powered speech recognition and translation technology to instantly translate spoken words and phrases from Japanese to several languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
2. Text translation: The app can also translate written text, such as signs or menus, by using the smartphone camera to capture the text and then applying optical character recognition (OCR) and translation algorithms.
3. Conversation mode: The app offers a conversation mode that allows two users to speak into the app and have their words translated in real time. This feature is particularly useful for communication between tourists and locals or for business meetings with foreign partners.
4. Cultural tips: The app includes cultural tips and information to help foreigners better understand Japanese customs and etiquette.

Overall, the Hanashite Hon’yaku app is designed to help make travel and communication in Japan easier for foreign visitors. The app is available for free download, but some features may require a subscription or in-app purchase.

 

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