Announcers and Anime Characters Are Here to Give You the Lowdown on Japan!

Kyokuana Net has overhauled its tourist information video service, Local Topics Japan, with an all new version launched on Nov. 1.

The biggest change in this latest version of the site is a shift towards attracting overseas visitors with English positioned as the main language rather than Japanese. With numbers of travellers from outside of Japan set to increase in the run-up to the 2020 Olympics, Local Topics Japan aims to continue improving the quality of its tourist information services.

The Thinking Behind the Upgrades:
Local Topics Japan uses the nationwide Kyokuana Net network to record interviews and sightseeing videos from each area of Japan. Until recently the site had been aimed at domestic tourists but is now expanding to help visitors from overseas who want to explore a little more of Japan. Accordingly they’ve revamped their interview and video production methods and introduced English subtitling and dubbed narration to make their videos easier for overseas visitors to follow. They’ve also introduced a new tagline - “Find Your Wonderland in Japan!”.

Local Topics Japan Highlights:
- English as the main language (second language: Japanese)
- English language dubs and subs
- Interchangeable language menus including Japanese, Thai, French, English, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional)
- Reporters are presenters from across the entire country with around 200 currently registered on the Kyokuana Net site
- Robot character Nemiya joins previous anime presenter Miyane Jinguji
- Smartphone and tablet friendly interface
- Categories so far include: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kansai, Hokuriku Shinetsu, Tokai, Kinki, the Chugoku region, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Thirteen new video categories added for easier viewing including Local Cuisine, Activities, Accommodation, and Speciality.

Upgraded website available from Nov. 1
Local Topics Japan

High Quality Video Production:
- Professional presenters take on reporting and narration duties
- Friendly relationship with local people during interviews
- Fast production period using anime character Miyane Jinguji
- Videos produced in English and 16 other languages
- Ideally an increase in visitor numbers can help shine light on previously hidden places both to Japanese and overseas visitors
- Videos last from around 30 seconds to 2 minutes in duration for easy viewing

Company Details
Name: Kyokuana
Official Site

Source: @Press