オフィシャル
Let's go to the Kabukiza Theatre with AR!
Kabuki is one of Japanese traditional performing arts, and the Kabukiza Theatre is a theater dedicated to Kabuki. The Kabukiza Theatre is one of Ginza's most famous landmarks, and its building has become a familiar sight to those who live and work in Chuo Ward. For those who love Kabuki and those who come to Japan to see Kabuki, no explanation is necessary. However, those who are not familiar with Kabuki may find it difficult to approach, and tourists passing here by chance may not understand what this building is. They simply point their smartphones to the building, take a picture, and go. This is unfortunate for Shochiku Co., Ltd., Kabuki production company, which wants to convey the appeal of Kabuki to a wider audience than just Kabuki fans, such as the general public. Therefore, in collaboration with MarbleXR Inc., Shochiku has decided to offer KABUKIZA AR GUIDE, a smartphone application that uses augmented reality to guide visitors around the Kabukiza Theatre. Even if you find something in front of the Kabukiza Theatre, searching websites while strolling around is a bit tedious. KABUKIZA AR GUIDE was created with this in mind.
Download Smartphone application “mARble” first
To use KABUKIZA AR GUIDE, install the free smartphone application "mARble". English and Japanese are supported.
iOS13 or later/ iPhone 8 or later
Android 13 or later/ARCore corresponding devices
How can I enjoy AR?
After starting mARble at one of the four locations established at the Kabukiza Theatre and the Togeki Building, pointing your smartphone as if taking a picture, AR of Kabuki’s Nyanbassoder (Ambassador) "Kabukinyantaro", Japanese spring scenery, or banner providing information about Kabuki that do not actually exist will come on the smartphone screen. Visitors of the AR service can enjoy taking pictures with the AR against the backdrop of the scenery where the visitors are standing, or get further information about Kabuki and the Kabukiza Theatre through the links on the banner. In addition to text information, visitors can also listen to voice guidance by touching the speaker symbol.
Actually experienced AR
Started from the SHOCHIKU INFORMATION on the first floor of the Togeki Building, where Shochiku headquarters is located. Here, you will be welcomed by Kabukinyantaro. This is a free space that can be used for meeting or resting. On the wall, there is a display introducing “Kumadori” facial makeup. It’s very interesting. If you start mARble here, you can take AR pictures with Kabukinyantaro or various Kumadori in the background. There is also a smartphone charger here, which can be used free of charge.
At the front of the Kabukiza Theatre
The next stop is the front of the Kabukiza Theatre. When you start mARble here, posters that should not be there appear on your smartphone screen. You can take pictures with your favorite actors, follow the links to find out about performance schedules or ticket information, and have fun in a variety of ways. Thanks to mARble, you don't have to go through the trouble of searching for what you want to know.
You can see virtual posters on your smartphone screen
Go down the stairs to the Kobikicho Square
On the second basement floor of the Kabukiza Theatre, there is "the Kobikicho Square" where goods and souvenirs related to Kabuki are sold. You can enter here even if you do not have a Kabuki ticket. If you come near the Kabukiza Theatre, why not stop by? It is directly connected to Higashi-Ginza Subway Station, and there are also a cafe and a convenient store around. The Kobikicho Square is also a disaster prevention center designed to accommodate victims in the event of a disaster. The Kabukiza Theatre not only conveys old traditions, but is actually high-tech.
Finally, going to the Kabukiza Gallery on the 5th floor of the Kabukiza Tower
The Kabukiza Gallery is located at the top of the elevator, passing through the passageway by the side of the Kobikicho Square. This space was established to provide a casual introduction to Kabuki for people who have never seen Kabuki before and for visitors from overseas. A Japanese garden is adjacent to the gallery, so if you are tired from your stroll, why not take a break here? Some people buy a box lunch at the Kobikicho Square and eat it here. If you start mARble here, you can see both real and AR cherry blossoms at the same time.
Various ARs appear with a Japanese garden in the background
In Closing
Kabuki is one of Japan's representative traditional performing arts and has many fans. On the other hand, Kabuki has a somewhat unapproachable image, and there are many people who are interested in Kabuki but have not yet found their first opportunity. The KABUKIZA AR GUIDE will provide such people with a good opportunity to enjoy sightseeing around the Kabukiza Theatre through AR. This AR also serves as an implementation experiment to investigate what passersby outside the Kabukiza Theatre are looking for. The service will be available until March 31, 2024, so don't miss out on the experience.
For more information, please visit the following URL
Notification of the release of an AR application content “KABUKIZA AR GUIDE”
https://www.kabukiweb.net/news/other_news/notification_240312/