Walk through Kyoto’s classic spots with captions at your side. From Saturday, October 17 to Monday, October 19, 2026, “Adding Subtitles to the World in Kyoto” (Sekai ni Jimaku wo Soeru Ten in Kyoto) takes place at Kyoto Station and around the city. Using “YYSystem,” an app that turns speech into text in real time, the project aims to let everyone enjoy conversation and experiences regardless of hearing or language barriers. It is organized by AISIN Corporation and is free to join.
The starting point was the wish of the organizing committee of the National Convention for the Late-Deafened and Hard of Hearing in Kyoto: a society where people can go out and enjoy conversations and experiences as a matter of course. Kyoto Station Building Development and JR Kyoto Isetan, among others, shared that wish and joined in. In this second round of announcements, more caption spots and the shops offering perks have been revealed.
Caption spots across Kyoto’s landmarks and shops
Captions are added at eight places. At Kyoto Station Building’s “Gei-jutsu no Eki 2026 / GNE” art festival in the station plaza (October 17–November 3, 13:00–20:00), visitors can read captioned commentary on their smartphones and join caption-guided tours using “AiLENS” smart glasses, which show conversation as text on the lenses.
- Kyoto Comprehensive Tourist Information Center “Kyo Navi” (2F, Kyoto Station Building): captions for sightseeing consultations, October 17–November 3 (planned)
- JR Kyoto Isetan information counter: captioned guidance. A reservation-only “shopping escort service” with captions runs October 17–19
- Kyoto Station Building dining: conversations at the counter are turned into text at Toyama Black Ramen Menya Iroha (Kyoto Ramen Koji), and at 京やさい料理 接方来, Ganko and Soba Shubo Tokubei (Washoku Koji)
- Heian Jingu: a caption experience booth (October 17–19, 11:00–17:30), plus reservation-only caption tours twice in the afternoon on October 18 and 19
- Shimogamo Saryo: on October 19, a captioned “Shimogamo Gozen” meal (13:00) and tea experience (15:00–17:00, about 40 minutes each, three sessions planned). Both require reservations
- Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Books: a transparent caption display at the counter, October 17–19
- “Tetemachi” inside the Kyoto City Hall block: Starbucks Coffee, Maruki Seipanjo and 京のお肉処 弘 offer text support for conversations, October 17–November 3
Caption passport: a stamp rally and dining perks
A stamp rally linking the caption spots runs October 17–19. Pick up a “caption passport” at the special booth at GNE or Heian Jingu, then collect stamps at GNE, Heian Jingu, Shimogamo Saryo, Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Books and the Starbucks Coffee at Tetemachi (Kyoto City Hall-mae). Collect two or more and receive original event goods.
Show the passport at Kyoto Ramen Koji (10 shops), Washoku Koji (3 shops), the JR Kyoto Isetan dining floors and other venues to use coupons and perks. A little saving on meals between sightseeing stops is welcome.
Stage shows and an opening conference
On the GNE stage, a scene from the musical “ASURA” will be performed on Sunday, October 18 at 18:00 for 30 minutes, with performers 石津秀悟 and 中嶋元美. Admission is free, and 50 seated-viewing tickets are handed out first come, first served from 13:00 that day. On Monday, October 19, 14:00–17:00, an ear-acupressure experience (free) is also on offer.
On opening day, Saturday, October 17, 15:00–16:00, the “Adding Subtitles to the World Conference in Kyoto” brings together caption developers, users and businesses to discuss how captions can grow from “support” into “culture and experience.” Speakers include actors Akiko Oshidari and Mika Mifune. Priority seating is by advance reservation; other seats are first come, first served.
Event details
- Event: Adding Subtitles to the World in Kyoto
- Dates: Saturday, October 17 – Monday, October 19, 2026. Some programs, such as the GNE tie-up, run through Tuesday, November 3 (national holiday)
- Venues: Kyoto Station and various locations in Kyoto
- Admission: Free (how to join differs by program)
- Organizer: AISIN Corporation. Supported by: Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Website (Japanese): https://join.yysystem.com/
