“My Take” on Japan: Chi Hang Lo Shares His 2023 Japan Higher Education AV Tour Experience
Japan is known for its automated services and cutting-edge audiovisual technology. This Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to visit Tokyo and Osaka to meet with different hardware manufacturers and universities to learn about their system design and best practices. In addition to my higher education AV tour, I also visited famous consumer electronics stores, tourist attractions, and museums to enjoy the fantastic Japanese electronic technology.
NFC and QR codes are essential in automated self-service. For example, lockers at train stations use QR codes to activate and deactivate self-service, and ticket machines at Japanese restaurants require no interaction with staff. University classrooms also have similar AV technology solutions. Professors can activate the AV system through the APP, switch video sources and adjust the volume, and then activate it through the QR code in the classroom.
Contribution and teamwork are rooted in Japanese culture, and Japanese universities devote significant resources to developing active learning classrooms. I visited an active learning classroom with a capacity of 120 students, equipped with HDMI transmitters to create 14 groups, PTZ cameras, and beamforming array microphones to allow students to switch content freely by click-share wireless transmitters.
If you plan to visit Japan, I recommend visiting the Panasonic Center in Tokyo. The Panasonic Center is a great place to learn about Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita and how the company translates its vision into technology. MIRAIKU Lab is a great facility that provides a live tour to experience future technologies transforming our communities, mobility, lifestyles, cities, sustainability, and future health. Don’t forget to check out the hologram display in the lab.
BIC Camera in Akihabara, an 8-story consumer electronics mall next to Akihabara Station. There are many electronic products limited to Japan in the store. They have a great gaming section where you can try out different monitors, keyboards, and mice. You’ll be amazed by the wide variety of esports accessories available. The console zone showcases various gaming demos using high-end OLED 4K displays. When the final bill exceeds 5,000 yen, you can get a tax refund by presenting your passport.
Finally, you’ll find that different video game developers have fan-oriented stores.
You should check out their adorable collection at the Nintendo Store for an authentic video game experience!
Reference:
1. Panasonic Center Tokyo MiRAIKU – A live tour of the future to experience the technologies that will change our community, mobility, lifestyle, city, actions for sustainability, and wellness. https://holdings.panasonic/jp/corporate/center-tokyo/business/experience.html
2. Bic Camera Akihabara – Consumer electronics shopping malls next to the multiple major subway stations in Japan are open all year round. https://www.biccamera.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop121.jsp?ref=gmb
3. Nintendo Tokyo Store – An authentic experience for fans of Nintendo video games. Please be aware that their store closes early, at 9 pm daily. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/officialstore/