Closing of the Study Tour on AR & VR Applications and Workshop on 3D Digital Documentation

Following the completion of technical training in 3D digital documentation, the workshop participants embarked on a five-day study tour from October 26 to 30, focusing on practical case studies involving 3D digital content (primarily in AR and VR). The main highlights of the tour included the Peace Park Tours at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the production of heritage replicas using 3D data by Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics Co., Ltd., and a visit to the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site in Fukui Prefecture. 

The Peace Park Tours offers a virtual experience of Hiroshima’s atomic bomb tragedy, featuring reproduced video footage that allows participants to walk around the park with volunteer guides. The tour facilitates not only peace education but also heritage education by combining the immersive atmosphere of the actual site with VR technology, providing a realistic and impactful experience. Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics Co., Ltd. produces 3D replicas of heritage artifacts using highly accurate 3D data. This method enables individuals to touch and interact with these heritage pieces without concerns about conservation matters, creating a more immersive and educational experience. During our visit to the company’s facility, we observed the production process, engaged in discussions with the manufacturers, and toured their showroom to know the final products. In the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site, we learned about the efforts to share more detailed information about the site in an interactive manner, with a focus on incorporating AR & VR technology into both field interpretation and museum presentations

At each location visited, the participants examined the advantages and disadvantages of using digital content in tourism, interpretation and conservation of cultural heritage, while also exploring how these insights could be applied in their respective countries.

On the final day of the tour, we visited the Tokyo National Museum. We explored a digital chronicle of Japanese fine art that serves as an introductory phase for enjoying whole exhibits and a precise reproduction process for byobu folding screens and other art objects as well as the implementation of educational programs utilizing these technologies. We also engaged in a discussion to exchange views on these innovations.

The entire schedule concluded with a closing ceremony during which certificates were awarded to each participant.

Top: (Left/Right) VR tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima

Middle:(Upper) Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics Showroom in Shiga
(Lower left/Lower middle) AR content at Ichijodani Asakura Family Site in Fukui
(Lower right) Digital chronicle of Japanese fine art at the Tokyo National Museum

Bottom: Closing ceremony with participants holding their certificates