The Yomiuri Shim Bun
A student performs the Awa Odori dance with Hatsune Miku, left, during a video demonstrating AR Awa Odori technology in Tokushima.
16:04 JST, Mar 18, 2023
TOKUSHIMA – Digital technology that enables people to perform the Awa Odori dance alongside virtual idols has been developed by Tokushima University and other institutions in Tokushima City.
Tetsuya Yamamoto, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, worked with the Central Research Institute of Ito En Ltd. in Shizuoka Prefecture to develop the technology to increase the attractiveness of Awa Odori, one of the most famous bon festival dances in the country.
The technology uses augmented reality (AR) to create a three-dimensional image. Multiple projectors project images from different angles onto a transparent screen placed in front of the dancers.
The university unveiled the technology at a press conference on February 28. A video was also shown of a student performing the dance with Hatsune Miku, a popular virtual idol.
The technology can also be used to create a variety of lighting effects such as: B. A shower of cherry blossoms and large glowing hearts floating around the dancers.
The university, which dubbed the technology AR Awa Odori, plans to promote its use at events on and off campus.
“We want to make our traditional culture known to the world by letting Awa Odori work with well-known figures,” said Yamamoto.
