What is "Barrier-Free Screening" in Cinemas? A Comprehensive Guide for Enjoyment by the Hearing and Visually Impaired

This article explains information assurance and convenient services for movie watching. You'll gain knowledge on how to smoothly utilize barrier-free screenings, so please use it as a reference.

1. The Forefront of Barrier-Free Cinemas

There are several services available for moviegoers, regardless of the type of disability. First, let's take a detailed look at "Barrier-Free Information in Cinemas".

1-1. Enjoy at a Discount! "Disability Discount" for Tickets

In many cinemas, you can receive a "disability discount" by presenting a disability certificate. For example, at major cinemas like TOHO Cinemas, discounts apply to special seats like premium seats and special screenings such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema. It's a nice point that not only general seats but also special seats are included. (Additional charges for each seat are required) Moreover, not only the person with the disability but also their caregiver is often eligible for the discount, allowing those who are uneasy about watching alone to do so with minimal burden. Additionally, there are many services where discounts can be obtained by presenting a disability certificate, not just in cinemas. The following article provides a clear and detailed introduction to various discounts and services available with a disability certificate. Please take a look at it as well.

1-2. Experience Japan's First "Universal Theater"

Cinema Chupki Tabata, established in 2016, is Japan's first universal theater. It caters to people with visual and hearing impairments, wheelchair users, and those with children, aiming to be a "welcoming cinema" where everyone can feel at ease. The theater is equipped with "Forest Sound," which envelops you in 360-degree sound, and a soundproof "Parent-Child Viewing Room" where you can relax even if your baby cries. Everyone can immerse themselves in the world of movies comfortably.

2. [Visual Impairment] "Audio Guide" Turns Visuals into "Narration"

For visually impaired individuals who find "watching" challenging, utilizing "audio guides" that supplement visual information can help them vividly imagine the movie's scenes.

2-1. Essential for Visually Impaired Moviegoers! What is an "Audio Guide"?

An "audio guide" is a service that narrates the visual scenes, characters' expressions, sets, and scene transitions. Visually impaired individuals rely on this narration to understand the visual scenes. At the universal cinema "Cinema Chupki Tabata," all seats are equipped with headphone jacks. You can listen to audio guides with clear sound quality, free from radio noise.

2-2. Get Audio Guides with Free Apps "HELLO! MOVIE" and "UDCast"

Recently, it has become easy to obtain audio guides via smartphone apps. The process is simple. Install the free apps "HELLO! MOVIE" or "UDCast". Just download the audio guide data for the supported works within the app. When the screening starts at the cinema, the audio guide will play automatically.

3. [Hearing Impairment] Visualize Sound with Barrier-Free Subtitles and Latest Devices

For those with hearing impairments who find "listening" challenging, various supports have emerged to convert sound information into "visuals".

3-1. Visualize Dialogues and Sounds! "Barrier-Free Japanese Subtitled Screenings"

"Barrier-Free Japanese Subtitled Screenings" do more than just display dialogues. They convey speaker information and even the mood of the music and sound effects in text. Many cinemas regularly hold "Barrier-Free Japanese Subtitled Screenings," allowing hearing-impaired individuals to enjoy movies with peace of mind.

3-2. Display Subtitles with Futuristic Devices! "Subtitle Glasses"

Additionally, by using the "subtitle glasses" devices available for rent at cinemas, you can add subtitles to the movie. Subtitle glasses are glasses-type devices that overlay subtitles on the screen during the screening. Only you can see the subtitles, so there's no need to look away from the screen. These subtitle glasses are available for rent at only a few cinemas, and often require reservations. If you're considering using them, be sure to check in advance.

4. How to Find Barrier-Free Screening Information Without Fail

While environments where people with disabilities can enjoy movies are improving, advance confirmation and reservations are often necessary. To enjoy the movie with peace of mind on the day, make sure to gather information in advance.

4-1. Check the Official Websites of Each Movie

First, thoroughly check the official website of the movie you want to watch. Movies that support barrier-free screenings have special marks indicating "audio guide supported" or "subtitle guide supported" on their pages.

4-2. Use Convenient Search Sites

Portal sites that cover information on barrier-free screenings nationwide are also useful. For example, on the "Eiga Mini Iko!" site, you can check the start date of barrier-free guides for the latest works and the theaters offering subtitle glasses rental.

5. Conclusion

Currently, Japanese cinemas are rapidly advancing in barrier-free accessibility, allowing people with visual or hearing impairments to enjoy movies smoothly. In addition to economic considerations like disability discounts, support tailored to different types of disabilities is becoming widespread. "Audio guides" are available for visually impaired individuals, and "barrier-free Japanese subtitles" are available for hearing-impaired individuals. To use these services smoothly, advance research is essential. Check the "support marks" on each work's official website or sites like "Eiga Mini Iko!". We hope this article helps you take the first step in enjoying movie watching.