Surrounded by rising sea levels, Japan has one of the highest earthquake risks globally. In only the last decade, it has experienced over 30 earthquakes, including a record breaking one in 2011— A 9.0 magnitude quake that resulted in the most destructive tsunami in recorded history. Despite having one of the most advanced early-warning systems, designed to provide life-saving information in multiple languages, it was missing one very important one: Japanese Sign Language.

In order to provide fundamental and equal access to Japan's 300,000+ Deaf Community Members, NHK Enterprises and NHK Global Media (Japan’s Public Broadcaster) created Kiki. The world’s first, text-to-sign translator for Emergency Alerts. Through a first of its kind text to sign translation engine, Kiki, a lifelike virtual avatar, receives text input and generates full dynamic Japanese Sign Language in real-time.

For members of the Deaf community, providing only closed captioning only during Emergency Alerts is like translating content into an entirely different language as they read. Transcribing spoken words doesn’t capture the same meaning or nuances for those who communicate primarily through Sign Languages.

Sign Languages have their own word order (or syntax). And what word order is appropriate depends on the context. Proper word order depends on what you’re trying to do: explain, remind, confirm, negate, cause to consider, ask a question, etc. This results in multiple variations of interpretation of a single sentence of spoken word.

The fact that the distinction between closed captioning and the importance of actual Sign language isn’t widely understood is why the world needs to include more sign language interpretation and advocacy of linguistic diversity. Emergency alerts are but one part of answering the broader call. It’s time to embrace true accessibility.

Our strategy for addressing the accessibility challenge for the Deaf community was marked by creativity, innovation, and breakthrough thinking. We recognized the need for a comprehensive solution and engaged in collaborative efforts with Sign Language experts and universities. Through meticulous planning and engagement, we ensured that our approach incorporated diverse perspectives and expertise. This included rigorous testing and experimentation to refine our solution and ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Our emphasis on innovation and ingenuity led to the development of Kiki, the world's first text-to-sign translation engine, which revolutionized emergency communication for the Deaf community. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaboration, we demonstrated our commitment to addressing complex societal challenges and driving meaningful change. This creative interpretation of the business challenge underscored our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible and creating impactful solutions that benefit individuals and communities alike.

Kiki's implementation has brought about a tangible positive impact in the lives of individuals, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf community. Through Kiki's deployment, customers, employees, and other stakeholders have experienced a significant improvement in communication and access to vital information. The quality execution of Kiki's creative vision is evident in its seamless integration into real-world scenarios, where it has consistently demonstrated effectiveness and reliability. This has not only enhanced the overall experience for users but has also contributed to a more inclusive and equitable society. The initiative has successfully fulfilled its objective of bridging communication gaps and empowering individuals, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in addressing societal challenges and driving positive change.

Kiki's integration into Japan's emergency broadcast system has yielded tangible business results and impactful outcomes. Not only has Kiki enhanced brand loyalty and consumer awareness, but her deployment in various settings has also solidified her position as a pioneering solution with potential for global scalability. By delivering rapid, accurate, and emotionally resonant information during emergencies, Kiki has successfully fulfilled the original objective of bridging communication gaps for the Deaf community. This achievement has not only enhanced brand perception but also fostered increased consumer trust and loyalty. Moreover, Kiki's deployment has led to improved operational efficiencies, as her versatile capabilities extend beyond emergencies to various settings such as museums, airports, and aircraft. As a result, Kiki has not only driven progress for individuals and organizations but has also contributed to wider societal inclusivity and accessibility, paving the way for future growth and impact.