Visitors to Japan are increasingly benefiting from technological innovations that are breaking down the language barrier and making it easier to get around.

One example is a new display from Japanese printing firm Toppan that can translate conversation in real time. The see-through screen allows users to maintain eye contact and observe physical gestures.

The system can handle 15 languages, including English and Chinese. It's due to go on sale in June.

A representative of the firm, Nosaka Tomoaki, said, "With the pandemic subsiding, the number of people coming to Japan is going to rise. We'd like to get more of our displays out there so they don't struggle with the language barrier."

Another example of the way technology is making life easier for tourists is a tie-up between Japanese taxi-hailing app Go and firms from China. The result is that Chinese travelers can now request taxis with their own Chinese-language apps.

Mobility Technologies, the operator of the Go app, has similar arrangements with South Korean and Southeast Asian firms. It's also working on agreements with companies in other markets.