A project for people with hearing impairments has launched a cultural center in Tokyo to allow them to showcase their productions and interact with visitors.

The center was designed with a glass entrance and without pillars to make it easy for people with hearing impairments to see if anyone else is inside. It opened on Sunday.

Curtains are available to protect the privacy of people who want to use sign language. Light switches are gathered at one spot in each room so people can get one another's attention by switching the lights on and off all at once.

The facility will show films and theatrical performances made by people who cannot speak or hear.

One visitor said the facility broadened her perspective about people who have disabilities and made her think something creative will happen there.

Makihara Eri is a co-representative of the 5005 project. She used sign language to indicate she hopes the facility will help change society by giving people with hearing disabilities a chance to reach a wider audience.