Open
for everyone
to enjoy
We design all our various services
from an accessibility perspective,
towards building
a better society
Message from our president
We want to make films and other cultural arts truly open to everyone.
It is with this vision that our company was founded.
The world around us is filled with many fascinating things.
We are about to enter an era where we can easily share these things with the people around us–an act that should be a given.
Through the exciting and inspiring world of accessibility,
we aim to expand the possibilities of all kinds of services.
Shoko Yamagami, President ＆ CEO
Our Service
We create services with people, based on their feedback, for everyone to enjoy.
Ridding Barriers to Film and Video
Our work emphasizes artistic integrity, the perspective of people who use our services, and simultaneity of experiences. We provide a one-stop shop for every step of the way, all the way to the launch of the work.
- Barrier-free Japanese subtitles
- Barrier-free audio guide
- Multilingual subtitles
- Sign language videos
- Alternative texts
- Creation of discs for screening
- Barrier-free PR videos
- UDCast MOVIE application
Performing Arts Support
We offer real-time information accessibility across various fields and offer comprehensive support, including assistance leading up to the show.
- Barrier-free Japanese subtitles
- Barrier-free audio guide
- Multilingual subtitles
- Sign language for theatre performances
- Talk text support
- Sign language interpretation for talk shows
- Pre-performance description
- Relaxation performance
- Application Acceptance
- Staff training
- Public relations advice
- UDCast LIVE application
Event Support
We have accumulated expertise in adjustments that can be made for experiences to be enjoyable to diverse customers.
- Observation and feedback from intended service users
- Text-based support & sign language interpretation
- Establishing a support line for questions around accessibility
- Staff training
- Consideration of public relations partners
- Creation of promotional videos with sign language and subtitles
- Transportation support from the nearest station
- Accessible screenings
Exhibitions and Facilities Support
We value the process of working with local users of the services to develop services and ways of presenting exhibitions that work with the content.
- Observation and feedback from intended service users
- Staff training
- Lecture on "Reasonable Accommodation"
- Collecting feedback
- Collaborating with local groups and organizations consisting of intended service users
Develop and Provide Accessibility Tools that Match Your Services
We develop user-friendly accessibility tools with both users and service providers in mind. Feel free to contact us for customizations tailored to your events or exhibitions.
A free downloadable application that can automatically play subtitles and sign language pictures, plays audio descriptions, etc., in sync with films and videos.
An application used on specially rented devices to display subtitles, sign language videos in sync with theater and stage performances.
UDCast, a ” platform ” for barrier-free information and consultations
About us
Palabra means “word” in Spanish.
We chose this name hoping to be of assistance in connecting people with each other and with works.
– Received the Barrier-Free/Universal Design Promotion Merit Award for 2020 from the Cabinet Office, Japan,
– Received the 7th Kazuo Itoga Memorial Future Prize (Shoko Yamagami)
∙ Provided barrier-free consulting services at the “Festival of Culture and Arts for People with Disabilities on the Occasion of the Tokyo 2020 Games and Japan Expo.”
Our History
We began as a company specializing in the production of subtitles and audio descriptions, with a commitment to the experience of people who use our services, and to artistic integrity.
We create subtitles and audio descriptions for about 100 works a year, including films, stage performances, and streamed videos. In a year, we hold more than 120 feedback sessions with both the intended service users and creators of the works presented, and have continued to listen to thousands of opinions and input.
1960
Establishment of Daiichi Shorin Co., Ltd.
2005
Daiichi Shorin Co., Ltd. becomes a subsidiary of Pole To Win, Inc. and works in publishing and media as a member of Pole To Win Holdings Corporation (TSE Prime listing: 3657).
2013
Company name change from Daiichi Shorin Co., Ltd. to Palabra Co., Ltd. and specializes in the production of subtitles and audio descriptions.
2014
Officially launchs "UDCast" as an accessibility service focused on moving image content.
2016
Releases "UDCast" as an application.
Upon listening to user feedback, and realizing that producing materials was not enough to reach the audience who needed them, Palabra releases an application that provides subtitles and audio guides for theatrically released films. Today, the company handles everything from development to distribution in-house.
The "UDCast Support Center" which has been operating alongside the app since its launch,received not only questions about how to use the app and requests for works to be made accessible, but also variou other inquiries not limited to ticket purchasing, access to venues, and information support for stage greetings.
2021
Renews UDCast from a tool to a "platform"
Recognizing the need for comprehensive system of support beyond just providing content, Palabra transforms UDCast from a tool to a "platform" and expands accessibility consulting services into a business.
Additionally, the "UDCast Support Center" is selected as a Agency for Cultural Affairs project in 2022 to provide consultation services regarding accessibility support in arts and culture.
In recent years, efforts have extended to include multilingual subtitles and subtitles tailored for seniors, further broadening the scope of activities.
Company Profile
- Company Name
- Palabra Inc.
- Nakanosakaue Office
- 401 Sun Lotus Building, 2-9-1 Chuo, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0011, Japan Google Map
- Kansai Office
- Shiga Prefecture Kosei Kaikan 2F, 4-3-28 Kyomachi, Otsu-shi, Shiga 520-0044
- Head Office
- Shinjuku NS Building 14F, 2-4-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-0814, Japan