――The exhibition “Art and Power: From Pharaohs to Daimyos, Masterworks from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston” was scheduled to be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in April 2020, but about a month before the opening, it was decided to postpone, and later, to cancel it. I assume preparations for the audio guide were also underway at that time.

Natsumi Uemura (hereinafter, Uemura): Yes, we heard that the event might not be able to be held as planned on the very day of the audio guide recording. We were in the studio, ready to start recording, when we heard from the organizers. It was due to difficulties in transporting works from the United States, which was an unavoidable circumstance...

――How did you feel at that time? Was there a possibility that the recording itself might be canceled?

Uemura: It was definitely a shock. Not only for us the audio guide staff, but for everyone involved in the exhibition. It was a disappointing and difficult situation for all of us. We informed the voice actors Kenichi Suzumura and Takahiro Sakurai who were narrating the guide that the event might not be able to be held as planned, right there on the spot. I said, “We’re scheduled to record now, but actually...” Although they were surprised, they encouraged us by saying, “One day, the exhibition will surely come to fruition, and it will reach the audience, so let’s do our best with the recording.” Their words were a great comfort to me. Despite the fear that today’s recording might end up being shelved, their encouragement pushed us forward, and we proceeded with the recording.

――Subsequently, the exhibition was officially canceled. About two months later, the recorded audio was distributed via an app and video on Hulu.

Uemura: With the cooperation of many people, we distributed the audio via the app “Listening Art.” Additionally, the organizing company had filmed the artworks in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, so we created a special program combining the audio guide with this footage and distributed it on Hulu. We produced it with the hope that people could enjoy the exhibition from home. This was my first experience that the exhibition was canceled, and only the audio guide was distributed.

――Was there any response to the distribution?

Uemura: We received many comments like, “It was very disappointing that the exhibition was canceled, but I was happy to feel like I was at the museum by enjoying the distribution. It lifted my spirits.” At the time in 2020, many events were being canceled or postponed, so we were happy to provide some enjoyment during those days. Until then, audio guides were limited to the venue and were transient, but I believe we discovered a new possibility where people could enjoy them without going to the exhibition. Incorporating audio guides into everyday life was a small step forward for us as well.

――The content of this audio guide is quite unique, with two types of explanations for one artwork: “Omote Guide” and “Ura Guide.”

Uemura: The Omote Guide is handled by Mr. Suzumura, and the Ura Guide by Mr. Sakurai. In the Omote Guide, we first convey the basic, easy-to-understand highlights, such as information about the artist and the period in which the work was created. After a “tinkling” sound, the Ura Guide reveals hidden stories behind the artwork.

For example, a very beautiful Chinese semi-formal court robe (jifu), which features various patterns including dragons as its name in Chinese character suggests. In the Omote Guide, Mr. Suzumura explains what the court robe is and the significance of its colors. Meanwhile, the Ura Guide poses questions like, “How many dragons are hidden and where?” providing information that is not immediately apparent. Mr. Suzumura and Mr. Sakurai have had many co-starring experiences and belong to the same agency. Although their voice qualities are completely different, they harmonize well, making them perfect for the Omote and Ura (front and back) structure. Mr. Suzumura’s voice is very easy to listen to, and the information flows smoothly, while Mr. Sakurai’s voice, though gentle, has a certain “ura” feel to it (laughs).

――How did you come up with the concept of unraveling both sides, Omote and Ura?

Uemura: It aligns with the theme of this exhibition “Art & Power.” It focuses on the vast collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston established about 150 years ago, highlighting the power figures and patrons who built it. The main focus is on the hidden stories behind why these artworks were created and collected. Although these histories and stories might not be immediately apparent, they indeed exist. To allow visitors to feel these elements, we first provide a thorough examination of the artwork with the Omote Guide. Then, with the Ura Guide, we add extra information, creating a space for visitors to ponder the artwork further.

――Did you make any specific requests to Mr. Suzumura and Mr. Sakurai during the recording?

Uemura: Not many, but for Mr. Suzumura’s part, we asked him to clearly convey the information. For Mr. Sakurai’s part, which is more narrative, we requested a soft, engaging tone and also to bring out some uniqueness.

――With the exhibition opening after two years, was there any re-recording of the audio guide?

Uemura: There were some changes to the artworks, so we re-recorded those parts. Additionally, we created new bonus content that can only be heard through the app.

――So it is content that both first-time listeners and those who already heard the initial distribution can enjoy. Lastly, through planning and producing the audio guide, what are your future prospects?

Uemura: The experience of distributing the audio guide when the exhibition was canceled and receiving feedback made us think, “What can an audio guide do?” In recent years, audio guides have evolved beyond their traditional role of providing “commentaries on exhibited works” to become a new form of entertainment. Furthermore, with advancements in technology like apps, it’s become easier to deliver content to everyone’s hands, changing the nature of the content itself.

However, the core should always be the artworks and exhibitions. Without straying from this, our challenge is to make it feel more familiar to everyone and to create something meaningful to listen to. We want to produce our guides with care and dedication, never neglecting this essential aspect.