The National Center for Art Research (NCAR) provides digital content production support to the various institutions of the National Museum of Art. In 2024, NCAR produced three video works in relation to the exhibition “Manuscripts from the Naito Collection in the National Museum of Western Art .” These videos were produced in 4K resolution (four times the pixel count of full HD) and used binaural recording, which creates a 3D sound replicating the experience of listening with both ears.

This video project was conceived following a highly praised lecture and concert held during the exhibition period by a musician researching medieval Western music and Gregorian chant singing techniques. The museum requested the creation of video content, and NCAR handled every step of the production process, including filming, editing, sound design, title design, and mastering.

In addition to providing digital content production support to the institutions run by the National Museum of Art, NCAR also researches and develops digital content for art museums and, building on advancements in 3DCG, VR, and high-resolution video, promotes the use of emerging technologies such as AI. In this video project, the aim was to enhance the quality of digital content using 3D sound captured with binaural recording, an emerging technique that has become a key part of immersive audio production.

Since being posted on April 14, 2025, these videos have reached a wide audience. They are available at the following links.

Voices from Manuscripts ACT 1
https://youtu.be/9z2MUmnCrPw

Voices from Manuscripts ACT 2
https://youtu.be/E1_iPSwA3Ns

Voices from Manuscripts ACT 3
https://youtu.be/2hDuyxdEbs4

These videos can be enjoyed in a standard playback environment. However, the 3D quality of the sound can be appreciated more fully with stereo headphones or earphones. The implementation of this 3D audio was made possible thanks to the cooperation of Kazuo Kuwabara of Nagomi Laboratory, with whom NCAR plans to continue collaborating on future projects that use emerging technologies.