We named the project "Hanami" because it stemmed from "Seeds of the Sakura", a digital media project completed in 2019 that aimed to increase understanding about Japan’s cultural history through the life experiences of a former University of the Pacific student, Sanji Muto. Hanami comes from the Japanese word hana meaning “flower” and translates to “flower viewing”. It is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in the Spring. The popularity of viewing Sakura blossoms grew when Japan shifted focus to adopt an appreciation and sensitivity towards nature, many centuries ago. 

This site provides a description of a digital media project, Hanami, that aims to increase understanding about Japan’s cultural history through a series of Augmented Reality experiences installed in Sanji Muto study room located on the 2nd floor of William Know Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center. Augmented Reality allows you to display digital content overlay of an object in real life through a screen on a smartphone or table. Through Augmented Reality experiences, this student created project highlights of some of Sanji Muto’s timeless messages and Japan’s graceful cultural practices. You can learn more about Sanji Muto and go through the Augmented Reality experience by downloading the app from the Google Play store.

Hanami: Project Overview

Sanji Muto Virtual Museum
Project Deliverables
Sanji Muto Digital Museum

Step into a virtual museum dedicated to Sanji Muto where you can explore different facets of Sanji Muto’s life. While exploring this museum, experience the sounds and sights of traditional Japanese culture. 

Interactive art display

Scan the triangle pictures installed in the study room to have various forms of interactive media augment your experience. The interactive media contains images, videos, rich textual knowledge and auditory insight on the extraordinary life of Sanji Muto. 

Hold up a smart device to the art display

art diamond display with ar capability
Click on the information icons

Audio, video and/or text will be displayed
Japanese teahouse experience

A miniature wooden replica of a traditional Japanese teahouse was constructed for the study room to highlight some of Japan’s graceful practices. Scan the teahouse to see an animated video about some of traditional Japanese social etiquettes.

Japanese teahouse model
Japanese teahouse model
Japanese teahouse in augmented reality
Demonstration of the teahouse feature  

  1. Media Production
    • Audio Recording/Editing
      • Adobe Audition
    • Video Editing
      • Adobe Premiere Pro
  2. 3D modeling
    • Blender
    • Maya
    • Adobe Mixamo
    • Daz Studio
       
  3. Motion Capture
    • XSens Suit
       
  4. Development
    • Unity
      • ARKit framework
      • Vuforia SDK