High-tech cellphones and translation machines may soon come to the rescue of foreign tourists who lose their way in Osaka Prefecture.

Videophones that have a helpful human translator on the other end, along with automatic translation machines, will do away with the language barrier confronting visitors to Japan.

And cellphones equipped with the global positioning system (GPS) will prevent them from feeling lost.

The test videophones are installed at 10 locations, including Nankai Nanba Station and Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Center in the city of Osaka, offering travelers help from live translators in English, Chinese or Korean.

Automatic machine translation booths are being set up around Kansai International Airport and JR Nanba Station.

In addition, foreign students are testing GPS cellphones that eventually will be available to rent at tourist centers and other locations. GPS technology allows lost travelers to identify their location or find a destination.

The tests and surveys of people using the equipment began in early December, jointly sponsored by the Osaka prefectural government, Osaka city government and Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau. The project will continue until late this month.(IHT/Asahi: January 4,2005)