HAMAMATSU -- A thereminist suffering from paralysis caused by a cerebral hemorrhage has developed a smartphone app to show trusted loved ones "digital keepsake" photos and videos posthumously.
Masami Takeuchi, 53, a former sound technician and theremin player from Nishi Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, developed the "Tokoshie" app while battling against the paralysis of the right side of his body to make "preparation for death a bit pleasant," Takeuchi said.
A theremin player's new wave
The app has two functions, one of which is called "Nokosu" (leave behind) that is designed to store photos and videos that portray the character posthumously. The other is "Tsunagu" (connect) through which mementos can be browsed by those who are entrusted posthumously by the deceased user.
Those who leave behind keepsakes set dates on the app for photos and videos to appear on a smartphone screen. If the entrusted have the smartphone on and the set dates come around, the photos and videos appear on the screen as if the departed individual has returned to the world of the living.
Encourage loved ones
To prevent the thoughts and secrets of the deceased user from being revealed to the public at large, the app does not permit any editing of the mementos to those entrusted, and the stored photos and videos are not connected to the internet. Takeuchi stressed, "It is possible to make one's loved ones laugh and encourage them even after one's death."
Takeuchi as a sound technician went to Russia to learn to play the theremin. After returning to Japan, he gave concerts across the country, thereby raising public awareness of the Russian electronic musical instrument. In 2014, he established a company for app planning and monetary transactions and then started developing the app.
Two years later he collapsed after finishing a performance and was taken to a hospital where his life was narrowly saved, but the right side of his body would become paralyzed.
"This gave me a chance to face my death," Takeuchi said. "I felt at the time thinking about death is equivalent to thinking about life."
He resumed app development and sought financial support via the internet. As a result, he could collect about 540,000 yen from about 60 people, including theremin enthusiasts he taught how to play the musical instrument. The "Tokoshie" app was completed in April this year.
The app is scheduled to be released for general use in September. For inquiry, call the limited liability company "Tokoshie" at (053) 570- 6685.
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