Opportunities for blind or visually impaired people in Japan to appreciate art are on the rise thanks to increased use of audio descriptions, tactile methods and simple human dialogue.

Whether or not art lovers are disabled, conversations among patrons and staff at museums across the country are helping them gain a deeper understanding of the many interpretations of works on display.

Last September around 20 people, including some with visual and hearing disabilities, gathered at the National Art Center in Tokyo's Roppongi district, where a Southeast Asian art exhibition was being held.