OTHER PROJECTS

(R&D and proof of concept trials around the metaverse)

FUJITV SL SHOP (Fuji Television Network, Inc.)

We planned and developed a support facility for the FIVB VOLLYBALL World Cup, taking place in a beautiful pavilion-style building that emerges beside a park. The pavilion combines a membrane structure with a skeleton, attracting the attention of people coming and going. The site contains a viewing facility, several gift areas, the “Babo-chan” coach, and a game area. In addition to viewing videos, the area could also be used as a multi-purpose event space.


Hosei University IT Research Center

We assisted in planning and development of a virtual noh theater research museum. In this joint project with the Nogami Memorial Noh Theatre Research Institute and the Hosei University IT Research Center, we aided in planning and developing the Nogami Memorial Noh Theatre Research Institute Virtual Museum. We then published key materials from the museum’s collection by visualizing them in a new format in 3D online. By using Second Life, which allows for real-time communication, more people from within and without Japan were able to come in contact with noh (noh and kyogen), one of Japan’s performing arts traditions, contributing to its further growth and dissemination. We also used photographs of the actual faculty at Technische Universität München to create avatars. The result is a one-of-a-kind avatar based on creating the skin texture and shape from scratch.


University of Tokyo

As part of a competition for sustainable energy and community development in Second Life, we provided materials and offered consulting on community building and creation of rules. The Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, as part of its research exploring how to deploy and disseminate energy and environmental solutions, sought to create within Second Life a town embodying the general public’s idea of sustainable energy and the environment, and used this to research and observe what sort of sustainable approaches society should take. In addition, researching the consensus building process among participants allowed us to explore how consensus building works within virtual 3D communities.


Central Station SIM (JR East Consultants Company and Japan Space Imaging Corporation)

This SIM is a railway facility of the near future that emerges out of a natural vista. We created a “Dioramap” exhibition hall that carefully reproduced the beautifully constructed landscape, train station building, railroad tracks and trains, and the Izu Peninsula environs. The result is a near-future piece of architecture blending in with the beautiful landscape. We also put particular emphasis on the night illumination.


JETSTREAM Pavilion (MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO., LTD.)

This building was styled after JETSTREAM ballpoint pens, which tout “a smooth, silky flow that is downright addictive.” We reproduced the JETSTREAM worldview through attractions like a JETSTREAM Slider and a flying JETSTREAM item that was distributed to users. The building is designed to mimic the shape of JETSTREAM pens. We used a sculpted prim to allow for touch input to change colors and exhibiting models of products. This allowed us to reproduce the attractive and smooth curves of the actual pens.


JASDAQ Securities Exchange

This space was created in order to introduce the real-world JASDAQ Plaza in Tokyo, and its new securities market, NEO. The subdued cityscape and architecture give way to a showroom that is replete with a sense of opulence and gravitas. The articulated three-dimensional design of the four buildings comes together to create a comprehensive cityscape. The design allows visitors to start from a landing point and explore the various buildings around the city. The space recreates the look and feel of the JASDAQ Plaza and features a rich black tone, creating a distinctive contrast with the open space outside the facility. We also recreated the bell struck for the ceremonies when new companies are listed on the exchange. The virtual bell can actually be rung, too.


Cecile Co., Ltd.

This is a circular showroom/office styled after the “C” in the name Cecile. The combination of a glass-walled office and a swimming pool in the garden achieves a beautiful spatial structure that incorporates the company’s corporate image. In addition, a series of model campaigns we launched ensured that the space is always thronged with visitors. The glass-walled, clean showroom was produced jointly by ebisuya Spork and Onakagoo Dibou.


Naturum Island Resort (NATURUM Co., Ltd.)

Naturum Island Resort” is a SIM that serves as an outdoor community for nature lovers. Guests are encouraged to visit ”Naturum Island Resort”, which continues to evolve and offer areas to shop, walk, camp, surf, canoe, fish, and more, all in the beauty of nature.


TOHO GAS Co., Ltd. (delivered by GOV Co., Ltd.)

We were responsible for development of the online 3D aspect of a gas equipment simulator in 3D space.
We replicated gas equipment and PDAs used to manage facilities in careful detail in 3D, creating a simulator that allows for training in virtual space exactly as is done in the real world. We leveraged GOV’s IC tag technology and our expertise to bring this workflow online in 3D. Operators use the PDA screen like they would with the actual equipment, manipulating the 3D gas facilities to learn the steps. Mobile gas generation equipment is complicated to operate and is only used in emergencies, so operators must familiarize themselves with it in advance in order to use it in a smooth and reliable fashion. Thus far, training on actual equipment was time-consuming, costly, and required going to physical places, making it difficult to practice on a regular basis. This 3D simulator allows for easily training in use of the equipment in a low-cost approach that is nearly identical to the real thing. This simulator was built using OpenSim, an open-source 3D server. OpenSim, a core platform used for 3D spaces, allowed us to build a simulator at low cost, as well as accommodate remote simulations that may take place on future networks.


・- MegaForce Corporation, “SpiralS Promotion Video”

We replicated gas equipment and PDAs used to manage facilities in careful detail in 3D, creating a simulator that allows for training in virtual space exactly as is done in the real world. We leveraged GOV’s IC tag technology and our expertise to bring this workflow online in 3D. Operators use the PDA screen like they would with the actual equipment, manipulating the 3D gas facilities to learn the steps. Mobile gas generation equipment is complicated to operate and is only used in emergencies, so operators must familiarize themselves with it in advance in order to use it in a smooth and reliable fashion. Thus far, training on actual equipment was time-consuming, costly, and required going to physical places, making it difficult to practice on a regular basis. This 3D simulator allows for easily training in use of the equipment in a low-cost approach that is nearly identical to the real thing. This simulator was built using OpenSim, an open-source 3D server. OpenSim, a core platform used for 3D spaces, allowed us to build a simulator at low cost, as well as accommodate remote simulations that may take place on future networks.


・ KAYAC Inc., “ART-Meter”

We have started to promote works of art using the “Dynamic Art System” at “ART-Meter” Second Life Branch, etc., in collaboration with KAYAC Inc. and ableseed Co., Ltd.


Memoris Co., Ltd.

This is a cemetery we created within Second Life. Visitors to the park can look at the beautiful sunset and natural environs and think about their late friends while having a chat with someone. Once Second Life becomes more mainstream in society, these kinds of moments will become more widespread, we think.


GOV CO., Ltd.

We supported the client in the development of a new system. 
This included a system integrating with the real world for remote conferencing, and a system for clothing try-ons in apparel shops. We were responsible for offering development support for the Second Life aspects of the remote conferencing system and the clothing try-on system.
■ Reality-linked conference system
 Users carry an electronic tag and sit in a real-world conference room, causing their avatar to appear. The system also includes functionality to display PowerPoint presentations. (This allows for hosting remote conferences at a low cost while maintaining a strong sense of presence.)
■ Reality-linked apparel changing system
In this system, picking up clothing on a real-world hanger causes the clothing on your avatar in Second Life to change. (this can be used to check the appearance of outfits in retail stores, etc.)


SEPTENI CO., LTD.

The steampunk-style Septeni Rainbow Factory, with plumes of smoke in seven colors, mimics the way in which buildings are constructed in Second Life, and we reproduced an actual bar lounge found in the company’s office, along with conference rooms with views out onto the space. The focus was on creating a refined, elegant design, including the labels and packaging. Despite its small formfactor, the design also incorporates numerous unique features, such as multicolored rainbows that fly out, and a filling mechanism using barrels.


Honando Co., Ltd.

The design provides an architectural showroom, conference spaces, and a cafe that make good use of the sloped topography of the lot, encouraging movement throughout the facility.


Kaunet Pavilion (KAUNET Co., Ltd.)

We created a character featuring the company mascot, Kau-bo. Using a cute worldview catering to women, we created a miniature model cityscape. We put the Kau-bo character front and center, creating a unique aesthetic that goes beyond a mere office building. We then installed various Kaunet services within the charming miniature cityscape.


Cosmo Communications Inc.

This is an office/multi-purpose space with a modern design that captures the fashion-centric company’s image. The design takes into account continuity with the cityscape, allowing for people to naturally flow in from the city and create activity.


Other

Machinima commercial for INVAST Securities Co.,Ltd (directed by Donmai Frederick)