To members of the media

Japan Arts Council
February 24, 2022

Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM
Relaunches as the Metaverse
Avatar Feature can be Enjoyed from PC and Smartphones
Since 2019, the Japan Cultural Expo Secretariat has been developing the Japan Cultural Expo
to promote Japanese culture and art. The project aims to create a better future bycommunicating the diverse and universal appeal of the beauty of Japan, both within thecountry and beyond, and passing it on to future generations.
The Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM, a space for experiencing culture throughdigital content, opened on August 17, 2021. In addition to in-person experiences in various
parts of Japan, the platform offers the opportunity for digital natives to enjoy virtualexperiences, and to those for whom visiting on-site is difficult.
On February 24, at 4 P.M., the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM will have amajor relaunch as part of the much-talked-about Metaverse. The avatar function will allow
visitors to have a more immersive experience and to enjoy playing with multiple avatars.
Furthermore, three new areas have been added to the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUALPLATFORM (in addition to the current Water Museum): Main Square, Forest Village andWood Art Theatre.
All features will be available through PC browser, as well as on smartphones and tablet
devices by downloading the app. This will mean that a wide range of people, both within
Japan and beyond, will be able to enjoy the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL EXPO.
Future plans include the launch of a video that combines the music of Joe Hisaishi with eachof the Japan Cultural Expo's programs, as well as an online live tour.
There will be further intereactive content and online events added in future. The Japan
Cultural Expo Secretariat looks forward to having everyone experience the renewed Japan
Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM.

To members of the media

Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM
URL: https://japanculturalexpo.bunka.go.jp/en/vp/
Launch date: February 24, 2022 at 4:00 PM (JST)EnglishJapanese

Overview of the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM

 Main Square:
The Main Square is the first area that visitors to the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL
PLATFORM will visit. A large display will be used for events.
 Forest Village:This is an area where visitors can explore and browse content throughout the forest, anddisplayed in an old folk house. Over 20 pieces of content related to art festivals and outdoor art
will be showcased.
 Water Museum:
A museum-like space set on top of a large waterfall, where visitors can view content. Over 250
works of art, cultural treasures and other content from various fields will be on display.
Wood Art Theatre:

With a Japanese touch and a variety of displays, this area offers a unique experience in avirtual space. More than 80 pieces of content related to the performing arts and traditional arts
will be showcased.

To members of the media

About avatars and other features– Avatars: Choose from a total of four colours, register a nickname (up to 30 characters,
including alphabets, numericals and symbols), and log in.
– Other features: You can use your avatar to communicate with other users, and you will
be able to send heart and other stickers to show emotion.
About the future development of the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM
1. Online live performance (March 9 and 10)
・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Fashion in Japan’ (scheduled forMarch 9, at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (JST)):
A special guided tour of the exhibition ‘Fashion in Japan 1945-2020’, held at theNational Art Center, Tokyo from June 9 to September 6, 2021, will be available foravatars to view.
・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Behind the Scenes at the National
Theatre’ (March 10, at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (JST)):
Avatars will be given a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Theatre, which would
not normally be accessible to the public.

To members of the media– Application period
・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Fashion in Japan’:February 24 – March 6
・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Behind the Scenes at theNational Theatre’:February 24 – March 7–Capacity
50 people per tour

– How to apply
・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Fashion in Japan’
Japanese website:
https://www.his-j.com/oe/detail/T4/?area=O9&country=OEA&city=HOJ&product=HOJ2037

English website:
https://bushisgo.rezio.shop/ja-JP/product/OET9004

・ Live tour with commentary on the special video, ‘Behind the Scenes at theNational Theatre’Japanese website:
https://www.his-j.com/oe/detail/T11/?area=O9&country=OEA&city=HOJ&product=HOJ2038

English website:
https://bushisgo.rezio.shop/ja-JP/product/OET9005

2. Japan Cultural Expo x Joe Hisaishi collaboration video (during March)
Visitors will be able to view a special video that combines footage from the World
Dream Orchestra 2018 concert by Joe Hisaishi, who has composed music for numerous
Studio Ghibli films and commercials, with footage from various projects from theJapan Cultural Expo.
3. Further developments
・ Vtuber content:
Special content in collaboration with Vtubers to be launched on the Japan Cultural
Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM, and videos of Vtubers experiencing the virtual
platform to be launched on their channels.
・ Influencers’ reports:
Influencers will report on their experience of the special exhibition, ‘The World of
Traditional Performing Arts’ and the Japan Cultural Expo VIRTUAL
PLATFORM, which will be posted on the landing page of the Japan Cultural
Expo VIRTUAL PLATFORM.
The latest information on the Japan Cultural Expo can be found on the official website
and various social media accounts.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JapanCulturalExpo/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/japanculturalexpo/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/enJPCultureExpo
Official website - https://japanculturalexpo.bunka.go.jp/en/

To members of the media


Recommended operating systems *・ Windows (PC):Windows 10 or later
GPU, and memory (RAM) 8GB
Video memory 2GB or above
Latest version of Google Chrome recommended as browser
・ Mac:
10.12 (macOS Sierra), 10.13 (macOS High Sierra), 10.14 (macOS Mojave), orlater
GPU, and memory (RAM) 8GB
Video memory 2GB or above
Latest version of Google Chrome recommended as browser
・ SmartphoneiPhone (iOS13.4 or later) / Android (9 or later)(Screen display available on landscape mode only)
・ TabletiPad (iPadOS13.4 or later) / Android (9 or later)(Screen display available on landscape mode only)* Please note the following:
Please update your browser to the latest version and access from a stable communication
environment. The programs may not be available to view depending on your security settings.
The apps can be downloaded from the URL’s below.
AppStore (iOS):https://apps.apple.com/app/id1609018647
GooglePlay (Android):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Nihonhaku.NihonhakuApp

Contact:
Japan Cultural Expo PR Secretariat
TEL: 080-7092-2070 (Japanese language) E-Mail: press@japanculturalexpo.jp
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM JST (except weekends and holidays)