Establishment of the Virtual Character Entertainment Association for Healthy Growth

Establishment of the Virtual Character Entertainment Association

On May 1, 2025, a new organization, the Virtual Character Entertainment Association (VCEA), will be established in Tokyo. The founding members include Virtual Cast Inc., LATEGRA, and LOGIC&MAGIC, which aim to foster healthy growth in the live entertainment industry utilizing virtual characters. With technology advancements in CG and motion capture, virtual characters are increasingly performing live, capturing attention across anime, gaming, and VTuber domains. The growth potential of this industry extends not only nationally but also internationally.

As this trend evolves, the founding companies—Virtual Cast, LATEGRA, and LOGIC&MAGIC—realized the need for collaboration among companies involved in producing music events and other entertainment centered on virtual characters. Thus, they decided to establish this association to facilitate research focused on utilizing sensing and tracking technologies, as well as promoting the use of cutting-edge techniques to enhance performances.

The association’s primary objective is to fortify the competitive standing of its members both domestically and internationally and to lay a solid foundation for the industry’s healthy development. They are committed to inviting other organizations and companies that share their vision to join in various initiatives, primarily centered around the following activities:

1. Research and Development
- Conduct research projects related to virtual character live entertainment to push the boundaries of creativity and technical possibilities.

2. Promotion and Awareness
- Develop campaigns aimed at raising recognition and engagement levels with virtual character entertainment.

3. Talent Development
- Implement programs focusing on nurturing talent that can contribute to this evolving field, ensuring a steady stream of skilled professionals.

4. Support for Global Expansion
- Assist in promoting virtual character culture beyond Japan, fostering international collaborations and outreach efforts.

5. Additional Activities
- Engage in any other necessary actions to achieve the association’s purpose efficiently.

Statement from Executive Director Yukinori Watanabe

Yukinori Watanabe, the Executive Director of VCEA, expressed enthusiasm about the association’s mission: “We are currently witnessing the vast potential of virtual characters, as they transcend entertainment into significant impacts on society and culture. Our establishment is fundamentally to support this paradigm shift and to nurture the industry for further advancements.

The rapid evolution of technology surrounding virtual characters demands collaborative efforts from various creators and companies to produce richer expressions and offerings. Our association will ensure a safe and healthy environment for industry stakeholders while supporting innovative challenges to carve out the future of virtual entertainment.

Together with all involved, we aim to explore new horizons and deliver captivating content leveraging virtual characters.”

Overview of the Virtual Character Entertainment Association

- Name: Virtual Character Entertainment Association (VCEA)
- Establishment Date: May 1, 2025
- Executive Director: Yukinori Watanabe (LATEGRA)
- Board Members: Junsei Morita (FIREWORKS), Masatoshi Hayashi (Virtual Cast)
- Auditor: Jiro Kitamura
- Regular Members: Virtual Cast Inc., LATEGRA, LOGIC&MAGIC
- Location: Kabukiza Tower, 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Official Website: VCEA Official Site

This establishment marks an important step forward in the promotion and growth of virtual character entertainment, as these innovative technologies continue to revolutionize the entertainment landscape.