Immersive Forest Therapy
2025-06-10 01:34:54

Experience the Future of Well-Being with Immersive Forest Therapy at Osaka Expo 2025

In a remarkable initiative aimed at enhancing well-being, Forest Digital Co., a leading wellness technology firm, has partnered with the Osaka Health Pavilion for the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo 2025. Starting from April 13, 2025, a permanent immersive experience featuring their pioneering technology, uralaa, will be available at the pavilion. This cutting-edge immersive space promises visitors a unique respite by enveloping them in stunning visuals and sounds from Japan's natural landscapes, such as the beautiful sceneries of Tokachi in Hokkaido and the tranquil hills of Minoh in Osaka.

The uralaa system employs world-first spatial Virtual Reality (VR) technology without the need for head-mounted displays (HMDs), allowing users from infants to the elderly to fully engage with this immersive experience. As visitors relax in this rejuvenating space, they will be treated to a visual and auditory feast that promotes deep relaxation and tranquility. Here, guests can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a transformative break in nature, making it an enriching addition to the Expo’s offerings.

The immersive space uralaa creates an environment that simulates being in a forest through expertly designed audiovisuals. The setup utilizes a wide horizontal screen to showcase nature visuals that fill the viewer's entire field of vision, streamed via cloud technology. This method allows for instantaneous updates based on seasonal or regional variations, ensuring that visitors always have access to diverse and breathtaking natural backdrops.

Scientific research has substantiated the physiological and psychological benefits of the uralaa experience. Visits to this digital forest bathing environment have been shown to induce reductions in heart rates, enhance parasympathetic nervous activity, and elevate mood. These advantages are comparable to traditional forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) and have been documented in a 2022 publication in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The concept received the Best Paper Award from the Human-Environment Association in 2023, further demonstrating its significance and effectiveness in mental health and wellness.

The uralaa immersive space will be available for a six-month period at the Osaka Health Pavilion, specifically in the resting area of the Mirai no Healthcare 2 section. Users will need to reserve select experiences on the Reborn Experience Route in advance, information for which can be found on the pavilion’s official website.

Forest Digital, founded in November 2019, is dedicated to leveraging digital technologies that share and promote the value of forests and nature. This innovative company was founded by former Yahoo employees and local forestry experts, aiming to answer the critical question: "Does technology bring us happiness?" With partnerships exceeding 20 organizations and ongoing implementations in healthcare, education, and public sectors, uralaa has already validated its potential as a wellness tool integrated into everyday spaces.

The immersive technology offers not only spectacular views of nature across Japan—spanning from Hokkaido to Kyushu—but also provides a soothing atmosphere with high-definition imagery and gentle soundscapes that positively impact the mind and body.

In summary, the uralaa installation at the Osaka Health Pavilion is more than just an exhibit; it's a profound experience that connects visitors with nature’s healing power, fostering mental well-being and relaxation against the backdrop of a world-renowned event. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this technological marvel that is redefining how we interact with nature digitally.


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Topics Health)

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