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A Historic Event: VketReal 2025 Summer

In an unprecedented showcase of the merging of virtual and real worlds, VketReal 2025 Summer took place over two exhilarating days at Bellesalle Akihabara from July 26-27, 2025, drawing an astonishing number of 50,000 attendees. Organised by HIKKY, this event set a new attendance record, reflecting the undiminished enthusiasm for the metaverse even in a post-boom climate.

The Experience of 'Parareal'

VketReal brought to life the concept of 'parareal' spaces where the virtual and the real coexist and interact. Attendees had the chance to engage with avatar culture and the latest XR technologies while connecting with creators and other visitors. This immersive space encouraged participation, allowing everyone—creators, communities, and businesses—to become part of the content on display. It's not just an event; it’s a phenomenon where virtual culture seamlessly blends into daily urban life.

The event wasn’t just for core VR enthusiasts; families, travelers, and couples all found something to enjoy. The VketReal experience has evolved into a new cultural movement, integrating virtual interactions into the fabric of the city’s activities. Collaborations, such as those with UK-style pubs HUB, further amplified this cultural exchange, allowing visitors to experience a slice of Akihabara’s vibrant community.

Exciting Activities and Guest Experiences

One of the standout features of VketReal was the diverse range of activities available for attendees. One particular highlight was 'V Duel', a next-gen interactive boxing game where players competed in real life to smash watermelons with VR gloves, engaging both virtual and real participants and creating a lively atmosphere. Visitors expressed their enjoyment of the unique challenges, making it a crowd favorite.

Another beloved attraction was the 'MOKURI Project' booth, where the adorable character MOKURI, designed by Tsukushi Akihito and HIKKY, handed out snacks and stickers, melting hearts with its fluffy interactions. Guests, both young and old, relished the experience, sharing their joy across social media platforms.

Moreover, a towering robot named 'Fibberion' created waves as visitors could operate it in both virtual and physical spaces, giving them a taste of future tech. Attendees were enthralled by the immersive sensation of piloting a giant robot, further enhancing the sense of wonder at the event.

Overall, the event featured 107 creative groups exhibiting unique ideas, showcasing custom 3D avatar merchandise and cutting-edge technology. Feedback from visitors highlighted a notable closeness between them and the creators, with many expressing their astonishment at discovering unexpected innovations that struck a personal chord with them.

Beyond the Event: A National Movement

Not limited to Akihabara, VketReal is on a mission to establish a nationwide ecosystem, as evidenced by the successful 'VketReal in Sapporo' event held earlier on July 21, 2025, drawing over 1,000 attendees. This sparked interest from creators across seven cities who wish to replicate this unique experience in their hometowns. The excitement surrounding these community-driven initiatives is palpable.

Collaborative Experiences

The spirit of collaboration was omnipresent throughout VketReal, with businesses and organizations representing more than just sponsorships. They actively contributed to the event's success by designing innovative experiences that blended into the urban landscape. Intel showcased engaging demonstrations that connected with attendees through interactive displays, and Universal Entertainment drew crowds with an immersive slot machine experience that also featured unique giveaways, crafting memorable moments for all.

To entrench environmental awareness within the event's offerings, there were demonstrations such as the VR construction site by Toyo Construction, where participants faced simulated challenges highlighting the importance of safety in high-risk environments. Educational initiatives like DNP's Minecraft-based carbon-neutral education further resonated with visitors, blending play with informative insights on sustainability.

A Bright Future

As the vibrant pulse of Akihabara continues to thrive through its digital and real-world partnerships, feedback from participants suggests that VketReal has transformed the way people perceive and interact with urban spaces.
Participants were enthusiastic about the future, expressing their desire not only to bring VketReal to their cities but to travel nationally to participate in this growing movement. The magazine reflects an evolving cultural landscape, driven by community engagement and technological innovations that captivate audiences both physically and virtually.

VketReal stands not only as an event of attendance numbers but as a cultural catalyst paving the way for future connections between creators, technology, and the public. As the borders between the real and virtual continue to blur, we expect to see even more spectacular gatherings that celebrate creativity, innovation, and community in a parareal world.