#Japan #Tokyo #Vket #HIKKY #Virtual Market

The Virtual Market 2026 Summer: Call for Exhibitors

The highly anticipated Virtual Market 2026 Summer, organized by HIKKY, is set to take place on VRChat from July 11 to July 26, spanning an impressive 16 days. Today marks the start of the general exhibitor applications for this spectacular event, which is recognized as one of the largest metaverse festivals in the world.

A New Beginning: Vket Invited Worlds

This summer edition introduces the exciting initiative of 'Vket Invited Worlds,' incorporating popular VRChat worlds as exhibition venues. One standout participant will be 'Poppy Alley', a world famously known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance within the VRChat community. Launched on September 29, 2019, Poppy Alley has welcomed over 6.5 million visits, embodying the essence of VRChat culture for Japanese users.


Internal Booth View of Poppy Alley World

The creator of Poppy Alley, Kokuriko, shared their enthusiasm, stating, “I’m looking forward to seeing how we can merge the vibes of Vket with Poppy Alley. Let’s make it fun, entertaining, and a bit silly for everyone!”

Theme: Ignition Point

The overarching theme for the 2026 iteration of the Virtual Market is 'Heat,' focusing on the vital role of creators' passion in driving innovation. The summer event’s specific theme, 'Ignition Point,' encourages creators to ignite their creative flames and embark on their latest projects. This commitment to fervor and innovation aims to uplift and inspire participants to effect change through their creations.

Exhibition Details: Expanding Opportunities

This year, the Virtual Market will feature a total of 19 worlds, expanding from previous events due to high demand. There will be 16 worlds in the 'PC World' category and three in the 'Cross-Platform World' category, providing a diverse range of options for exhibitors. Participants can choose from three exhibition formats: 'Space Exhibits,' 'Item Exhibits,' and 'Avatar Exhibits,' enabling them to showcase their creations in a way that best suits their skills and style.

Exhibition Formats:

• - Space Exhibits: Limited to 650 spaces.

- Cost: 3,300 yen (tax included).
- (Includes 40 spaces allocated to Poppy Alley)

• - Item Exhibits: Limited to 132 spaces.

- Cost: 1,100 yen (tax included).

• - Avatar Exhibits: Free of charge for 75 spaces in the Cross-Platform World category.

Important Dates:

• - Exhibition application: Open from March 6 to March 16.
• - First lottery results announcement: March 25.
• - Second lottery results announcement: April 3.

New Worlds to Look Forward To

The Virtual Market 2026 Summer will introduce various exciting new worlds, including:

• - Poppy Alley: Fun Vket Shopping District – A lively marketplace filled with cheer and camaraderie.
• - Deep Mist – A mysterious town rich in nature and beauty, but filled with enigmas.
• - Oedo Mechanica – A futuristic city where gravity defiance and whimsical attractions abound.
• - VOLTAGER – A thrilling gaming realm showcasing electric gaming adventures.

The Virtual Market Experience

The Virtual Market (Vket) is renowned as a massive event held in an online metaverse where participants can immerse themselves in vibrant environments as avatars. Here, they can buy and sell 3D items, clothing, and food, and experience exciting attractions, all in a setting reminiscent of real-life interactions with friends.

Since its inception in 2018, Vket has continued to grow, hosting more than 1.3 million participants each year and earning four Guinness World Records. The event serves as a breeding ground for creativity and connection among exhibitors and attendees.

Official Links:
Official Website
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram

For those looking to make their mark at this incredible event, get ready to unleash your creativity and join us at the Virtual Market 2026 Summer! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.

About HIKKY

HIKKY is dedicated to fostering cultural and creative adventures through the fusion of virtual experiences and cutting-edge technology. As a prominent player in organizing significant metaverse events like the Virtual Market, they continue to pave the way for new innovations and values in both virtual and physical realms.