Ryugu-kun Takes 23rd Place in Nikkei Trendy Hit Forecast 2026

Ryugu-kun Ranks 23rd in Nikkei Trendy Hit Forecast 2026

JP UNIVERSE Inc., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has achieved a remarkable milestone with its platform, Ryugu-kun, being ranked 23rd in the Nikkei Trendy Hit Forecast for 2026. The official announcement was made during an event held on November 3, 2025, at the Otemachi Place Hall & Conference. This annual ranking, published by Nikkei BP, is an authoritative guide that showcases various products, services, and technologies expected to trend or grow in the following year, based on evaluations from industry experts.

Ryugu-kun has garnered acclaim for its innovative concept of connecting the gaming world with reality, creating a new economic ecosystem. Unlike traditional games, Ryugu-kun enables not just creators and players but also businesses and local governments to engage in economic activities within the game, positioning it as a “next-generation local revitalization model.” This has attracted significant interest as it promises to inject new life into local economies.

What is Ryugu-kun?

Ryugu-kun is an engaging and imaginative RPG developed by original creators from the renowned Final Fantasy series. It invites players to engage in the creation of an alternate Japan, where they can build a new virtual nation. Set in a land inspired by various elements from Japanese mythology, culture, and history, players take on the role of creators, designing characters, streets, stories, and items freely within the game.

One of the standout features of Ryugu-kun is its UGC (User Generated Content) economy. Users can create avatar clothing and other digital assets that can be sold or utilized by other players, thereby blurring the lines between creativity and economic activity. This user-driven economy represents a significant shift in how gaming can empower individuals to monetize their creativity.

In addition to enhancing user experience, Ryugu-kun also serves as a platform for regional revitalization. Businesses and local governments can introduce their products, services, tourist attractions, and cultural resources into the game environment, offering users unique opportunities to experience real-world items during gameplay. This interactive promotion is designed not only to create new customer interactions for businesses but also to showcase the allure of local brands on both national and international stages.

A New Economic Sphere

The design of Ryugu-kun as an economic activity platform pivots on user-generated content production alongside participation from corporations and municipalities. The incorporation of mechanisms such as game commerce and point services aligns the game with real-world economics, thus generating a sustainable cycle of creation and consumption. This paradigm establishes a novel economic space where play not only entertains but also drives economic expansion.

Moreover, by leveraging the diverse cultural and commercial content from across Japan, Ryugu-kun aims to present these riches to a global audience through the power of gaming.

JP UNIVERSE is committed to fostering an inclusive creator economy where everyone can participate in creative endeavors and economic activities through Ryugu-kun. The beta version of this groundbreaking platform is slated for release in 2026.

For more information on this ranking, check out the official Nikkei Trendy website. Further details regarding Ryugu-kun’s development can be found in various press releases available on our official website.

Source: Nikkei BP, Nikkei Trendy Official Website