#Japan #Tokyo #Metaverse #DNP #Be Smart Tokyo

Innovations Through the Metaverse in Tokyo's Smart Project

The 2024 'Be Smart Tokyo' initiative led by Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to enhance urban living by integrating smart services powered by cutting-edge technologies. Among the key players in this project is Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), which is positioning itself as a facilitator of implementation through collaboration with startup firms to co-create innovative services, primarily leveraging the potential of the metaverse.

Understanding Be Smart Tokyo

The 'Be Smart Tokyo' project is a government-led endeavor aimed at making life in Tokyo more convenient and affluent through the implementation of advanced smart services. Starting in 2024, DNP has been selected as an 'implementation facilitator' and is tasked with closely collaborating with startups and technology providers. The goal is to co-develop services that utilize the latest technological advancements and propose these solutions to businesses and organizations that will utilize them.

Activities in 2024

Throughout 2024, DNP will collaborate with numerous startups and foundational companies, beginning the implementation of services centered around themes such as 'Metaverse Government Office,' 'Promoting Tokyo's Appeal,' and 'Educational Innovations.' This period will last from July 2024 to March 2025.

Case Studies

Case 1: The Metaverse Government Office

One innovative project is DNP's 'Metaverse Government Office' designed to offer administrative services accessible from anywhere, ensuring no one is left behind. By implementing a virtual space platform called 'XR Cloud,' developed by monoAI technology, a pilot program using AI avatars in the metaverse is being executed.

Case 2: Virtual Akihabara Events

In collaboration with the Akihabara International Film Festival, DNP showcases events in a unique environment that combines both physical and virtual experiences. The 'Virtual Akihabara' representation integrates 360channel's 'WEBmetaverse' features, allowing for a cyberpunk-themed recreation of the famous electronics district. This platform enables live streaming of events featuring voice actors and directors, creating a seamless blend of reality and virtuality for enthusiasts everywhere.

Case 3: Transforming Education through the Metaverse

DNP also addresses the challenge of educational accessibility through the creation of a 'Metaverse Secondary School' using the 'ZEP' platform from monoAI technology. By integrating game elements, this 2D metaverse allows students to participate in online classes and workshops without the need for physical attendance, thus promoting equal learning opportunities.

Conclusion

DNP's XR Communication business has been pioneering services that fuse the metaverse, XR, and AI technologies. Within the framework of the 'Be Smart Tokyo' project, the mission to create a universally accessible environment that provides smart services—regardless of time or place—remains a priority. Moving forward, DNP aims to leverage its assets and technologies to develop broadly applicable service models that can be utilized within Tokyo and beyond.

About DNP’s XR Communication Business

Since its inception in 2021, DNP's XR Communication initiative has focused on fostering new experiential and economic ecosystems that allow people of all ages, genders, and languages to navigate seamlessly between the real and virtual worlds. This includes educational support through metaverse technologies, revitalizing local communities, and enhancing public administrative services, all while facilitating digital transformation (DX) in governmental operations. DNP combines its strengths in expression technology and information processing to deliver diverse value in partnership with various organizations.

More about DNP's XR initiatives can be found here.