#Japan #uralaa #Forest Digital #Yuuki Kaneko #Tokachi, Hokkaido

Forest Digital Strengthens Leadership with New CBO Appointment

Forest Digital Inc., the company behind the innovative immersive viewing platform uralaa, has recently announced that Yuuki Kaneko has been appointed as the Chief Business Officer (CBO). With an extensive background in advertising, media, and entertainment, Kaneko is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the company's goals.

The Expanding Market of Immersive Entertainment

The immersive entertainment sector has witnessed explosive growth, especially in the United States, with venues such as Cosm and Sphere leading the way. This surge indicates an increasing demand for location-based entertainment (LBE) on a global scale. By leveraging its unique approach, uralaa aims to position itself as a frontrunner in this burgeoning marketplace.

The recent appointment of Kaneko is not just a change in leadership; it is a strategic move to enhance the company's management structure as it ramps up the deployment of its services.

Kaneko brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in comprehensive advertising agencies and internet advertising companies, culminating in leadership positions at Gree and Kurashiru. In these roles, Kaneko was responsible for business development, organizational management, mergers and acquisitions, and played a key role in driving initial public offerings (IPOs). Now, as the CBO of Forest Digital, he is committed to accelerating the company's growth trajectory further.

Introducing a New Experiential Platform

uralaa offers a unique immersive viewing experience centered around sports, music, and entertainment, promising a new way of enjoying favorite activities. With features like 360-degree live streaming, multi-faceted projections, and simultaneous connections from various locations, uralaa delivers an immersion level previously unattainable with traditional viewing methods. This platform invites those unable to attend live events, such as games and concerts, to feel as though they're right there in the action.

Kaneko's involvement is expected to significantly enhance the company's business development and partnership strategies, aiming to solidify uralaa as the go-to brand for immersive viewing experiences.

Insights from Kaneko and CEO Tsuji

In Kaneko's own words, “When I first experienced uralaa, I was captivated by the potential to create a compelling arena by combining live sports and music. This excitement has only grown as I see that potential taking shape, motivating my decision to join.”

Kaneko also recognizes the potential of immersive sports entertainment venues in the US, highlighting the rapid growth of the LBE market. He emphasizes that Forest Digital is enriched by a talented team, including co-founders and Executive Vice President Manabu Yamada, making it well-equipped to leverage Japan's unique content and business opportunities to create innovative experiential ventures.

CEO Yuuji Tsuji shares his enthusiasm for Kaneko’s return, “It has been 11 years since we last collaborated at Gree, and seeing Kaneko back on the team feels fortifying. His determination and execution in unfamiliar territories align perfectly with what Forest Digital needs now.” Tsuji expresses confidence that Kaneko’s insights will further enhance the immersive experiences that uralaa has to offer.

Future Developments with uralaa

Looking ahead, uralaa has already planned various immersive events. Notable collaborations include:

• - DAZN Immersive LIVE Viewing at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, where matches from the J1 League will be live-streamed to attendees at a special booth at the expo.

• - Immersive LIVE coverage of the 73rd Katsushika Fireworks Festival broadcasted from Tokachi, Hokkaido to audiences in Tokyo.

• - A partnership with J-WAVE to create an innovative musical experience using uralaa.

About Forest Digital

Forest Digital operates under the mission of providing “wow! and happiness anywhere in the world.” With the uralaa platform, it aims to create next-generation viewing experiences by delivering diverse content encompassing sports, music, entertainment, and natural experiences. The overarching goal is to establish uralaa as synonymous with immersive viewing in Japan and beyond.

You can find more information about Forest Digital and its offerings on their official website.