Toraru Selected as Finalist in 2025 Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch

Toraru at Phocuswright: A New Era in Travel Technology

Toraru, a pioneering company based in Kobe, Japan, has made headlines by being selected as one of the finalists at the prestigious 2025 Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch. This event, co-hosted by Phocuswright and Wit, focuses on the future of the travel industry by spotlighting innovative and transformative ideas.

About the 2025 Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch

The competition, which is set to take place in Barcelona, Spain, will welcome 19 finalists selected from nearly 200 entries. Among these finalists, nine startups will compete in a live pitch event on June 10, showcasing their revolutionary ideas in travel technology. Toraru has been recognized in the Wildcars sector, which aims to address next-generation challenges in travel within the Asia-Pacific region.

Who is Phocuswright?

Founded in 1994, Phocuswright is a specialized research company in the travel sector. It provides invaluable insights into current trends, market dynamics, digital technologies, and business models in the travel industry. Their research supports industry stakeholders in understanding market landscapes and strategizing for future developments.

Introducing Wit

Established in 2005 and based in Singapore, Wit is a digital platform leading the charge in transforming the global travel and tourism industry. Through its events and media, it highlights themes of innovation, technology, and marketing, presenting new trends and innovations in digital travel.

Understanding Toraru's GENCHI Platform

Toraru offers the GENCHI service, which is a remote embodiment travel platform designed for individuals grappling with the challenges of travel, such as time, cost, and health risks. The platform connects users with local resources—such as individuals and robot owners—to facilitate remote experiences that share sensory elements like sight and sound. This innovative approach aims to replicate the feeling of actually being present in another location, even allowing users to 'attend' destinations like international expos through an immersive interface.

In essence, GENCHI operates as a real-world metaverse, providing an experience that users find remarkably similar to physically being there. It enhances the traditional meeting formats by delivering twice the quality of existing video conferencing systems. By establishing a successful model primarily in regions with robust communication infrastructures, Toraru aims to pioneer a future where technology frees individuals from traditional movement and locations.

Addressing Employment and Efficiency

Beyond individual experiences, Toraru aims to streamline business processes for companies facing labor shortages, enabling staff to execute tasks remotely. For example, a user wishing to attend an expo can achieve this through GENCHI, combining participation with professional goals. Additionally, this model encourages the creation of new job opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute during their free time.

About Toraru Inc.

With a mission to create a world where everyone can move freely and be themselves, Toraru is dedicated to developing and operating the GENCHI platform. The company envisions a future where users can log into any desired location and achieve their objectives without the constraints of physical presence. By applying human-augmentation technologies, the company intends to enhance the sensory sharing capabilities of GENCHI, continuously improving realism in remote interactions. Toraru aims to construct a world where everyone can attain their goals without being bound by geographical limitations.

Company Overview:

- Company Name: Toraru Inc.
- Location: Naniwa-cho 56, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- CEO: Jun Nishiguchi
- Founded: April 2018
- Services: Development and operation of the GENCHI remote embodiment platform
- Website: toraru.co.jp