Tokyo Government Launches Virtual Tokyo Metaverse on Roblox to Promote Tourism
The Metropolitan Government of Tokyo has unveiled an exciting new project aimed at showcasing the city as a top tourist destination. The initiative, called “HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS,” is a virtual Tokyo Metaverse on the popular gaming platform Roblox. By leveraging the power of augmented reality (AR), the government hopes to provide users with an immersive sightseeing experience of Tokyo.
The virtual world, aptly named “MODERN TOKYO,” features iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Station, Tokyo National Museum, and Odaiba Area. Users can explore these famous sites and even participate in a “TREASURE HUNT” activity to learn more about the city. The goal of the app, according to a press release by the Tokyo Government, is to connect people from all over the world and introduce them to Japanese culture while promoting Tokyo as a must-visit tourist city.
Through the “TOKYO HUNT!” web app, users can turn their smartphones into a gateway to the virtual Tokyo. By completing quests within the world, users can earn a special ‘hololive friends with u‘ plushie to attach to their Roblox avatar. Additionally, there are checkpoints scattered throughout the virtual city where users can collect “Emblems.” For every three emblems collected, users will unlock unique rewards in the form of exclusive Roblox items. Furthermore, four of these checkpoints offer the opportunity to take photos using an AR camera with characters from HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS.
The launch of HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS coincides with the release of Tokyo’s Current Sightseeing Spots 2024, a survey conducted by the Tokyo Government. The survey gathered feedback from 3,000 Tokyo residents between the ages of 15 and 49 about what they would like to see in the virtual Tokyo. Interestingly, respondents were evenly divided between making the city known to the world, learning more about the city itself, and connecting with people from around the globe. This aligns with the creators’ expectations for the project.
When asked about the type of interactions they would like to have with people overseas in the game, the majority of respondents aged 20 and above expressed an interest in helping others understand Japanese culture and educating foreigners about the city. On the other hand, 15 to 19-year-olds were primarily interested in discussing common interests and playing games together.
The virtual Tokyo Metaverse project aims to foster innovation and establish a global ecosystem for immersive advertisements. Its launch on Roblox is expected to attract both gaming enthusiasts and individuals looking to explore Tokyo from the comfort of their own homes. With its lifelike sightseeing experience and interactive features, the virtual Tokyo Metaverse is poised to make a significant impact in promoting Tokyo as a tourist destination.
Analyst comment
I would evaluate this news as positive. The launch of the virtual Tokyo Metaverse on Roblox is an exciting project that aims to promote tourism and showcase the city as a top tourist destination. The immersive experience and interactive features are expected to attract both gaming enthusiasts and individuals looking to explore Tokyo from home. This initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on promoting Tokyo’s tourism industry.
