Virtual Osaka Launches! A Stroll Through a Near-Future Space

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for face-to-face meetings have decreased, and the virtual space 'Metaversa (Metaverse)' has begun to gain attention. This is a three-dimensional virtual space created in non-real environments such as the internet or games, where people can enjoy various content using avatars that represent their identity. Last year, Facebook company renamed itself to 'Meta,' sparking heated discussion, and the application of the Metaverse is spreading globally.

In Osaka, Japan, a city-linked Metaverse called 'Virtual Osaka' has appeared.

Virtual Osaka, to support the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo and spread the charm of Osaka both domestically and internationally, had a pre-launch in December 2021 and officially opened on February 28, 2022. People can use various devices at home or outside to communicate with people around the world in real time, or enjoy virtual live concerts.

Of course, there are no restrictions on age, gender, or nationality! Come and enjoy a brand new city experience of Osaka together with people from all over the world!

● Strolling in the New City with an Avatar

To enter Virtual Osaka, simply download the VR service 'Cluster' from the official website and register a free account! Anyone can easily join via smartphone or computer. After selecting a favorite avatar from the two initial preset avatars in the app, head straight into the world of Virtual Osaka to explore!

At the entrance, the massive Tower of the Sun suddenly appears! This is the iconic tower created by artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Osaka World Expo, full of Osaka's unique style. The avatar's clothing design, inspired by parts of the Tower of the Sun, is also very stylish.

Looking around, there is a place like a waterfall, from where you can teleport to various areas. Even Tokyo's Virtual Shibuya can be reached in an instant.

It's like playing a game — you can easily control movement and jumping. There are instructions in the app, so feel free to refer to them.

So I leaped straight to Osaka's virtual space, the 'New City Area'!!

The scenery is completely different, turning into a space where Osaka's landmarks like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are gathered together. Although it's the most common sight in Osaka, seeing it in an unreal space gives an incredible feeling. Wow, this is Virtual Dotonbori! There are so many unique signs standing here — it's truly moving.

The view from Ebisu Bridge is exactly the same as reality, with the Dotonbori River flowing underneath.

In reality, jumping into the river is forbidden due to danger, but thinking it's a virtual space, I tried jumping into Dotonbori...!?

Then a warning sign appeared: 'You can't jump even in the virtual space.' I'm sorry, I was wrong! I won't jump.

At tourist spots like Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and Kaiyukan, you can take photos and play sports, so be sure to check them out!?

● You can also create original avatars and chat with others

If you use the features of the virtual app 'cluster,' you can also create original avatars for free. After choosing a preferred face and hairstyle to create your own exclusive avatar, come show it off in Virtual Osaka!

You can also chat freely with people you meet in Virtual Osaka via chat software. I also mustered up the courage to say hello. If you become friends, don't forget to apply and add them as friends!

The circle of friends in the virtual space is endless. Come make many friends!

After becoming friends, take a commemorative photo — get ready, Glico pose ☆

● Looking forward to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo?

It is said that many new features will be added in the future, such as shopping in a virtual shopping street and having actual products delivered, or holding live concerts at the live performance venue — endless fun. The other day I tried attending a virtual live concert, and I could also perform actions like clapping and waving glow sticks — it felt just like going to a real concert, so enjoyable!

Content is continuously being uploaded — this is truly Osaka's digital entertainment content.

People who cannot come to Osaka due to the pandemic can also experience the fun of visiting Osaka through Virtual Osaka.

Please follow the upcoming events and be sure to experience Virtual Osaka!

I hope that during the 2025 Kansai-Osaka World Expo, everyone can come to the real Osaka and enjoy sightseeing.

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