World's First Virtual Reality Viewing Service "VR THEATER" Now Fully Operational in Internet Cafes! Experience 360-Degree Immersion in "Attack on Titan," "Ghost in the Shell," and More at the "VR Movie Theater"

The world's first "VR Theater" in a cyber cafe (internet cafe) opened on April 7. This service, launched by Interpia and eje with the cooperation of the Japan Cyber Cafe Association, allows users to experience full-fledged VR content through permanently installed HMDs (head-mounted displays) at the store.

The first content offering is the limited-time "Attack on Titan Exhibition: 360° Immersive Theater 'Howl'". This highly talked-about experience was previously only available at the "Attack on Titan Exhibition" held in various locations since 2014. The second offering, "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Virtual Reality Diver", is scheduled for May.

"Attack on Titan Exhibition 360° Immersive Theater 'Howl'" (c) Hajime Isayama, Kodansha / "Attack on Titan" Production Committee

"Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Virtual Reality Diver" Click the image to view the official teaser video on a separate site. (c) Masamune Shirow, Production I.G / Kodansha / "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie" Production Committee

"VR THEATER" is realized through the integration of Interpia's content billing, in-store payment, and VR viewing log management system with eje's VR portal media "VR CRUISE". It is the world's first VR viewing billing service using cash payments at physical stores. Users complete check-in upon entering the store, rent an HMD, and view content within the store.

The HMD used is Samsung Electronics' "Gear VR," enabling high-definition image enjoyment. Additionally, the ball chair "TELEPOD," equipped with eje's VR4D system that provides body sonic feedback synchronized with the video, is deployed in some stores, enabling a more immersive VR experience.

"VR THEATER" is viewed using Samsung Electronics' HMD "Gear VR"

The ball chair "TELEPOD" with VR4D system is deployed in select stores

Mr. Hikaru Adachi of Dentsu Digital Inc. Business Bureau, collaborating with Interpia and eje on developing "VR THEATER" and "VR CRUISE" and creating content, emphasizes: "The only way to understand the wonder and potential of VR is to 'experience it yourself.' And in the best possible environment. This project makes that possible." He further outlined the vision: "Japan has fallen significantly behind Europe and the US in the VR business arena, and China is also rapidly intensifying its efforts. We actually see this launch as just the prologue. Starting with internet cafes, we aim to increase offline contact points in karaoke boxes and various commercial facilities, establishing a commercial foundation. This will drive improvements in the quality, quantity, and technology of domestic content. I believe this will eventually lead to the creation of a new industry that can compete globally."

Additionally, Shinjiro Yokoyama of the Publishing Business Development Division of Dentsu Inc. stated, "While the VR market has seen a rapid increase in entrants since last year, we have the proven track record of successfully monetizing with 'Attack on Titan Exhibition' early on. Moving forward, starting with 'VR CRUISE,' we aim to actively enter and invigorate the market by appropriately expanding contact points and ensuring a stable supply of content."

VR, seen as this year's top trend in the digital realm, appears to be finally establishing a full-fledged environment for content viewing.

VR CRUISE Net Cafe [VR THEATER] Overview

Implementation Period: April 7, 2016 ~

Participating Locations: 31 locations in the Kanto region ( http://www.interpia.ne.jp/vr/theater/)

Viewing Fee: 600 yen (tax included)

Enjoy various content on "VR CRUISE," the VR content portal operated by eje