At the preview screening for the tear-jerking VR film "Anniversary," lead actress Rena Takeda and others held a talk session.

The VR film "Anniversary Date" will be released starting May 1st at internet cafes, karaoke venues, amusement facilities, hotels, and other locations nationwide equipped with " VR THEATER." Ahead of this, a media preview was held on April 19th at the fruit stand "KAJITSU_CLUB Caretta Shiodome" in Minato Ward, Tokyo.

Produced as the first anniversary commemorative work for "VR THEATER," the VR content viewing experience service developed by eje and Interpia, this film stars actress and model Rena Takeda and actor Shun Nishime. It is billed as Japan's first "tear-jerking VR" and is a moving love story. Production was handled by Dentsu Live Inc.

The story is set during the final spring of high school, just before graduation. Using the latest VR technology, viewers can experience the bittersweet days of high school youth with the immersive feeling of actually going on a date with the heroine "Saya," played by Takeda.

A talk show featuring Takeda and director Takashi Kubota was held at the preview screening.

 

Particularly during the schoolyard scene, where there was nowhere to hide, no staff could remain on set. Since wireless transmission wasn't possible either, the director and crew moved to a location out of camera view, leaving only the two leads behind. They entrusted the actors with both starting and ending their performance, relying on the duo's timing to act.

At that time, the director asked Takeda and the others, "Please tell us loudly when you're done," but the distance was too great for their voices to reach. In the end, the actors had to come to the staff to say, "We're done."

GoPro cameras used for 360-degree filming

Regarding the film's highlights, Director Kubota stated, "The sense of presence is completely different in 360 degrees. I want viewers to feel the potential that it might surpass what conventional visuals could achieve, even in terms of evoking tears." Takeda added, "It captures the sweet and bittersweet, poignant feelings unique to high schoolers, making it a truly sparkling film. I really hope everyone comes to VR THEATER to relive their high school days."

The preview venue, "KAJITSU_CLUB Caretta Shiodome," served fresh juices and smoothies made with seasonal fruits from Hokkaido. It also houses the VR collaboration space "VR THEATER," where visitors can enjoy various content using the "Gear VR" headset.

KAJITSU_CLUB Caretta Shiodome

VR THEATER attached to the store