Recently, various services utilizing the latest technologies and ideas have been offered to provide new experiential values beyond video streaming at online events.

Among them, virtual concerts, like the one held by US rapper Travis Scott in the online game "Fortnite", have gained attention. Users can operate their avatars (representations) to jump into a virtual space, travel to a live venue, and enjoy the concert together with someone else.

https://youtu.be/cPYA9Fsmo-0

Here in Japan, virtual live events such as the hip-hop artist kZm's "VIRTUAL DISTORTION" and the Shibuya ward-endorsed "Virtual Shibuya" have also been hot topics, so some of you might be aware of them!

https://youtu.be/kh98HyK8Z84

https://youtu.be/CJiCQdF8YJ8

To enjoy such an exciting virtual space, ZAIKO collaborated with the virtual live smartphone app "Anifie" to sell tickets for a virtual concert featuring US Christian hip-hop artist CANTON JONES on May 9 (Sunday).

What kind of experience can we expect from the ZAIKO and Anifie virtual concert?

Using a new service for the first time is exciting, isn’t it? I logged in right away!

To experience the virtual concert, I first bought the viewing ticket through ZAIKO as usual, and this time I downloaded the Anifie app and created a new account.

When it’s time for the concert to start, I entered the "Promo Codes" from the ZAIKO ticket purchase screen into the Anifie app and dove into the virtual space! It’s really easy♪

However, I would like to point out one thing…

Since I have already purchased the viewing ticket for the virtual concert on ZAIKO, be careful not to purchase a ticket again in the Anifie app. Don’t forget to enter the "Promo Codes" when joining the virtual space!

After logging in, I chose my favorite from several avatars, and once I safely arrived in the virtual space, I could freely move around the live venue.

I can enjoy chatting with people nearby, express myself using pre-set dance moves (the button in the lower right), and the controls are easy to learn. Also, you can add dance moves through in-app purchases! It’s just like an online game!

The wonderful thing about the virtual space is that I can express my current mood with spontaneous movements and engage in physical communication. Even though I can’t share a drink with someone there (laughs),

almost everything else feels like being at a real live event. While we still can’t gather closely in real-life settings, we can get as close as we like in the virtual space.

By the way, even in a virtual space, if you’re not fond of crowded places, you can move to a less crowded area and enjoy the concert at a leisurely pace! Finding your favorite spot is just like being in a club or a live house.

This virtual live event was a significant effort that can connect artists and fans amidst the changes forced upon the entertainment industry due to the spread of the coronavirus.

At ZAIKO, not only this virtual concert but also high-quality streaming features, multi-angle views, live commerce functions, and even extending into the realm of XR, we will continue to provide new live experiences like never before using various technologies.
Please keep an eye on our future initiatives♪