One of the negative effects of the concentration of population in Tokyo is the decline in the population of local cities. Since most of the people who move from rural areas to Tokyo are young people, there is a tendency for the aging of the local population to accompany their migration. In order to change this situation, local governments are actively holding events and providing support to promote migration and communicate the advantages of their prefectures. However, even though real events are the easiest way to understand the situation, there are only a few permanent events, so it can be difficult to schedule a visit to an event. If you can learn about the charms of a prefecture in the "metaverse," wouldn't you be able to think about emigrating without worrying about time or location? Akita Prefecture has announced the "Akita Migration and Exchange Metaverse Expo," a metaverse space themed to promote migration to Akita Prefecture!
Pavilion expressing Akita's uniqueness
The "Akita Migration and Exchange Metaverse Expo" is a metaverse space developed by Akita Prefecture and 3DCG production company Zeronium Corporation, with the aim of promoting migration to Akita Prefecture. The word "metaverse" may conjure up images of a variety of preparations that need to be made in advance, but since it can be accessed only with a web browser, there is no need to install dedicated software or applications, or to prepare VR equipment. The space can be easily accessed with PCs, smartphones, and tablets, so even those who are "not good at such things..." are said to be developing this space with the aim of making it easy to visit.
The field is in the shape of Akita Prefecture, with six pavilions featuring symbols and specialties of each region, set up according to the topography. It is easy to visually image the geography and location of the area.
Within the pavilions, information on migration support, childcare, and living in each region is presented in audio and video, allowing visitors to learn more about the region they are considering emigrating to. The pavilions are divided into the following regional categories
- Akita Inu Pavilion : Kazuno City, Odate City, Kita-Akita City, Kosaka Town, Kamikoani Village
- Shirakami Sanchi Pavilion : Noshiro City, Fujisato Town, Mitane Town, Happo Town
- Namahage Pavilion : Akita City, Oga City, Lagoon City, Gojome Town, Hachirogata Town, Igawa Town, Oogata Village
- Chokaisan Pavilion : Yuri Honjo City, Nikaho City
- Lake Tazawa Pavilion : Daisen City, Senboku City, Misato Town
- Kamakura Pavilion : Yokote City, Yuzawa City, Hago Town, Higashinaruse Village
Some of the avatars that move around in the metaverse space have a strong Akita color, such as " Ndatch," Akita Prefecture's PR character, " Komachi Musume," which is often depicted on packages of Akita Komachi, Akita's local fish, " Hatahata-hata&", etc. quot; which is the prefectural fish of Akita Prefecture. The "hata-hata" is a very sharp fish.
PR TIMESOn March 12, 2023 (Sunday), after the opening to the public, an event called "Exchange and Consultation Day" is scheduled to be held, where immigration representatives from various local governments in the prefecture will log in to the Metaverse space and interact with visitors. Visitors will be able to ask questions and get information about immigration support through text chat and hot spring chat, so please wait for further information on the Akita Prefecture immigration portal site, "Akita Living: The First Step ".
The "Akita Migration and Exchange Metaverse Expo" will be held on March 1, 2023. The "Akita Migration and Exchange Metaverse Expo" is scheduled to open to the public on March 1, 2023 (Wednesday). So, let's look forward to further information!
Zoom Webinar to unveil the new metaverse!
Prior to the public opening of the "Akita Metaverse Expo," a Zoom webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 19: 00 for the general public and the press! The webinar will be conducted using " Zoom ", a service used for online meetings, etc. A PC, smartphone, or tablet with "Zoom" installed will be required, but participation is free of charge. Advance registration is required. We look forward to seeing you at this event! Please check the "Peatix" event page for details on how to participate and register!
Time Schedule and Details
- 1) Doors open at 18:30
- 2) 19:00-19:05 Webinar Opening
- 3) 19:05-19:10 Opening remarks from the Prefecture
- 19:10 - 19:30 Explanation of Metaverse and deMonStration from Zeronium Inc.
- ⑤ 19:30 - 19:40 Information from the Prefecture on events on Metaverse to be held in March
- ⑥ 19:40-19:55 Q&A
- ⑦ 19:55 - 20:00 Closing remarks
Experience Corner at the event in Hamamatsucho, Tokyo!
A corner where you can experience the "Akita Migration and Exchange Metaverse Expo" before the Zoom Webinar will be set up at the "Akita Marugoto A-Turn Fair " to be held in Hamamatsucho, Tokyo! This is one of the largest immigration and job fairs in Akita Prefecture, so those who are considering immigrating to Akita should not miss this event. In addition to individual consultations and interviews, the two A-turn comedians " Neji " (@neji_sasa_seji) will appear on the event stage as MCs. The two "Neji" comedians, who are also well known for their "Clara no Hijagabu" (Clara's Hijagabu), will talk about their experiences in Akita and other stories about Akita immigrants. The "Akita Marugoto A-Turn Fair" will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Building, 2nd Floor Exhibition Room. Pre-registration is required to visit the event, so be sure to check the details on the "Akita Marugoto A-Turn Fair" event page and register before attending!