Metaverse Explored: Navigating Japan's Mobile Future in Virtual Realms

Japan's major mobile phone carriers are diving headfirst into the realm of the "metaverse" virtual world services, but there's a catch—they're struggling to turn a profit from these ventures. In their quest to attract and retain customers, these carriers are striving to distinguish their metaverse services by enabling a whopping 10,000 avatars to connect simultaneously. It's an ambitious goal that requires innovation and creativity.

One player in the metaverse game is NTT Docomo Inc., which established NTT Qonoq Inc., a subsidiary dedicated to metaverse-related businesses. Unlike other platforms, NTT Qonoq's metaverse space doesn't require users to download a separate app. Instead, it allows them to easily and freely connect via their smartphones and computers. It's all about convenience and accessibility.

 

Inside this metaverse space, users can immerse themselves in various scenes, like witnessing Godzilla engaged in a fierce battle against another formidable monster. But that's not all—users can take pictures with Godzilla, interact with other users, and create memorable experiences. Qonoq President Seiji Maruyama describes the metaverse as a technology that enhances communication. It's like a digital playground where imagination knows no bounds.

Not stopping there, NTT Docomo has developed groundbreaking technology that allows up to 10,000 users to connect simultaneously to the same virtual world as avatars. This impressive feat sets them apart from previous metaverse technology that only allowed a handful of people to connect at the same time. By reducing the burden of image processing, NTT Docomo has opened up new possibilities for large-scale virtual gatherings.

 

Meanwhile, KDDI Corp., another prominent mobile carrier, has its own charge-free metaverse space accessible through a special app. In this virtual realm, communication is limited to voice interactions, mimicking real-life conversations. The aim is to provide users with a near-real experience, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. It's an opportunity to engage in authentic interactions within a virtual environment.

 

On the other hand, SoftBank Corp., yet another player in the metaverse landscape, has gone the extra mile by setting up virtual stores in various metaverse worlds operated by companies from South Korea and beyond. These virtual stores offer users the chance to explore and discover newly released smartphones. But here's the fun part—the store clerks in these virtual spaces are actually avatars! Users can interact with these digital representations and gain insights into the latest smartphone offerings. It's like stepping into a futuristic world of technological wonders.

With all these companies offering metaverse services for free, the big question arises—how do they make these services profitable? It's a challenging feat that requires out-of-the-box thinking. Qonoq, for example, has introduced a service that allows university information sessions to be conducted within the metaverse world. The idea is to attract usage fees from relevant companies that can benefit from this virtual platform.

 

KDDI, on the other hand, is exploring the possibility of charging fees for transactions involving digital artworks using nonfungible token (NFT) technology on its metaverse service. By tapping into the growing popularity of NFTs, KDDI aims to create a revenue stream within the metaverse. It's a smart move that capitalizes on the intersection of digital art and virtual spaces.

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the metaverse, Japanese mobile phone carriers are vying for their place in this exciting new realm. With each company putting forth its unique offerings and revenue-generating strategies, the race is on to create immersive and profitable experiences that captivate users. The future of the metaverse in Japan is bright, and these carriers are determined to be at the forefront of this digital revolution

 

So, grab your virtual reality headset and get ready to step into a world where imagination meets technology. As Japan's major mobile phone carriers push the boundaries of the metaverse, the question remains: Will these innovative ventures pave the way for a profitable future or merely become fleeting virtual fantasies? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the metaverse is here to stay. Will you be a passive observer or an active participant in this digital revolution?