As part of the MEXT initiative “Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)” and the Cabinet Office’s “Regional Core University Innovation Creation Enhancement Project”, Okayama University collaborated with the City of Takahashi to exhibit a booth at the Okayama Prefecture event Okayama ‘Momotaro’s Summer Vacation’ held from August 22 to 24 inside Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The booth attracted approximately 600 visitors over the two days. This student-led project aims to address regional challenges such as population decline through the power of Tourism DX, with the broader goals of revitalizing local communities and creating a society where everyone can enjoy tourism.

The theme of the Takahashi City booth was “Let’s See It from the Sky! Bicchu Matsuyama Castle in the Clouds.” The booth featured aerial drone footage developed through research at Okayama University. Visitors were invited to sit on a model aircraft, wear VR goggles, and experience an immersive flight above a sea of clouds. Among the highlights was a 3D metaverse video jointly created by Okayama University students and a university-launched startup. This virtual world recreated Bicchu Matsuyama Castle and the city’s mascot, Neko Joshu Sanjuro, allowing visitors to explore the castle town. The experience was well received by a wide range of age groups, from children to adults.

Visitors shared comments such as “The visuals are incredibly beautiful” and “I’ve been to the castle before, but seeing it from this angle was moving.” Wheelchair users were also seen enjoying the VR experience, giving students a tangible sense of the potential for realizing a society where everyone can enjoy tourism. On the final day, the event featured a traditional performance by the Bicchu Kagura Preservation Society, as well as tourism promotions by Mayor Ishida Yoshio of Takahashi City and Neko Joshu Sanjuro, which brought great excitement to the venue.

This initiative is not limited to tourism promotion; it aims to address regional challenges through Tourism DX and contribute to the realization of a Well-being-oriented society. Students actively considered how best to convey regional charm and transform it into an experience accessible to all. Through observing visitor reactions firsthand, they gained practical, hands-on learning opportunities.

The VR content and drone model showcased at this event are also scheduled to be exhibited at the Okayama University R&D Showcase 2025 on December 2, 2025. Additional screenings during the cloud-season and permanent exhibitions at facilities within Takahashi City are under consideration. The achievements of students and the university-launched startup are expected to contribute to tourism promotion and the enhancement of regional Well-being.

※ Promotional video of the VR content: here.

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