LOUNGE /
ART
July 28, 2021
A Parallel World Appears in Shibuya's Miyashita Park: A New Form of Park for Virtual Enjoyment | FEATURES
FEATURES | Miyashita Park, Shibuya: A New Form of Park for Virtual Enjoyment
New Culture Linking the Real and Virtual Transmits from Shibuya
"Miyashita Park, Shibuya: Powered by PARALLEL SITE," a highly detailed virtual representation of Miyashita Park, has opened. A demonstration project for the advanced utilization of public spaces has begun under the auspices of Shibuya Ward.
Art Exhibitions, Original Merchandise Purchases, and User Interaction
Miyashita Park in Shibuya was redeveloped in the spring of 2020 to become a more attractive "wide-area utilization park." Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) then created the virtual space in cooperation with "Miyashita Park Partners." In collaboration with "Shibuya Future Design," they are undertaking diverse initiatives in the public park space.
There are two keys to unlocking this future world: the "browser version," accessed via information terminals like smartphones, and the social VR platform "VRChat," accessed through head-mounted displays and other devices.
In the virtual Miyashita Park, both day and night, users can choose an avatar to represent themselves, stroll around, and participate in events. They can also engage in voice conversations with other users present, take photos within the virtual space, and express their emotions with stamps like "fun" or "wonderful," allowing for deeper interaction.
In the art exhibition "YOU’RE THE WORLD," users can scan QR codes on posters in the real park to access the virtual space. Here, they can experience a new form of appreciation, distinct from the real world, within a space curated with the sensibility of the exhibition's creator.
The first installment is "Nairu Yamamoto Will Explain Paintings." Nairu Yamamoto, a popular model who is a self-proclaimed art enthusiast and a topic of conversation on Instagram, serves as curator, offering audio commentary from her unique perspective. Thirty-four masterpieces are exhibited in the virtual Miyashita Park, transformed into a museum. The exhibition features virtual-specific innovations such as subtitles for explanations, the ability to zoom in on parts of the paintings, and the display of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling frescoes overhead, just as they appear in reality. It's also fascinating to be able to enjoy paintings from around the world that would be difficult to gather in one place in reality.
At the end of the art exhibition, a virtual shop appears, selling tote bags and T-shirts from the "Nairu Yamamoto x Shibuya Ward Official Souvenir SHIBUKURO" collection as original merchandise for this exhibition.
The "VRChat OHANAMI WORLD 『Bloom Your Flower』" is experienced in VRChat. This virtual Miyashita Park is a space where cherry blossoms can be enjoyed year-round, with fireworks launched into the night sky and cherry blossom petals falling. It also features real park facilities and courts. While users can engage in "skateboarding" and "bouldering," there's no fear of injury in this virtual space. Since VRChat users can converse and take photos together, it's a welcome opportunity to gather in a virtual space and enjoy cherry blossom viewing and fireworks, activities that were difficult during the pandemic.
Moving forward, "Miyashita Park, Shibuya: Powered by PARALLEL SITE" will be offered as a new communication hub for the community to residents and visitors alike. By leveraging the functions of the virtual space, it will be possible to simultaneously and in parallel develop various initiatives, such as promoting the region's attractions, showcasing creators' works, fostering self-expression and interaction, and delivering corporate messages, regardless of time or location. Furthermore, plans are underway for experiential programs in collaboration with schools in Shibuya Ward and projects linked to events organized by Shibuya Ward. The unique developments by Shibuya Ward are eagerly anticipated.
Art Exhibition "YOU’RE THE WORLD" - Nairu Yamamoto Will Explain Paintings! (Browser Version)
- Period | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 – Sunday, October 31, 2021
- Participation Fee | Free
- Operating Environment | PC, smartphone browser
VRChat OHANAMI WORLD 『Bloom Your Flower』
- - Enjoy cherry blossoms and fireworks that couldn't be experienced due to the pandemic! (Experience in VRChat)
- Period | Wednesday, July 7, 2021 –
- Participation Fee | Free
- Usage Environment | VRChat app download and account registration required
*This may be changed without prior notice. Thank you for your understanding.
