Virtual dating has long been a big part of the adult industry or quasi-adult industry in Japan.
What with all the reports of sexless Japan and "parasite singles" still living with their parents well into their thirties, you might almost be forgiven for thinking that "virtual boyfriends" apps and digital idols were responsible for the downfall of the nation.
There were more examples at Tokyo Game Show 2016 that will surely not do much for Japan's reputation in this regard.
The show featured an array of otome romance apps for ladies to find that Prince Charming in 2D form.
One ...
Feeling lonely in Osaka?
Don't waste time and money on those dating sites or call-girl services. Head to this ramen restaurant for a virtual date with a cute girl.
Visiting customers apparently receive cards with QR codes on them, which gives you access to one of five videos showing members of an idol group, Hamburgirls Z. In the video, the girls are having a ramen date with the camera, so it's almost like you are on a virtual date at the noodle joint.
The whole concept behind Hamburgirls Z is, as their name suggests, is that they love hamburgers, but I guess the Osaka-based ...
As we now know, what was touted as Japan's first adult virtual reality was so popular (and disorganized) earlier this month that it had to be closed down.
We were one of the many unlucky souls lining up outside that summer day in Akiharara, hoping to get in and see what the future of sexuality might look like.
With the glories of the internet we were able to find some of the treats we missed.
And here is another.
Called Chroma Key AR, which uses a smartphone and augmented reality (AR) technology to combine a digital image of a girl that displays on the screen with a ...
Tokyo Kinky was there on Sunday, loyally lining up in Akihabara for what had been touted as Japan's first ever adult virtual reality event. But all was in vain.
We had our suspicions about the event, given how shoddy the event's website was. Still, word had obvious got out -- that and how virtual reality is one of the big trends of the year and there had been promises of its adult implications for years.
There were hundreds of people trying to make it into a tiny venue in Akiba. We were all lining up patiently outside but the police eventually had to come and help control the size of ...
With the releases of Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR, there's been a lot of buzz recently about virtual reality.
And now people are finally starting to work on the best side of the technology: adult entertainment.
Japan's first adult virtual reality festival will be held on June 12th at popdojo in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Entry costs ¥3,000 (with photo ID). The event is open from 2pm to 6pm.
We have already been tempted by what Project Morpheus can offer in terms of virtual dating and SIMS, though an early preview sparked controversy and backlash.
We have since seen the ...
A kiss isn't always something most otaku have experienced yet. And they certainly haven't experienced it with their 2D idols (after all, who has?).
But that doesn't stop their fevered imaginations -- nor does it stop the people who want to make money out of otaku wet dreams.
The candy Kanro Ame has a new flavor: game idol kiss.
Girl Friend Beta, for those poor unenlightened souls out there, is a iOS and Android phone game, with a PlayStation Vita spin-off, manga versions and even an anime adaptation. Quite an industry already.
Essentially it's a dating simulator game with various ...
Every year lots of wacky and sometimes awesome tech gets showcased at CEATEC, the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies, at Makuhari Messe.
This year we had laundry-folding robots, among other projects.
ROHM Semiconductor and Techmac presented the Tokimeki Sensor, which can apparently identify the exact moment someone falls in love.
Optical sensors are able to pinpoint the way you respond to someone to show that moment when you apparently change inside and think, THIS is the one for me.
Well, that sounds more like it means the spark of attraction than anything, but ...
Have you ever wanted to go on a date with a female idol in Japan? Who hasn't?!
With the BotsNew 360-degree Virtual Reality Headset, now you can. The VR smartphone device by Megahouse works with the free BotsNew Player app for Android and iOS to provide you with ultra-realistic, 360-degree surround video experiences.
Some of these are innocuous, such as a roller coaster ride.
But one of the videos is a "date" with idol group, such as cult group Kamen Joshi (masked girls).
Here's a making-of video, showing how they filmed other video content bikini-clad girls to those ...
The web magazine Ignition had an interesting article about Daigo Igarashi, the "modern alchemist" who created the Female University Student No.10 perfume replicating the “scent of a girl”.
The aroma, one of many such smell fetish items in Japan, was showcased at the Niconico Chokaigi in April.
The fragrance was developed by Daigo Igarashi (also known by his handle/stage name “Hiroko Ashiyama”) who’s been busy researching the topic of “hacking the five senses.” It all started with a simple question: “Why do girls smell so nice?” which lead Mr. Igarashi to focus ...
Make the first "AI doll" based on gravure idol Ai Shinozaki.
First off, there's some serious wordplay going on here: "AI doll" is aidoru (idol), while Shinozaki's name also references "artificial intelligence."
In other words, some geeky boffins are planning to create a fully digital version of Shinozaki.
Virtual idols already exist aplenty, from Vocaloid music idols to AKB48 temporary digital members and virtual dating game idols.
How is this different?
Well, they are going to use artificial intelligence based on Ai Shinozaki.
The digital creation will speak like her and learn her ...
