Japan is one of the major places where new technology is eagerly embraced by the populace. From computers to videogame consoles to cell phones, Japan has long been at the forefront of developing technology, s its no surprise to find they have begun rolling out virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences to the wider populace. In this particular case, it allows customers of the Blue Leaf Cafe to go on a virtual date.

The Blue Leaf cafe is offering customers the chance to spend time with a virtual friend – specifically, to go on a date with world-famous virtual music idol, Hatsune Miku. Hatsune Miku is the digital persona of a singing synthesiser application commonly known as Vocaloid. The character created for the vocaloid software has become famous worldwide, releasing albums and performing on stage as a virtual projection and even getting her own rhythm game videogame series. As such, she has become the most successful virtual idol in the world.

The Hatsune Miku ‘virtual date’ promo will be available at the Blue Leaf Cafe in Sendai City from 8th and 9th of July, and again from the 15th-17th July, 2017. The cafe will have custom smartphones available that come pre-installed with an augmented reality (AR) app titled ‘Miku Stroll Cafe Edition’ which allows customers to see and interact with Miku.

Although fans can only spend time with Miku for five days, the Blue Leaf cafe will be offering Miku-themed products for sale from 8th-31st July, 2017. Some of the products are in celebration of the character’s 10th Anniversary, which will be in August of 2017.

VRFocus will continue to bring you news on developments in VR and AR technology.