Attendees at the Japan-Taiwan Industrial Metaverse Collaboration Forum explored business strategies that make use of Metaverse, a virtual space on the Internet. Moreover, the forum also charted how collaborations between Japanese and Taiwanese stakeholders enable the Metaverse application further.

Held on November 10 in Tokyo, Japan, the forum gathered 130 qualified industry players from the Metaverse-related industry both in Japan and Taiwan. The forum was among the sidelights of the Taiwan EXPO in Japan, which ran from Nov. 9 to 11 and hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) at Triangle Square of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building. 

The International Trade Administration (TITA) also collaborated in the operation of the Forum, which carried the theme of “AI to Reality, the Edge of the Metaverse.” 

Explores Insights Together

Participants took time to share their respective initiatives and exchanged opinions. Moreover, they also charted the future landscape and how their respective strengths can enable further advancements.

Simon Wang, President & Chief Executive Officer of TAITRA said in his opening address, “Taiwan has deep knowledge and history in semiconductors, and Japan in artificial intelligence (AI), games, and leading-edge robotics. Both countries are leading the world in the metaverse field.”

In addition, Wang expressed hope Taiwan will play a crucial role in introducing Japan’s attractive digital contents, taking advantage of its semiconductor technologies.

Meanwhile, in his keynote speech, James Lee, Senior Adviser of TAITRA, underscored how AI has paved the way for the accessibility of the metaverse, which has eventually brought changes to business models and styles.

“More importantly, metaverse does not have national borders. Which country a person comes from is not relevant. It has become difficult to determine whether the character in a content is from the physical world or AI. Thus, metaverse initiatives we can grow and work together with AI.  We are about to step into a new world that AI creates.  In such a world, it is important for Taiwan and Japan not only to trade each other, but also to explore new insights together.”

On the other hand, Kuniyoshi Mabuchi, Representative Director, Metaverse Japan, noted in a separate speech the depth of the collaboration of Japan and Taiwan in making breakthroughs. “Previously, 3D models were totally constructed manually. Now, they can be constructed easily on metaverse. Although there are various technological elements, there remains a huge room to improve. I believe, together, Japan and Taiwan will be able to solve problems and make the world a better place.”

Participating Companies

Following the keynote speeches, six metaverse companies – three from Japan and another three from Taiwan – presented their respective leading-edge initiatives.

They were HIKKY Inc. based in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo and deploys planning and operating and consulting services for metaverse; Holoeyes Inc. based in Minato-ku, Tokyo and provides virtual reality software for clinical examination and treatment and medical education; and 1-10, Inc. based in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto and handles AI software that produces cross-interaction between digital twin and the real world.

Meanwhile, three Taiwanese companies also showcased their respective leading-edge technologies and strengths. They were TG3D Studio Inc, which provides co-creation platform for 3D fashion designs; LightMatrix Inc., which deploys bodily sensation applications specialized on 3D display technologies; and KryptoGO Inc. which developed blockchain wallet for game players.