DNP Conducts Feasibility Study on Metaverse Adoption in Overseas Smart City Development

Tokyo, January 19, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) conducted an in-depth feasibility study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between November 2022 and January 2023. The study, conducted in conjunction with Marubeni Corporation (Marubeni) and PwC Advisory LLC (PwC Advisory), investigated the potential for developing services utilizing a cloud based virtual space Metaverse targeting the development of a Smart City as next-generation urban-model.

Image of Metaverse-driven receptivity test.

Background

In 2022 the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) conducted the FY2022 Feasibility Study Program on Overseas Deployment of High-Quality Infrastructure (Study to Promote Overseas Deployment of Infrastructure by Japan).

In this latest development, a Marubeni proposal was selected as the METI research project, and investigations are underway regarding possible investment participation in a joint development and operational enterprise with potential local partner companies in Vietnam. The three companies jointly conducted a survey as part of a feasibility study for the implementation of smart solutions and the use of the metaverse.

Since 2021, DNP has been promoting an Extended Reality (XR) communication business to create new experience values and economic zones. We will leverage our know-how accumulated in the creation and operation of Metaverse projects in this latest study. 

Feasibility Study and Results

On December 10th and 11th, 2022, our three companies held a trial session and interviews of residents in the Ho Chi Minh metropolitan area with the aim of understanding the acceptability of various Metaverse services and the local needs. Potential residents of the smart city participated in the Metaverse used avatars to experience multiple themed services, such as educational and interactive activities.

Following the event, changes in behavioral patterns and participant opinions were analyzed, and the possibility of providing various services was investigated. As a result, it was confirmed that providing various services in a Metaverse space could potentially lead to added value for Smart Cities, even while implementation presented certain challenges. 

Based on the results, DNP will continue to consider the full-scale deployment of services that utilize the Metaverse in smart city development projects.

Image of trial session at Ho Chi Minch City.

Individual Company Roles

○ Marubeni: Management and supervision of the overall project

○ DNP: Metaverse platform selection, spatial design and construction, development of system environment for hands-on events

○ PwC Advisory: Design of experiential activities in the Metaverse space, feasibility test analysis and business model investigation support

Going Forward

DNP advocate the concept of a parallel city, in which the Metaverse can be freely replicated and used and will provide consumers with new experiential value. In Japan, we have constructed and operated a Metaverse in Shibuya, Sapporo, Akihabara, Ureshino City, and Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo.

Looking ahead, DNP will take the utilization of digital technology to a higher level to optimize urban infrastructure and facility development. We also plan to expand our XR communication business into the area of Smart Cities to improve the convenience and comfort of companies and consumers.

○ Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.  Headquarters:Tokyo,  President:Yoshinari Kitajima

○ Marubeni Corporation  Headquarters:Tokyo,  President and CEO:Masumi Kakinoki

○ PwC Advisory LLC  Headquarters:Tokyo  CEO:Akane Yoshida

*Company and product names listed in this news release are trademarks or registered trademarks of those respective companies.

*Product specifications and service details referred to in this news release are current as of the date of the announcement. They may be changed without notice.