Figurines that bring characters to life in 3D form have become a go-to souvenir from Japan. But did you know that recently, a new type of figure called a "digital figure" has been generating buzz? These let you experience Japanese content using just your smartphone.
One of the most talked-about examples is a hyper-realistic digital figure of "Myakumyaku," the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Let's take a closer look at the "Myakumyaku Summoning Goods," which went on sale starting Thursday, June 5, 2025.
A Realistic Myakumyaku Comes to Life! What Is a "Digital Figure"?
A "digital figure" is a 3D model recreated in a digital space. Among them, the "Myakumyaku Summoning Goods" feature a precisely 3D-scanned version of Myakumyaku, the official character of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. It's quickly become a hit among international visitors as a one-of-a-kind souvenir, unlike any other digital figure.
The much-loved Myakumyaku was turned into 3D data using a high-performance method called "volumetric capture technology" (more on that later). This allows the mascot’s unique shape and detailed movements to be recreated in striking realism. With just a smartphone, you can summon Myakumyaku anytime, anywhere. Users can enjoy interactive experiences like "dancing with Myakumyaku" or "taking photos together," creating a level of immersion that feels like you're actually sharing the same space.
As international visitors share their Myakumyaku moments on social media, it's expected to spark even more interest in Japan and win over new fans.
What Is the "Volumetric Capture Technology" Used in the Myakumyaku Summoning Goods?
Volumetric capture is a technique that digitally records real people or spaces in high-quality 3D. Using over 100 cameras arranged inside a specialized studio, it captures subjects from 360 degrees to build a 3D model from the data.
Thanks to this technology, the highly immersive "Myakumyaku Summoning Goods" were made possible.
With these goods, you can call up the adorable and captivating Myakumyaku right in front of you and enjoy an experience that feels like you're sharing the same space.
Three New Items That Let You Meet Myakumyaku Anytime, Anywhere
New products have arrived that let you meet "Myakumyaku" anytime, anywhere!
Three items — the "Acrylic Smartphone Stand," the "Collectible Card," and the "Download Card" — went on sale starting Thursday, June 5, 2025.
① Acrylic Smartphone Stand (NFC) with 3 Digital Contents
This acrylic smartphone stand includes three types of digital content. Simply hold your phone over the stand to "summon" Myakumyaku right into your space. You can choose between the following two versions:
*Account registration and app download are required to "summon" Myakumyaku.
Myakumyaku Summoning Acrylic Smartphone Stand (NFC) Myakumyaku Pon!
9. Myakumyaku Pon!
10. Sumo
11. Life Pose
Myakumyaku Summoning Acrylic Smartphone Stand (NFC) The Future of This Planet
12. The Future of This Planet
13. Kabuki
14. Life Pose
Product Information
- Price: ¥5,000 each (tax included)
- Sales Start Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Sales Locations:
- Official online store for licensed products of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
- 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Store East Gate Store Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store
- Smartphone Hospital ekimo Umeda
- Other official stores (sales may begin at different times depending on the store)
* Sales may begin at different times depending on the store
② Venue-Exclusive Item Collectible Card (NFC) – 8 Types
Myakumyaku Summoning Collectible Card (NFC)
1. Say Cheese!
2. So Moved!
3. Roulette, Go!
4. Nandeyanen!
5. Hooray! Hooray!
6. Happy Tune♪
7. A Round of Applause!
8. Life Pose
*Each collectible card includes one digital content item.
Product Information
- Price: ¥2,000 each (tax included)
- Sales Start Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Sales Location: Official Store East Gate at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue (Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store)
*Sales start dates may vary by store.
③ Affordable and Data-Only “Download Cards” – 8 Types
Myakumyaku Summoning Download Card
1. Say Cheese!
2. So Moved!
3. Roulette, Go!
4. Why not?
5. Hooray! Hooray!
6. Happy Tune♪
7. A Round of Applause!
8. Life Pose
*Each download card includes one digital content item.
*The downloadable content is the same as that included with the collectible cards.
*Download cards are not NFC compatible.
Product Information
- Price: ¥1,650 each (tax included)
- Sales Start Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Sales Locations:
- Official online store for licensed products of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
- Smartphone Hospital ekimo Umeda
- Other official stores
*Sales may begin at different times depending on the store.
Play with Myakumyaku! How to Enjoy the Products
Steps to Summon Myakumyaku
As long as you have a smartphone, you can meet Myakumyaku anytime, anywhere!
Follow these steps to summon Myakumyaku right before your eyes.
1. Get the product
Pick up your favorite "Acrylic Smartphone Stand," "Collectible Card," or "Download Card."
2. Register a new account on X Market
You'll need an X Market account to redeem digital content.
3. Enter the redemption code
Input the code printed on the product into X Market to access the digital content.
4. Install the "HoloModel" smartphone app
Download the "HoloModel" app from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Log in with your X Market account
Launch the "HoloModel" app and log in using your X Market account.
6. Summon Myakumyaku!
You're all set! Enjoy a special experience with Myakumyaku, as if you're sharing the same space.
Viewer Mode
If you want to display Myakumyaku for fun, switch to "Viewer Mode." Place your smartphone in the acrylic stand and enjoy Myakumyaku as if it were a physical figure. You can pick up your smartphone and view it from any angle, zoom in and out to enjoy all the little details, and even change the background image within the app to personalize the display. Create your own "Myakumyaku space" right on your desk or in your room.
AR Mode
With "AR Mode," you can summon Myakumyaku into the real world. Whether it's your room, a favorite scenic spot, or your desk, you can bring Myakumyaku into any space you like. You can also adjust the size and position of Myakumyaku to suit your surroundings.
Capture the Fun! Camera Feature
Take Realistic Photos in AR Mode
In AR Mode, you can take photos or videos with Myakumyaku after summoning it into your environment. Place it on your hand, pose it next to friends or your favorite items—the possibilities are endless. The photos and videos are saved directly to your smartphone and can easily be shared on social media.
Custom Photos in Viewer Mode, Too
Viewer Mode isn’t just for display—you can also use the camera feature to take photos. You can freely adjust Myakumyaku’s size and position, and even switch between the front and rear cameras. Try changing the background or pose to capture a one-of-a-kind shot.
Whether you’re feeling like seeing Myakumyaku on a whim or looking for a unique souvenir from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, this is the perfect memento. Why not experience the excitement of "summoning" Myakumyaku for yourself?
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