A first in Japan! Experience high-end VR equipment without an operator! Equipment rentals and free VR trials now available at TSUTAYA Bajikoen store!
2016.12.27
Press Releases
TSUTAYA Co., Ltd.
- Two models, "VIVE" and "IDEALENS K2," are available, allowing users to easily experience VR with cutting-edge entertainment content -
TSUTAYA Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / President and COO: Kazuo Nakanishi / hereinafter referred to as "TSUTAYA"), which operates TSUTAYA stores nationwide, will be conducting an experimental project at the TSUTAYA Bajikoen store, offering free trials of VR content and renting VR equipment at affordable prices, for a limited time from Tuesday, December 27th to Tuesday, January 31st, 2017.
2016 was a year in which the word VR was seen frequently, to the point that it was called the "first year of VR."The VR market is predicted to reach 3 trillion yen worldwide by 2020, a market that is growing more than 100 times in five years. Based on this market forecast, VR equipment, which is still difficult for individuals to own, will be available for rental at the low price of 1,000 yen per night at TSUTAYA Bajikoen store, with free trials available for a limited time. This time, the project is an experiment aimed at bringing cutting-edge entertainment content closer to you, and the content available for free trial and equipment rental includes a wide range of content from a wide range of genres, with a focus on games.
The model available for rental in-store is the portable "IDEALENS K2," a cutting-edge device that can be put on in just three seconds. It can be used standalone, without the need for a PC or smartphone, making it easy to experience at home or outdoors.
The VR device that can be tried out for free is HTC's high-end VR device, "VIVE."This is the first initiative of its kind in Japan, and a dedicated station will be set up where customers can experience VR without the need for an operator, so that anyone can easily try it out in store. This will provide more people with the opportunity to experience the fun of VR.
Based on the results of this trial, TSUTAYA will consider expanding rental services to TSUTAYA stores nationwide and online to allow more people to experience the service. TSUTAYA will continue to provide customers with opportunities to easily experience the latest technology and offer them new encounters with cutting-edge entertainment content.
■About the rental equipment "IDEALENS K2"
IDEALENS K2 is a cable-free, standalone (integrated) VR head-mounted display with high specifications, including a 120° field of view, a time lag of 17ms (milliseconds), and a weight of approximately 295g (grams). It can be used standalone without the need for a PC or smartphone, so you can enjoy it both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it can be attached in just 3 seconds without the need for focus adjustment. It is easy to wear for long periods of time, and the design that prevents hair from getting messed up is also popular.
■VR equipment
IDEALENS K2
■Rental price
1 night/2 days: 1,000 yen (excluding tax), 2 nights/3 days: 2,000 yen (excluding tax), 7 nights/8 days: 4,000 yen (excluding tax)
■ Number of contents and content
At the start of rental, there will be 14 titles, mainly games and movies (adult titles will be added during the period).
*The number and content of content may change without notice during the campaign period.
*Each content is preset on the device, so you can experience it without any setup required.
■About the free trial model "VIVE"
VIVE is a room-scale VR (Virtual Reality) system jointly developed by Valve and HTC. Since its release, it has won over 65 awards worldwide and has received high praise from those who have experienced it.
By utilizing intuitive controllers, motion tracking that allows 360-degree movement, and a system that can reproduce high-quality graphics, we are providing game-changing technology and best-in-class immersive content. VIVE's VR world engages you visually, physically and emotionally, allowing you to encounter captivating characters, sights and sounds.
Address: 1F and 2F Colline Bajikoen, 2-4-18 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0098
Phone number: 03-5450-3232
Business hours: 10:00am - 1:00am (rental)
Morning 08:00 - Midnight 01:00 (books, stationery, CDs)
Morning 08:00 ~ Midnight 01:00 (cafe)
Open all year round / until 2am on weekends and holidays
Materials related to this matter
A first in Japan! Experience high-end VR equipment without an operator! Equipment rentals and free VR trials now available at TSUTAYA Bajikoen store!
Inquiries regarding this matter
TSUTAYA Co., Ltd. Public Relations
TEL: 03-6800-4764