V Inc. (headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kota Fujiwara), which provides business solutions in the metaverse and VR fields with the mission of "opening new frontiers for humanity," announced that metaverse content created with their production cooperation will be released on January 13, 2026 (Tuesday), as part of the "Hioki City Traditional Taiko Dance Metaverse Recreation Project" hosted by Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture and managed and produced by GMO Pepabo, Inc. (headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Kentaro Sato).
Experience Traditional Performing Arts Passed Down in Hioki City Virtually
As an initiative to pass on traditional performing arts that have been handed down in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture since the Warring States period to the next generation, three taiko dances—"Izaku Taiko-odori," "Ota Taiko-odori," and "Tokushige Ubara Taiko-odori"—have been made available as content that can be experienced on the metaverse platform "VRChat."
These three taiko dances are prestigious traditional performing arts designated as Kagoshima Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.
For this project, while respecting the distinct traditions and history of each dance, they were constructed to be experienced realistically with the sense of presence and immersion unique to 3D expression.
The dances can be viewed anytime in the VRChat world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN-iDYHFoM
Izaku Taiko-odori
The Izaku Taiko-odori passed down in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a magnificent traditional performing art that began to celebrate the military victory of the fourth lord of the Izaku Shimazu clan. Dancers perform powerfully to the sounds of taiko drums and gongs, and it continues to be inherited today as a source of regional pride. Six preservation societies take turns each year to perform the dance, which is dedicated to Nanpo Shrine on August 28th annually.
▼World Link
Izaku Taiko-odori (Wada ver.) - Hioki City, Three Taiko Dances | Izaku Taiko-odori [PC/Quest/iOS]
https://vrchat.com/home/world/wrld_e47150f9-7bfc-4daf-87bb-825e16fbe0ef/info
Ota Taiko-odori
The Ota Taiko-odori of Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a magnificent dance that depicts a castle siege in fifteen stages. Dedicated annually at Shinmei Shrine and Tokushige Shrine, the dancers perform to the sounds of taiko drums and gongs, characterized by their brilliant advances and retreats. It is dedicated during the Myoenji Pilgrimage period on the fourth Sunday of October each year.
▼World Link
Ota Taiko-odori - Hioki City, Three Taiko Dances | Ota Taiko-odori [PC/Quest/iOS]
https://vrchat.com/home/world/wrld_85b8d994-940a-4018-9b02-ba22306aca74/info
Tokushige Ubara Taiko-odori
The Tokushige Ubara Taiko-odori of Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a magnificent dance said to honor the military prowess of Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro. It is a traditional performing art that conveys to the present day the scene of intimidating and achieving victory, featuring tall banners and beating a large drum 1.5 meters in diameter. It is dedicated at Tokushige Shrine during the Myoenji Pilgrimage period on the fourth Sunday of October each year.
▼World Link
Tokushige Ubara Taiko-odori - Hioki City, Three Taiko Dances | Tokushige Ubara Deko-odori [PC/Quest/iOS]
https://vrchat.com/home/world/wrld_e4d7cb13-fe7c-4286-a698-d178293d7034/info
About the Production
In this special world, the actual dances were recorded and realistically recreated virtually using proprietary techniques, allowing visitors to experience the charm of these traditional performing arts anytime.
Through this initiative, the aim is to make these arts accessible to those who find it difficult to visit in person and to generations who have had few opportunities to experience traditional performing arts.
The objective is to deliver the charm of traditional performing arts passed down in the region to many people beyond the constraints of time and place.
Credits:
Host: Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Production: GMO Pepabo Inc. / V Inc.
Costumes and Items: RADIKA
World Creation: Udon Neko
Motion Creation: yoikami (BreathActors) / koua (BreathActors)
Video Production: ZungDa
Background of Metaverse × Hioki City Taiko Dance
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southernmost tip of the mainland, and Hioki City is in its western part, facing the East China Sea.
Hioki City is an area where the history of the Warring States period remains strong and is also known as the land associated with Shimazu Yoshihiro.
The city is characterized by a harmonious blend of history and nature, including Fukiage Beach, considered one of Japan's three major sand dunes, Satsuma ware pottery, and the Myoenji Pilgrimage, as well as hot springs and traditional events.
While Kagoshima Prefecture has numerous prefecturally designated intangible folk cultural properties, opportunities for tourists to view these three taiko dances have been limited.
This project aims to widely disseminate these taiko dances through the metaverse, creating opportunities to encounter Hioki City's history and culture, thereby achieving both the preservation of tradition and the promotion of regional attractions.
