Two Days of Akihabara Transformed into a Parareal Experience! VketReal 2025 Summer Draws Record 50,000 Visitors

HIKKY’s Virtual Market (Vket) drew a record 1.35 million visitors worldwide in Summer 2025, proving the metaverse is far from fading, global enthusiasm continues to surge.

That momentum carried over into the real world as well, with the fifth edition of the experiential XR event VketReal 2025 Summer held at Bellesalle Akihabara on July 26–27, 2025. The event drew a record 50,000 visitors to a single venue, the largest turnout in its history!

VketReal turns the city into a Parareal Playground, where XR tech, avatar culture, and even visitors themselves become the content.

What began with a small group of core users, VketReal has now grown into a phenomenon embraced by families, travelers, and couples alike—where virtual culture blends naturally into the urban landscape.

Expanding beyond Akihabara, VketReal also opened collaboration cafés with the British-style pub chain “HUB” in seven cities across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka in the south.

On July 21 (Monday, national holiday), volunteer users hosted VketReal in Sapporo, featuring talk sessions, live performances, and DJ events. The gathering attracted more than 1,000 participants and was a resounding success, sparking even greater momentum for community-driven VketReal events nationwide.

[Topics]

From VR boxing to a watermelon smash. VketReal brings summer fun to life!

A New Encounter Between Virtual and Real! Visitors Delighted by Adorable Mokuri

A Giant Robot Appears in Akihabara! Kids Thrilled by Pilot Experience

Step into the pilot’s seat! Firebarion, the giant robot by Brave Technology Research Institute, let visitors control its arms in both real and virtual worlds, earning rave reviews as a futuristic tech experience.

From virtual to real! 107 creators and communities wowed audiences with boundary-breaking ideas

In the Parareal Creators Area, 107 groups from across Japan showcased rotating booths that blended original 3D avatar goods, AI-powered projects, and cutting-edge hardware. The space created real-world connections born from virtual culture, with comments like “meeting my favorite creator in person was moving” and “I discovered works that really struck me.” By combining technology and creativity, the exhibitors delivered experiences that set the event apart from typical marketplace gatherings.

The Frontline of Urban XR Experiences Co-Created by Companies and Communities

At VketReal 2025 Summer, companies and municipalities joined as co-creators of urban XR experiences, not just advertisers. Using 3DCG, AI, and cutting-edge hardware, they transformed Akihabara into a hands-on, sensory playground, earning praise for feeling natural and fun rather than promotional.

Intel Booth Energizes Crowds with Lively Avatar Hosts and Games!

At Intel’s booth, visitors enjoyed glasses-free 3D displays, met the Intel® Core Ultra VR team, and even got PC advice from 3D avatar Meisters. Popular attractions like a 20-spot difference game and creator collaborations showed how Intel CPUs power the Vket community, with visitors praising the booth as both innovative and interactive.

Spectacular MR Effects Dazzle at the Alex Bright Special Exhibition

Universal Entertainment showcased its new Alex Bright slot machine with an Apple Vision Pro MR demo, where gameplay came alive with interactive overlays. With waits up to 70 minutes and giveaways of original goods, the exhibit wowed visitors who praised it as a next-level pachislot experience.

Seaside Yaizu Lights Up VketReal with VR Port Experience and Tuna Can Selling Out

Yaizu City wowed visitors with 360° VR fishing port tours and sold out its tuna cans by midday on day one, with restocks gone just as fast. Instagram giveaways and food displays further showcased local food culture, earning big support in Akihabara.

The VRChat Booth: Talk Live with Official Staff Around the Globe!

VRChat, the world’s largest VR social platform, returned for its fifth exhibition. Visitors chatted live with official staff overseas, picked up stickers, and got a first look at the new Avatar Marketplace, hailed by fans as “a revolution.”

Play, Experience, and Learn Safety with the VR Construction Attraction

Toyo Construction presented a VR skyscraper site where visitors crossed a high bridge in strong winds, highlighting the importance of safety. Many called it “more nerve-wracking than expected” and praised the experience for raising awareness.

Learn Sustainability Through Play! Experience Carbon Neutrality in Minecraft.

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) debuted with ukiyo-e art and IP goods and a Minecraft-based carbon-neutral learning demo. Visitors praised the blend of culture and education, calling it “easy to understand” and ideal for children.

V-Tea in Vket-chan Packaging a Hit! 3,000 Cups Sampled!

Nakamura Seicha Co., Ltd. drew crowds with its collaboration tea “V-Tea” (five flavors), served in Vket-chan packaging with about 3,000 tastings. Visitors praised both the refreshing flavor and playful design, while exhibitors joined as co-creators of experiences, with HIKKY helping turn technology into fun.

Virtual Energy Blends into the Real City! Akihabara’s Excitement Spreads Nationwide

In Akihabara, avatar visitors mingled with locals, turning the city itself into part of VketReal. Collaborations like the HUB Akihabara café drew crowds, while Community Collaboration Cafés in seven cities nationwide let fans connect over exclusive drinks and goods. Visitors praised the chance to enjoy the event beyond the venue and feel united from afar.

On July 21, volunteer fans hosted VketReal in Sapporo at the Sapporo TV Tower, drawing over 700 visitors. During VketReal 2025 Summer, the Sapporo venue was recreated in 3D for an immersive VR experience that captured the event’s energy. Encouraged by this success, more voices are calling for local editions and nationwide tours, as VketReal expands beyond Tokyo to spark new cultural movements across Japan.

[Overview]

Event Name : VketReal 2025 Summer

Dates : July 26 (Sat) – July 27 (Sun), 2025 (10:00 – 19:00)

Theme : Virtual ⇆ Real — Be the “Key” to Unlocking the World!

Venue : ​ Bellesalle Akihabara

 Sumitomo Fudosan Akihabara Building 1F & B1

3-12-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Website : https://vket.com/en/lp/2025Summer_real 

What is Virtual Market (commonly known as Vket)?

Virtual Market (Vket) is the world’s largest metaverse event, where visitors can buy and sell 3D items and real-world products, enjoy concerts and rides, and even receive customer service for big-ticket items like cars and financial services. Since its launch in 2018, Vket has welcomed over 1.3 million visitors worldwide and earned four Guinness World Records™, establishing itself as a pioneer of the metaverse.

[ Virtual Market 2025 Winter – Event Overview ]Event Name: Virtual Market 2025 Winter

Organizer: VR Corporation HIKKY

Dates: December 6 (Sat) – December 21 (Sun), 2025 (16 days total)

Theme : Gates of Beginnings

Corporate VR Venues: Parareal Shinjuku / Parareal Singapore

Official Social Media:

How to Attend: Accessible via special worlds in VRChat using a VR headset or a gaming PC.

About HIKKY Co., Ltd.

HIKKY Inc. is a VR company on a mission of “Creatve Revolution,” enriching creative options and recognition while inspiring people to take their first step toward what they want to try. The company organizes Virtual Market, one of the world’s largest metaverse events with three Guinness World Records™, as well as Vket Real, a real-world extension of the Virtual Market. In addition, HIKKY develops Vket Cloud, a web-based metaverse engine, delivering highly original XR solutions to both businesses and communities.

CEO: Yasushi Funakoshi

Headquarters: Mitomi Building 4F, 1-20-22 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0013, Japan

Established: May 1, 2018