In recent years, the rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought the metaverse—a virtual space built on the internet—into a more prominent role in our society. Far beyond the realm of gaming, the metaverse is now being explored for its applications in business, education, tourism, and regional revitalization. In particular, its potential as a new tool for supporting local communities is drawing growing attention.
What Exactly is the Metaverse?
The metaverse refers to a virtual environment constructed online where users, through digital avatars, can move freely, interact, and even participate in economic activities. For some, this space has become a new social infrastructure. Thanks to the development of AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technologies, the metaverse now offers increasingly immersive and realistic experiences, enabling entirely new forms of interaction and business opportunities through the fusion of physical and digital worlds.
A key example of this is the use of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). NFTs allow for the buying and selling of digital assets—such as virtual land or unique items—by providing a secure certificate of authenticity and ownership, helping to establish entirely new digital marketplaces.
GARDE entered the metaverse space in 2023 by designing, producing, and selling virtual environments within COCO WARP, a metaverse platform operated by Aoyama Design Forum. This initiative enables users to join conferences, view and purchase art, and interact with content via avatars in a fully digital space.
Business Opportunities Created by the Metaverse
The rise of the metaverse is gradually reshaping traditional business models. Its impact spans from marketing and remote work—where virtual offices are becoming more common—to immersive learning experiences for training and education. In the medical field, for instance, it enables surgical simulations, while in manufacturing, it can be used for factory operation training.
Moreover, the metaverse presents powerful potential for regional revitalization and tourism. By digitizing local resources and promoting them globally, local governments can attract visitors and stimulate their economies. Historical sites and landmarks can be recreated in VR, allowing people to “visit” them from afar. Regional products can be sold within the metaverse, further supporting local industry.
GARDE’s “Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award”
To mark our 40th anniversary, GARDE launched the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award in November 2024. The award aims to combine the creative power of digital designers with the needs of local governments, promoting regional charm through metaverse technologies. It celebrates and supports projects that contribute to the economic and cultural development of local communities.
Far from being a passing trend, the metaverse holds the potential to fundamentally transform our way of life. In the context of regional revitalization, it offers a powerful opportunity to generate new value and breathe life into local economies.
With the application deadline approaching on April 30, 2025, we invite companies and municipalities to explore the possibilities of the metaverse and consider applying for the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award.
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