Bringing Japan’s university campuses and surrounding communities to life through immersive VR—reshaping tourism and international student engagement in the Tama region.
SeiRogai and Keio Travel are pioneering a new model of tourism and education outreach through immersive VR360 tours of universities and their surrounding neighborhoods in Tokyo’s Tama region.
Selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s FY2024 Tama Innovation Ecosystem Promotion Program, this initiative empowers global audiences to explore, connect, and take action—whether planning travel, discovering study opportunities, or supporting regional revitalization.
Project Concept: Turning Universities into Immersive Tourism Assets
The project centers on the creation of an immersive 360-degree virtual reality (VR) tour that allows users to explore universities and their surrounding neighborhoods in the Tama region—from anywhere in the world.
Beyond showcasing academic campuses, the content introduces the area’s natural scenery, local culture, and daily life, delivered through immersive visuals and narrative storytelling. This supports both study-abroad decisions and travel planning.
Additionally, the team is developing a seamless in-VR action system—enabling users to book open campus visits, purchase local products, or plan trips directly within the VR experience. By bridging digital engagement and real-world actions, the initiative aims to convert interest into visits and stimulate local economic activity.
What We’ve Done So Far: Validating Needs and Service Potential
To understand the challenges and validate the value of this VR solution, the project team has conducted the following:
- Interviews with four universities in Tama and their international students
- Surveys targeting prospective students from Southeast Asia
- Field research in the Tama region (visiting campuses, tourist spots, and urban areas to assess VR content opportunities)
- Prototyping feedback from attendees at the Tama Mirai Industry Fair
Key Insights:
- Many universities lack resources for effective international outreach and onboarding support.
- International students expressed that information about the local lifestyle was insufficient before enrollment, and that they would have welcomed a service like this.
- Prospective students from Southeast Asia noted a general lack of awareness and accessibility of Japanese university information.
- Field observations confirmed that university-adjacent towns and attractions have strong appeal for inbound visitors.
These insights confirm that the proposed VR platform can meaningfully address local needs and support regional revitalization.
What’s Next: Expanding a New Model for Tourism and Education from Tama to All of Japan
Moving forward, SeiRogai and Keio Travel will work closely with universities, local governments, and regional businesses to accelerate the development of the “University & City VR Tour” content for the Tama area, while also building out integrated e-commerce functionality within the platform.
Using the Tama region as a model case, the project aims to scale its impact by expanding to other regional universities and tourism operators across Japan—offering a new blueprint for revitalizing communities through tourism DX and higher education outreach.
SeiRogai already has a proven track record in this field, having partnered with Tama City and Fuchu City to promote local attractions through immersive VR content.
Notably, in Tama City, the company was selected under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s PoC Ground Tokyo program, producing a “Tama City VR360 Virtual Tour” with full support from the city as a demonstration site.
Building on this experience, SeiRogai is now expanding its tourism DX initiatives across the entire Tama region. The company will continue to apply its accumulated VR development expertise to deliver tailored digital solutions that meet the unique needs of each community—contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant regional future.
Sharing Our Journey: Workshop Participation
SeiRogai was invited to speak at the 4th Business Development Workshop hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as part of the Tama Innovation Ecosystem initiative.
At the event, held at the Open Innovation Field in Hachioji, COO Rachel Leng presented the project’s vision, background, and current progress, sharing how VR technology can connect education, tourism, and community development.
▶ Learn more: https://tama-innovation-ecosystem.jp/report/community/4550/
For the Region—and Its Future
The University & City VR Tour aims to support international students, their families, and tourists in discovering the unique charm of Tokyo’s Tama region—driving sustainable growth and revitalization through immersive storytelling.
Together with Keio Travel, local universities, governments, and businesses, SeiRogai remains committed to sharing the stories of Tama with the world—and shaping a more connected, vibrant regional future.
About “Global Virtual Travel”: A DX Service Utilizing Patent-Pending VR Technology
SeiRogai’s virtual tour platform, Global Virtual Travel, presents an unparalleled opportunity for international audiences to uncover Japan’s hidden gems.
Global Virtual Travel is your gateway to immersive tours that prioritize storytelling and educational enrichment. Through captivating virtual experiences impossible to replicate with traditional video tours, we aim to showcase Japan’s allure to a global audience.
Sign up for free today and start exploring with Global Virtual Travel!
About SeiRogai, Inc.
SeiRogai is a Tokyo-based startup specializing in media production, advertising, branding, media technology, and business consultancy. Renowned for its diverse one-stop media production services, the company also offers strategic consulting services to businesses of all sizes. The team at SeiRogai, comprising seasoned experts from various industries, provides clients with a comprehensive perspective on their unique needs.
SeiRogai was selected as one of the top 15 companies among Tokyo’s selection of “Next Unicorn” startups by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The firm continues to lead in media technology solutions with innovative ventures like SeiRogaiTV and Global Virtual Travel to redefine the landscape of immersive experiences.
Company Profile
Company Name: SeiRogai, Inc.
Head office: Roppongi Denki Building 5F, 6-1-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 106-0032
Representative Directors: Samuel Yuen, Rachel Leng
Establishment: 2019
Website: www.seirogai.com
Business Activities:
1. Media production services (including VR 360° technology)
2. Marketing, advertising, PR, branding (including marketing planning/strategy formulation, brand development, image planning, product design, etc.)
3. Online distribution services for TV programs and movies
4. Overseas expansion support services (specialized services including market research, overseas expansion strategy/overseas market development support, startup support, etc.)
5. Development, construction, and provision of VR distribution systems and DX digital platforms
