— Sharing the “Living Craftsmanship” of Tokyo’s Kataoka Byobu Store with the World —
SeiRogai, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo; Representative Directors: Samuel Yuen and Rachel Leng) is pleased to announce the global launch of the “Kataoka Byoubu Store VR360 Virtual Tour in Sumida City” on its VR360° tourism and DX platform, Global Virtual Travel (GVT).
This immersive online experience allows viewers to explore the interior of Kataoka Byobu Store, a long-established folding screen workshop located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, through high-quality VR360° footage. Audiences around the world can experience the site of Japanese traditional craftsmanship without the constraints of time or location, offering a rare and intimate look into the working environment of master artisans.
International Media Coverage
This project has been featured as an official press release in the following major international media outlets.
◇AP (one of the most famous Global news websites)：https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/japanese-folding-screen-vr360-tour-launches-worldwide-spotlighting-living-craftsmanship-from-tokyos-kataoka-byobu-2ca3863c7efca1b8c0f81a2a112b9a8c
◇Europe Travel Online (one of the biggest travel news magazines for Europe)：https://www.europetravelonline.com/article/887637325-japanese-folding-screen-vr360-tour-launches-worldwide-spotlighting-living-craftsmanship-from-tokyo-s-kataoka-byobu
— Full Original English Press Release —
Below is the full original English press release for this project.
Japanese Folding Screen Workshop VR360 Tour Launches Globally, Showcasing Living Craftsmanship from Tokyo’s Kataoka Byobu Store
Tokyo, Japan —SeiRogai, Inc. has announced the global online launch of “Kataoka Byobu Store VR360 Tour in Sumida City,” now live on its proprietary Global Virtual Travel (GVT) DX platform. The immersive VR360 experience takes viewers inside Kataoka Byobu Store, a historic Tokyo workshop specializing in traditional Japanese folding screens, and is available worldwide at:
https://www.globalvirtualtravel.com/japan/tokyo/sumida/
The VR360 tour offers rare behind-the-scenes access to Kataoka Byobu Store Co., Ltd., founded in 1946 and the only remaining specialized folding screen (byōbu) workshop in Tokyo. Guided by third-generation artisan Koto Kataoka, viewers step directly into the workshop to observe materials, techniques, and production processes that are typically accessible only through an in-person visit.
More than cultural storytelling, the project introduces a new commercialization model for traditional industries. By combining cinematic VR360, immersive storytelling, and tourism DX, SeiRogai transforms the workshop into a 24/7 immersive digital storefront, enabling global audiences to build understanding, trust, and emotional connection before traveling to Japan, visiting the workshop, or making purchase inquiries. The platform is designed to scale seamlessly toward cross-border e-commerce, supporting long-term international sales and global brand growth.
Featuring rare behind-the-scenes content, the tour is available in English for the first time, with English and Japanese subtitles and more languages planned.
Located near Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE®, the tour links digital discovery with real-world travel and retail journeys, positioning traditional Japanese craftsmanship as a modern, globally accessible experience rather than a niche or purely local product.
Samuel Yuen, CEO and Co-Founder of SeiRogai and Producer of the project, commented:
“This project highlights the potential of immersive VR as a new global engagement and retail infrastructure. For audiences, it creates a richer way to experience culture and products beyond borders. For local businesses, it unlocks powerful new opportunities to reach international customers, communicate value visually and emotionally, and grow globally while preserving authenticity.”
Koto Kataoka, CEO of Kataoka Byobu Store, added:
“Many people have never seen how folding screens are actually made or why they matter today. By sharing our workshop through VR, we hope to reach new audiences worldwide and create new pathways for inquiry, visitation, and future sales.”
Viewers inspired by the VR experience can learn more about Kataoka Byobu Store, make inquiries, or book visits and experiences via the official website:
https://byoubu.hp.peraichi.com/
Following this launch, SeiRogai plans to expand the model to other craft regions across Japan, advancing its vision of Industry DX—using immersive technology to modernize how traditional businesses, tourism, and global commerce connect.
About Global Virtual Travel
Global Virtual Travel is SeiRogai’s immersive VR360 platform for virtual tourism, digital retail, and cultural storytelling, connecting online discovery with real-world visitation and purchasing intent.
About Kataoka Byobu Store Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1946 in Sumida, Tokyo, Kataoka Byobu Store specializes in the manufacture and sale of traditional Japanese folding screens. With roots dating back to the Nara period, byōbu were originally used as essential furnishings to divide spaces and block drafts. Today, the workshop reimagines folding screens for modern lifestyles, creating designs suited for both traditional and contemporary settings.
About SeiRogai, Inc.
SeiRogai, Inc. is a Tokyo-based media technology and DX startup specializing in VR360 production, immersive storytelling, marketing, branding, and digital platform development. The company has been recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as one of its “Next Unicorn” startups.
Media Contact
SeiRogai, Inc.
Website: www.seirogai.com
Global Virtual Travel: www.globalvirtualtravel.com
About “Global Virtual Travel”: A DX Service Utilizing Patent-Pending VR Technology
Global Virtual Travel is a VR360° platform for tourism, digital retail, and cultural storytelling operated by SeiRogai.
It aims to connect online “discovery” with real-world visits, purchasing behavior, and long-term relationship building.
In collaboration with local governments and regional businesses across Japan—including Minato City, Fuchu City,Tama City, and Nanto City—the platform develops and delivers VR projects focused on tourism, education, and traditional industries for audiences in Japan and overseas.
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
