Japan video makers explore Virtual Reality for adults

Japan video makers explore Virtual Reality for adults

Tokyo, Japan
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At a studio in the Japanese capital, director Taro Kambe peers into a black headset to check a scene from his first video to make use of virtual reality technology.

"I have directed hundreds of adult videos but it was my first virtual reality movie," said the 39-year-old.

. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai
A monitor shows animated data as motion capture actress Yumi Ueno wearing a motion capture suit performs for adult game company Illusion's virtual reality production.

Japan is the world’s second biggest virtual reality market after the United States and the adult entertainment industry and gaming sector are turning to VR as a new way to distribute content.

Virtual romantic liaisons for men and women were on display at the Tokyo Game Show on Thursday.

. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Voltage, a developer which creates gaming apps aimed at women, showcased its virtual reality game "Wedding VR", in which players don a headset and tie the knot with an animated male character.

The company hopes to roll out the game in Japan’s ubiquitous game centres. Voltage had success last year with a game in which the seated player is approached by a handsome virtual man who reaches in, potentially for a kiss.

. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai
Roba, programmer of VR JCC which developed virtual reality adult game "Let's Play with Nanai!", wears VR headset while he demonstrates the game at his SOHO office.

VR technology remains in its infancy, game developers say, citing its limitations, the approval process from VR set makers, and the small number of users who own VR equipment.

However, developers are looking to increase the immersiveness of virtual reality.

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Slideshow

Director Taro Kambe directs actress Yuri Oshikawa and an actor during a rehearsal for ROCKET's 3D virtual reality adult film.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Director Taro Kambe directs actress Yuri Oshikawa and an actor during a rehearsal for ROCKET's 3D virtual reality adult film.

Yuri Oshikawa performs during a rehearsal.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Yuri Oshikawa performs during a rehearsal.

Taro Kambe directs as he watches acting with a VR headset.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Taro Kambe directs as he watches acting with a VR headset.

Reo Kaminaga hugs a virtual reality adult game character using a VR headset and controllers.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Reo Kaminaga hugs a virtual reality adult game character using a VR headset and controllers.

Reo Kaminaga plays a virtual reality adult game.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Reo Kaminaga plays a virtual reality adult game.

Motion capture actress Yumi Ueno performs for adult game company Illusion's virtual reality production.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Motion capture actress Yumi Ueno performs for adult game company Illusion's virtual reality production.

Yumi Ueno wears a motion capture suit.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Yumi Ueno wears a motion capture suit.

Roba, programmer of VR JCC which developed virtual reality adult game "Let's Play with Nanai!", works at his SOHO office.
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Toru Hanai

Roba, programmer of VR JCC which developed virtual reality adult game "Let's Play with Nanai!", works at his SOHO office.

A virtual reality gamer lies on the floor after he demonstrated "Let's Play with Nanai!".
. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A virtual reality gamer lies on the floor after he demonstrated "Let's Play with Nanai!".

A user holding a controller from South Korea’s TEGway, for example, experiences the sensation of heat or cold.

While the company is initially introducing its technology into arcade machines, it could also be used in devices from VR hardware makers, TEGway Chief Executive Kevin Yi told Reuters.

. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Adult video actress Yuri Oshikawa performs a kiss scene in front of a FutureLeap's 3D virtual reality camera, equipped with a human ear-shaped mic, during a rehearsal for ROCKET's 3D VR adult film.

Some analysts have said the adult entertainment industry has helped to drive adoption of new platforms, such as Super 8 film in the 1960s, and later VHS, DVD and early online videos.

"Many in the adult industry are pursuing VR content and believe it could revolutionize an industry that has been stagnant for many years," U.S. investment bank Piper Jaffray said in a 2015 report.

. Tokyo, JAPAN. Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A Virtual Reality gamer lies on the floor as he demonstrates VR JCC's virtual reality adult game "Let's Play with Nanai!".

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