InsideJapan News Network

The real and virtual worlds crossover at Tokyo's hottest new venue Nicofarre, where the use of augmented realities (AR) allows the altering of real-world environments onscreen.

According to the Japan Times, the Roppongi district club will make it possible for both web users and real attendees to party together in an experience that will look completely different to both.

People watching on their laptops will be able to interact with the live audience by posting comments to the wall of the club via the web.

There'll be no way to censor the messages, adding to the ground-breaking innovation of this development.

The combined efforts of AR, LED lighting and screens, with black and neon kitted staff will enhance the 360-degree audience participation.

Online video-sharing website Nico Nico Douga is the inspiration behind the idea and managing director of Dwango, the website's owner, Takeshi Natsuno, helped put the project together.

He told the paper: "We wanted to create an interactive musical experience where reality and virtual reality become blurred."

Japanese girl group AKB48 will be there on opening night, July 18th.

The group recently announced it is set to hold a competition to decide who will sing the latest single.

And while not the most orthodox way to choose a lead singer, AKB48 are nothing like an orthodox band. The group has 61 members, the latest of which -Aimi Eguchi - was generated by computer.

Written by Mark Smith


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