A team of researchers from UTA member Nagoya University, in collaboration with researchers from The University of Tokyo, Toho University, and Kadinche Corporation, has launched the pilot phase of The Reality of Kenya project at the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Nagoya, Japan). The project features daily events showcasing Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes through state-of-the-art VR technology.
The zoo and botanical gardens provide an exceptional venue to explore how innovative engagement tools can enhance immersive experiences for connecting different countries. With over two million annual visitors, this project presents a unique opportunity to study how VR can foster emotional connections with Kenya even before potential travelers set foot in the country. Beyond this, the research aims to investigate several long-term themes, including:
• User experience and presence in VR-based tourism:
Analyzing factors such as realism, interactivity, and emotional response to optimize virtual travel experiences.
• Hybrid engagement models:
Integrating VR with real-world zoo environments to examine how mixed-reality interactions enhance learning and tourism marketing strategies.
• Cross-cultural storytelling and experiential tourism:
Exploring how VR can create authentic narratives that bridge geographical and cultural gaps.
• The impact of VR on environmental awareness and conservation efforts:
Investigating whether immersive virtual experiences can influence attitudes and behaviors toward wildlife protection.
This project has the potential to generate significant social and economic impact in both Japan and Kenya. In Japan, it provides an accessible and engaging platform for individuals to experience Kenya’s biodiversity and culture, fostering global awareness, increasing repeat visits to the zoo, and inspiring future travelers. Additionally, it can offer innovative educational tools for schools and institutions, enhancing conservation education through interactive and immersive learning experiences. By integrating immersive VR experiences, it introduces new and dynamic ways to engage the public with wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. For Kenya, heightened interest in eco-tourism can contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting conservation initiatives, generating employment opportunities, and attracting investment in local tourism infrastructure. Furthermore, the project facilitates cross-border collaboration in technology, tourism, and environmental research, laying the foundation for future joint initiatives by Kenya and Japan based researchers.
This initiative is part of The Internet of Realities (IoR) Project, funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) CREST (Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology) Program, under the research focus: “Trusted Inter-Reality Infrastructure for the Safe and Secure Creation and Connection of Diverse Realities.” This test phase is made possible through a partnership with the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Kenya Tourism Board.
