“PLAY BEAUTY” is the concept for the SHISEIDO BEAUTY PLAYGROUND opened within Shiseido’s Nasu factory, where in addition to factory tours showing the actual processes from manufacturing to shipment, visitors can also learn while enjoying a variety of content showcasing “high quality and safe manufacturing” and “information about cosmetics.”

WOW produced three pieces of content for the facility: the “INNOVATION THEATER VIDEO” featured in the “INNOVATION THEATER,” the “TECHNOLOGY ZOOM VIDEO” that allows visitors to reflect on the various stages of the manufacturing process after visiting the facility, and the “BALL COASTER VIDEO,” featured in the SKINCARE LAB, where visitors can experience the history of Shiseido’s long history of research and development that enabled the manufacturing of retinol.

INNOVATION THEATER VIDEO
A video to inform visitors about the history of Shiseido and develop interests in the Nasu factory. A moving point-of-view is used to create a feeling of being on a ride, taking advantage of the theater’s shape. The screen was designed to express elements of both beauty and enjoyable.

TECHNOLOGY ZOOM VIDEO
Elements of the manufacturing process that are difficult to show directly on a tour, such as whipping of lotion and dehumidifying lipstick are explained with graphics and animations. The shapes of the bottles and containers on the wall are used to create an effect similar to projection mapping.

SKINCARE LAB VIDEO
Within the “SKINCARE LAB,” four-ball coasters are used to have enjoyably learn about the history of retinol development and its effects. WOW was responsible for the videos played on the two monitors embedded in the ball coasters. The timing of the videos is linked to the ball coasters, creating a playful video experience.

MELTIN, which announced MELTANT-α—the concept model of the first avatar robot with a dextrous and powerful hand—in 2018 has now unveiled a new proof of concept test model of the avatar robot, called MELTANT-β. MELTANT-β has improvements in many aspects such as hand operation versatility, endurance, flexibility, and operability, and is aimed at solving the problem of severe workforce shortages in the construction industry. WOW is in charge of the planning, direction, and production of the concept movie for this model.

For the filming, we set up a real situation where the remote-controlled robot can show off its capabilities. We used a filming approach that did not use any CG or VFX and shot the scene exactly as it unfolded in the actual environment with a team of live-filming staff. We strived for a modern and fresh look by making full use of filming angles and color collections so that it didn't look like a mere demonstration of the robot's capabilities.

During the planning and production stage, we believed that the situation which calls for the avatar robot the most would be dangerous environments like construction sites. Additionally, for near-future applications, we also put its utility in space stations far away from Earth into perspective. Coincidentally after that, the coronavirus pandemic started and travel restrictions have become a new norm. The completion of avatar robots is what the world is yearning for.

Akan Tourism Association Town Development Promotion Organization　renewed the program by the Lake Akan Ainu Theater “Ikor.”* The new program that fuses digital art with Ainu traditional dance, “Akan Yukar** - Lost Kamuy, began public performances on March 19th, 2019. WOW was in charge of the production and staging of the videos used on stage.

This program was created so that the Ainu people of Lake Akan Onsen could show their traditional songs and dance that has been passed down through generations to domestic and international visitors who have gathered here in one place. Creators such as Nagi Yoshida, Kuniyuki Takahashi, UNO, WOW, and Daisuke Sakamoto (JTB communication design), who are recognized in their various fields of photography, digital art, and sound design gathered at Lake Akan. In order to produce Lost Kamuy, they combined Ainu traditional dance, modern dance, 3D computer graphics, and 7.1 channel surround sound, and brought it to life on stage with five projectors.

The narrative of this work revolves around the theme of “symbiosis between Ainu people and the Hokkaido wolf” and is reproduced on stage with dance and digital technology. You can fully experience the Ainu's view of the world through the songs and dance that were born out of their everyday lives in which they respect and coexist with nature. Also, the “Ainu Traditional Dance” and “Iomante Fire Festival” programs, which introduce Ainu culture through traditional and innovative performances, have also been renewed.

* “Ikor” means “treasure” in the Ainu language.
** “Yukar” is a word meaning, “an epic poem” which has been passed down by Ainu people.

The “DIGITAL FUN STUDIO” in the Panasonic Center Osaka, located within Grand Front Osaka, is now open after renovation. WOW has been in charge of the planning, direction, and production of the content streaming on their 98-inch vertical 4K display.

In order to make full use of the high definition image quality achievable only with 4K, we used the concept of a “BOX” as a base to present various different scenes in an omnibus style, as if a real box was placed there. We made use of 100% computer graphics to experiment with a presentation that brings out the reproducibility of a 4K display to its maximum.

WORLD ORDER is a performance unit that impresses audiences with their unique expression through the use of body movement and music. WOW created the visual images for their one night live show, 'GENKI KUDO Presents World Order in Budokan' performed in April 2013.

About the installation
The audience is seated around the central 'live' stage. It was the aim of Executive Director, Hitoshi Taguchi, leader of Grinder-man, to create a live performance 'that could be seen from 360 degrees'. LED panels on the floor of the stage are central to the live performance. There are also cylindrical LED panels above the stage. This collaborative work provides an opportunity for WORLD ORDER to showcase their unique modern style.