NHK and NHK Promotions are holding a VR experience event, "The Dreams of a Samurai: The Phantom Toyotomi Osaka Castle," at Shibuya BEAM (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo) until May 31st.
This VR experience event is set during the Siege of Osaka, considered the largest battle of the Sengoku period. Leveraging the visual expression know-how cultivated by NHK through its historical dramas and programs, when you put on VR goggles, the legendary Toyotomi Osaka Castle, which disappeared 400 years ago, appears before your eyes, allowing you to enjoy an immersive experience. The content deepens your understanding of the historical background depicted in the currently airing historical drama "BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!） ". The main character (the embodiment of Osaka Castle) is voiced by voice actress Saori Hayami , known for her roles as Yor Forger in the anime "SPY×FAMILY" and Shinobu Kocho in " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ".
The experience takes approximately 40 minutes (25 minutes for the VR experience, 15 minutes for explanation and fitting). Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM). Admission fees are 2,500 yen for adults on weekdays and 3,000 yen on weekends and holidays. Junior and senior high school students pay 1,000 yen every day, and elementary school students pay 500 yen every day.
◇Comment from Saori Hayami, who plays the main character, the embodiment of Osaka Castle
- Impressions of the performance
As the embodiment of Osaka Castle, having witnessed the days of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, I was given a unique yet important role, and I approached it with great enthusiasm. My character is a calm, strong-willed adult woman, and I aimed for a narration style that conveyed a subtle sense of distance, befitting someone who has seen everything. I carefully recorded each scene, recalling history as I went along.
Message to visitors
I also had the opportunity to experience VR firsthand in the studio before recording. The sense of realism was many times greater than I had imagined, and in one scene I even cried out "Wow!" I think it will help you to imagine the daily lives of samurai who lived in an era far removed from our own, more vividly. Please enjoy it at the venue.
