HIKKY Inc. is collaborating with the “Character Market Executive Committee” to host the user-participatory metaverse event “Charaketto,” which focuses on 3D character avatars, from May 2 (Saturday) to May 10 (Sunday), 2026. This new “character festival” is born from the efforts of volunteers gathered by the founding members of Vket, supported by HIKKY’s operational system.

What is “Charaketto”? A Virtual Event Specializing in Characters

Charaketto is a user-participatory virtual event that focuses on 3D character avatars (mascots) with the concept of “a fun festival where you can meet and play with characters!” It was established with a focus on “characters” that embody individuality and mascots that serve as “companions” in the rapidly expanding metaverse economy.

At the exhibition booths, each character is displayed with a “booth name and character name” along with a poster, and the central 3D avatar can be tried on (subject to availability at select booths). Interested visitors can check details via the URL, aiming for an “IP growth platform” that looks forward to real goods deployment as a “character market from virtual space.”

Diverse Attractions: Ferris Wheel, Stamp Rally, and Interactive Scenarios

The special world not only features exhibition booths but also numerous attractions typical of amusement parks. Attractions include a “Ferris wheel” where you can ride with characters, a “stamp rally” across different areas to earn exclusive 3D models, announcements introducing exhibitors through 34 types of newly recorded announcements, and “interactive scenarios” where the story unfolds through dialogue with characters, providing participants with various engaging experiences.

Additionally, an official promotional video for the original theme song created for this event has been released. The song’s vocals are performed by the remarkable individual VTuber Mai Hinomoto, known as a VSinger in the metaverse, vividly coloring the “cute worldview.”

Official Events Held Every Day for 9 Days and Real-World Projects Linked to Kumamoto

During the 9-day period, official events will be held daily. Starting with the opening ceremony on May 2, the schedule includes the “Greeting & PR Stage” on May 3, a music stage linked with the local character “Chiku-Wan,” and collaborative events with seven community groups, including TDM Board Game Club, Putipalette, and Kemoradi.

On the final day, May 10 (Sunday), a real event called “Charaketto Real in Kumamoto Prefecture Yatsushiro” will be held in Hinagu, Yatsushiro City, the hometown of the local character “Chiku-Wan.” A visiting VR experience will be offered, bridging the virtual realm with the real world. Starting at 22:00 on the same day, there will be a greeting and live performance with Don Gris during the “Charaketto x Märchen Village” event, followed by the closing ceremony at 22:25.

Future Developments: Free Admission, No VR Equipment Needed

The venue will be held in a special world within VRChat, planned in a PC world, so participation is possible without VR equipment (VR standalone and mobile devices are not permitted). Admission is free, and access is available through the official site cket.jp. For inquiries, please click here.

HIKKY is an XR company that organizes one of the world’s largest metaverse events, “Virtual Market (Vket),” since 2018, and also handles location-based entertainment real events “VketReal.” This Charaketto is crafted as a handmade event rooted in the genuine voices of users and the passion of volunteer staff, positioned as a challenge to carve out a new cultural domain in the extension of Vket.

Reflections and Prospects

Driven by a pure love for “characters,” the event design created by volunteer creators reflects the maturation of Vket culture and the depth of the community. In addition to the scale of more than 100 characters gathering in one place, the collaboration with the real Kumamoto venue, local character partnerships, and a theme song by individual VSingers provide multilayered experiences. As a “gateway” to broaden the character avatar market, expectations are high for future series events.

Source: PR TIMES