Revolutionizing Education with XR! - Toshiyuki Hatama、CEO of BeRISE Inc.

BeRISE develops educational solutions utilizing XR (VR/AR/MR) technology. We interviewed founder Toshiyuki Hatama about his journey since founding the company and his vision for the future.

Background and Founding Story

Could you tell us about your background and what led you to start the company?

Before I founded BeRISE, I worked as a 3DCG designer, solely creating 3D computer graphics. The 3DCG software allowed unlimited creation in a three-dimensional space, which felt synchronized with my mind, showing enormous potential. However, after working in that particular field for over ten years, I felt something was missing. The original three-dimensional space appeal was lost once the workload was converted to 2D displays or prints.

Around 2012, when smartphones were becoming extremely popular, I was struck by 360-degree images using gyro sensors - it felt like virtual and physical spaces were connecting. While VR wasn't yet a common term, I was convinced that the virtual world was coming. This conviction is what led me towards starting my own company.

Business Overview

The gyro sensor was the trigger! Could you tell us about BeRISE's business?

We provide XR technology solutions for businesses. Our distinctive feature is developing solutions for specific problems rather than video games. Our strength lies in having an in-house development team with a range of diverse skills including 3DCG, game development, web development, and design.

We are particularly focused on education, recently emphasizing solutions for medical education. Education and XR are highly compatible - we're seeing data that shows three-year educational programs can be completed in one year, or that comprehension rates can double.

XR Benefits in Medical Education

Could you explain the advantages of XR in medical education?

In medical education, it can take a considerable amount of time to gain any actual surgical experience. Quite naturally, Medical students cannot 'practice' on real patients. With VR, it allows students to practice surgery safely without consequences within a virtual space.

In healthcare, sharing actual case data is often restricted for ethical and privacy reasons, often limiting medical students' abilities for practical training. We developed a system with virtual patients where hospitals can freely modify MRI images, lesion data, and vital signs.

This allows case sharing between hospitals without any personal information concerns.

However, XR content development is extremely expensive, potentially costing tens to hundreds of millions of yen per content. We're addressing this cost challenge by creating a system with basic virtual patients where data can be easily replaced

XR Content Development Challenges

What's the biggest challenge in developing XR content?

In XR content development, user interface design is as crucial as 3DCG creation. Actions that are automatic in the real world, like grabbing objects or pressing buttons, need to be completely redesigned for a VR environment.

Motion sickness is another significant challenge. Preventing VR sickness requires precise adjustments in frame rate stability and motion design. This is particularly important in medical applications where extended use within VR is expected, so we focus heavily on achieving comfortable operability.

Hardware also presents challenges. While we use devices like Meta's Quest, current head-mounted displays still have issues with weight, heat, and headaches. However, similar challenges existed in the early days of PCs and smartphones. We expect rapid adoption once devices become as small as sunglasses.

XR Adoption Challenges

XR seems to face significant challenges in its adoption phase.

Unfortunately, overseas companies currently dominate hardware platforms. Software developers like us are essentially working on foreign platforms.

However, Japanese people naturally excel in science fiction and imagination. If Japan can't succeed in the next digital revolution, we might not get another chance. XR particularly aligns with Japan's strengths in anime and gaming, so we need to engage more actively.

The transition from 2D to 3D information presentation feels natural. Currently, we choose between PC work or Zoom meetings, but future choices will be between regular workspaces and 3D environments. In education, students might choose between traditional teacher instruction or direct AI tutoring.

Applications Beyond Healthcare

Do you see expansion into fields beyond medicine?

Industrial education shows great promise. For example, training for large machinery operation or safety education for hazardous workspaces. It enables efficient training without any physical equipment being used or potential risks. We aim to provide innovative learning experiences in manufacturing skills, construction safety training, and various other fields.

Language education also shows significant potential. VR spaces enable practical language learning through communication with foreign speakers, developing actual communication skills beyond just grammar and vocabulary.

Employee Development Approach

Do you have a unique approach to developing your team?

XR development requires a broad range of skills including 3DCG technology, game engine knowledge, and UX design capabilities. However, we most value what might be called an 'otaku temperament' - intense passion for the field.

I personally immersed myself in 3DCG for over a decade. Many technicians have exceptional interest and curiosity in their specialties. This 'otaku temperament' resembles traditional craftsmen's dedication. Such thorough pursuit often leads towards world-changing innovations.

Entertainment and education are closely connected. Even on YouTube, skilled teachers incorporate entertainment elements for engaging learning. We believe creating enjoyable, efficient learning environments using cutting-edge technology benefits everyone.

Therefore, our hiring focuses on basic development skills and passion for XR, with further development through OJT. We also actively collaborate with industrial universities and technical schools in Hiroshima to contribute to regional XR talent development.

Strategic Location in Hiroshima

Is your Hiroshima headquarters location strategic?

Being able to develop solutions aligned with regional challenges is a major advantage. Rather than using large corporate experimental budgets in Tokyo, we're addressing actual problems within limited regional budgets. For example, we work on specific challenges like increasing professional sports team attendance and building connections with communities facing population decline.

Our work with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team is a good example. We developed a VR game viewing environment for fans who are unable to attend a game in person, implementing systems for fan communication beyond just simple video streaming.

Hiroshima's position as a 'medium-sized regional city' becomes a strength. It's neither as vibrant as Fukuoka nor as metropolitan as Osaka. This intermediate position makes it an ideal model case for expansion to other regions.

Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Finally, do you have any message for those considering entrepreneurship?

I didn't start my company aiming to become an entrepreneur - it was a natural choice to realize what I wanted to achieve. Corporate employment can limit authority and bold challenges.

While anxiety is natural, dedicated effort always attracts supporters. The most important thing is to pursue what you love and courageously take that first step.

We especially welcome creators from overseas. Japan excels in 3DCG technology, particularly receiving global recognition in illustration. We want to explore new possibilities with such talented individuals.

Editor's Note

Mr. Hatama's vision extends beyond technological innovation to fundamental transformations in education and work styles. The interview conveyed his genuine desire to contribute to next-generation education, born from his love of technology - sparked by that initial amazement with gyro sensors - and leveraging his experience as a 3DCG designer.

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