The Eizo Shimbun featured “The XR RIDE” focusing AI bus guide and applied XR technologies in the tour

“The Magic Words ‘OSAKA-BEN’ Bus Tour” was featured in the July 14th issue of “Eizo Shimbun (Visual Communications Journal)”. The tour is the first project in the “The XR RIDE” series of tours using a bus equipped with cutting-edge XR technology planned and operated by OUGI Inc.

“Eizo Shimbun” is a specialized journal that provides information on the latest trends and technologies in the video industry, such as video production, broadcasting, CATV, and digital signage, as well as related exhibitions both in Japan and overseas, and policies in national broadcasting and communications. It is published weekly with the aim of delivering truly useful information to people active in the video industry and those interested in the industry, to contribute to the development of the industry. This time, they spotlighted “The XR RIDE” with the production video and technology used in this tour.

The article was written by a reporter who actually took a trial ride on “The XR RIDE” tour in Osaka. The reporter focused on AR technology, AI bus guides, and human bus guides in the tour as the “hybrid production”.
The displays are used on the front, sides and ceiling of the bus, as well as the windows of the bus that can project AR images overlaid on the Osaka cityscape. Those displays can make an interactive experience. The AI bus guide character (named TEMPURA) is actually remotely controlled by an actor in Tokyo, based on images from multiple cameras installed inside the bus. The conversation that progresses according to the passengers’ reactions gives the experience a higher level of immersion. In addition, the human bus guide (named AMI) on board effectively connects the communication between the AI bus guide and the passengers. She also creates a participatory sightseeing experience with her flexible improvisation, which was emphasized as different from a passive AR guide (viewing) experience. Combined with the visual production and sound effects, the experience in the tour was evaluated as a memorable one because of “the tour’s live entertainment element similar to comedy shows or manzai”, and the impression of OUGI’s intention “turning the travel experience into entertainment”.

OUGI would like to invite you to experience the cutting-edge XR bus ride tour show “The XR RIDE,” where the reality and the virtual world intersect. The tour is to be held in Osaka from July this summer!
OUGI plans to expand the content and coverage of “the XR RIDE” to other areas, following the first show of “the Magic Words ‘OSAKA-BEN’ Bus Tour.” We look forward to having you this summer and in the future developments in “The XR RIDE.” We believe “the XR RIDE” delivers “Stories in Japan” of each area in Japan from a new perspective.

The XR RIDE

Official website: https://ose.ougi-japan.com/xrride/
Dates: Wed 16th July 2025 – Wed 29th October 2025
Operating schedule: Please check the schedule on the official website
performance time: Approx. 60 minutes (*Arrival time may vary due to traffic conditions.)
Meeting place: Umekita Green Place bus parking lot (planned)