Alala Launches 'AR Digital Stand' as Digital Supplement for Hochi Shimbun's 'Monthly Giants' on Its 50th Anniversary

Alala Inc. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Noriaki Kadokura; hereinafter 'Alala'), a company under Paycloud Holdings Co., Ltd. (TSE Growth: 4015) that operates various IT solution businesses, announces the creation of an AR Digital Stand—a digitized life-size panel of players—as a digital supplement for 'Monthly Giants,' a Giants fan magazine officially supervised by the Yomiuri Giants and published by Hochi Shimbun Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tsuyoshi Hasegawa; hereinafter 'Hochi Shimbun'). This supplement will be available starting with the July 2026 issue (on sale May 22, 2026) for readers to enjoy. Through this content, Alala aims to create new touchpoints between players and fans and enhance fan engagement.

※ The first release is the digital Takemaru Kazuyuki stand, commemorating the first rookie opening-day victory in team history. The August issue will go on sale on June 24.

Alala has developed an AR Digital Stand as a digital supplement for 'Monthly Giants,' allowing fans to take photos with their favorite players. By scanning the QR code printed in each issue of the magazine using a smartphone, readers can enjoy a different player’s digital supplement each month. The experience is accessible directly through web browsers on both iOS and Android devices—no dedicated app download required. Previously, Hochi Shimbun provided digital supplements via a dedicated app, but aiming to make the experience more accessible, they have now revamped the offering and adopted Alala’s AR service.

This digital supplement features two modes: the 'AR Mode,' which allows 360-degree viewing of the AR digital stand, and the 'View Mode,' which enables users to resize and position the digitized life-size panel freely. Both modes support photo-taking with players. Additionally, a collection function allows users to gather and save a different player’s AR Digital Stand each month. This supplement offers fans an engaging, accessible way to feel closer to their favorite players anytime, anywhere.

Features of the 'Monthly Giants' Digital Supplement

No App Required

Eliminates the need to download a dedicated app, which was previously required.

Now accessible directly through a web browser.

Two Modes for Taking Photos with Players Anytime, Anywhere

Supports both 'AR Mode' (360-degree rotation of the player’s AR stand) and 'View Mode' (digital life-size panel). Users can freely choose the mode that best suits their photo-taking scenario.

Collect a New Player’s AR Digital Stand Each Month

Players collected can be saved in a personal collection.

Each issue features a different player, and users can even take photos with previously collected players, enabling ongoing engagement.

※ Previously acquired players remain accessible for viewing and photo sessions.

Comment from Hochi Shimbun’s Representative

'With this AR digital supplement, we aimed to deliver an experience that more fans can enjoy casually. Previously, users had to download a dedicated smartphone app, but now anyone can easily enjoy taking photos with players simply by scanning a QR code. We’ve also refreshed the design and usability, making it easier for fans to use this as a 'oshi-activity' tool wherever they go. We hope this new digital supplement will help fans enjoy 'Monthly Giants' more than ever before.'

Future Outlook

Alala will continue to support businesses in maximizing promotional impact by enhancing experiential value through AR services. We will propose optimal AR solutions tailored to clients’ goals, target audiences, and budgets—ranging from leisure facilities to events.

About Alala’s 'Web AR' (https://www.arappli.com/service/web-ar)

Alala’s 'Web AR' is an AR service that requires no iOS or Android app—accessible directly through a web browser. Simply access a link embedded in a QR code, email, or social media post to launch the browser and enjoy AR content appearing on-screen. The 'Alapuri Web' Web AR service adopted here supports 'View Mode' (simple display of 2D or 3D CG content on a flat surface), 'AR Mode' (3D spatial display), and a collection function for storing multiple contents. We offer various plans tailored to use cases and needs—including replacing photo booths at events or tourist sites, creating digital photo frames for school events, or serving as digital bonuses for products—with support for short lead times and low budgets.

About Hochi Shimbun Co., Ltd. (https://www.hochi.co.jp/)

Hochi Shimbun Co., Ltd., a member of the Yomiuri Newspaper Group, publishes 'Sports Hochi' and delivers a wide range of information on sports, entertainment, and social news. It is particularly strong in sports journalism, with deep reporting and fast-breaking news on professional baseball and the Yomiuri Giants, earning strong reader support. In recent years, the company has expanded beyond print into digital media, social networks, and video distribution, offering content through diverse channels. Through the publication of 'Monthly Giants' (https://shop.hochi.co.jp/shopbrand/ct77), it provides fan-focused content such as player features and exclusive campaigns, and is actively creating new fan experiences by integrating print and digital through digital supplements.

＜Company Overview: Alala Inc.＞

Company Name: Alala Inc. (100% subsidiary of Paycloud Holdings Co., Ltd.)

Address: Aoyama Tower Building, 2-24-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

URL: https://www.arara.com/

Founded: October 2023

Representative: President and CEO Noriaki Kadokura

Business: Solution services including messaging solutions

※ QR Code (R) is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.

※ Company names, product names, and service names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

※ The content, contact information, and other details in this press release are accurate as of the announcement date and are subject to change without notice.