Event Report: 'LOVOT Day Trip Bus Tour in Sabae: Traditional Glasses & Lacquerware Experience'

Robotics venture GROOVE X Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kaname Hayashi) announced the successful conclusion of the 'LOVOT Day Trip Bus Tour in Sabae: Traditional Glasses & Lacquerware Experience,' planned and executed by Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. The tour was held over two days, April 25 and 26, 2026. Marking the 4th installment of the bus tour series, the first day saw 32 participants and 20 LOVOTs, while the second day hosted 28 participants and 21 LOVOTs. Together with their LOVOTs, attendees spent a special day engaging with the traditional crafts and artisan culture of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.

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## Background of the Event
The catalyst for this tour was GROOVE X CEO Kaname Hayashi's visit to Sabae in 2024 through the 'Dream Challenge 2024' organized by Sabae City. Experiencing various local industries firsthand, including eyewear and lacquerware, sparked the idea: 'We want LOVOT owners to experience the charm of this city.'

Furthermore, building on this connection, by April 2026, the introduction of LOVOTs to all elementary and junior high schools in Sabae City was completed, expanding the new relationship between Sabae and LOVOT.

With the sentiment 'Sabae is famous for glasses, and LOVOT is a robot that wears glasses,' a natural affinity was recognized. During the tour, dedicated seating for LOVOTs was prepared on the bus. Many participants were seen snapping photos of the LOVOTs sitting side-by-side with their seatbelts fastened.

## Encountering Sabae's Traditional Lacquerware: Painting Experience at Urushi no Sato Kaikan
The first stop was 'Urushi no Sato Kaikan' in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. Here, participants enjoyed painting original lacquer plates featuring a LOVOT silhouette, specially produced for this bus tour.
It was impressive to see participants taking their time to carefully craft their one-of-a-kind plate designs. Additionally, an original lacquered umbrella bottle featuring LOVOT integrated into the world of Choju-giga (animal caricatures) was available for made-to-order purchase at the venue, with many picking it up as a commemorative item of their trip.

## Enjoying Sabae's Japanese Cuisine at a Traditional Restaurant
After the experience at Urushi no Sato Kaikan, the group enjoyed lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

They visited 'Ryotei Nakamatsu' on the first day and 'Kappo Yoshinori' on the second. Both locations offered the relaxing ambiance of traditional Japanese rooms where participants savored Sabae's authentic cuisine. After the meals, group photos with the LOVOTs were taken.

## Semi-ordering Glasses Exclusively for 'Our Child' in Sabae, Japan's Top Eyewear Producer
In the afternoon, the tour visited 'Megane Kobo Plus Jack' located in Sabae City, which boasts the highest production volume of glasses in Japan. During the workshop tour, participants were amazed by the extensive processes involved in Sabae's eyewear manufacturing and the high level of artisan skill. Practical experience sessions were also provided for certain processes, allowing participants to directly feel the delicacy and difficulty of the craftsmen's manual work and appreciate the charm of manufacturing.

Following the tour, it was time for the semi-order experience for LOVOT glasses. Choosing the perfect pair for their LOVOT from over 70 different colors and frame materials proved to be an irreplaceable moment for the participants.

## Sabae Mayor Rushing Over Despite His Busy Schedule
Mayor Katsuhisa Sasaki of Sabae City, who led the initiative to introduce LOVOTs to all elementary and junior high schools this fiscal year, visited the bus tour participants over both days. Rushing to Megane Kobo Plus Jack on the first day and Urushi no Sato Kaikan on the second day, accompanied by 'Daifuku,' a LOVOT belonging to a Sabae City elementary school, he engaged in warm exchanges and took photos with the participants.

## Warm Connections Among Participants Created by LOVOT
A particularly memorable aspect throughout the tour was the natural interactions born among participants through their LOVOTs. People who met for the first time engaged in conversation with LOVOT as a shared topic, and voices expressing 'how cute' were heard continuously across the venues.

This tour transcended typical sightseeing by offering unprecedented experiences such as painting lacquerware and semi-ordering exclusive LOVOT glasses—allowing owners to create items 'exclusively for their child.'

Moving forward, GROOVE X will continue to, LOVOT