University of Tsukuba Venture 'Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory' Accelerates Innovation in Disaster Prevention Education with 'Tactile Digital Twins' Integrated with VR Technology
The Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, a venture from the University of Tsukuba, is revolutionizing disaster prevention education by combining 3D physical models with projection mapping and VR. Their 'Tactile Digital Twin' technology makes complex geological and disaster-risk data intuitive and accessible, supporting regional future strategies and public safety.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 09:00
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We support 'April Dream,' an initiative that aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release represents the dream of the 'Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc.'
The University of Tsukuba venture 'Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc.' (Headquarters: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture; https://www.revj46.com/) visualizes Earth's information—specifically topography and geological data—as 'Tactile Digital Twins' through proprietary 3D modeling and projection mapping. We propose solutions for regional issues and provide powerful support for regional future strategies.
(1) Our Dream: Making the Invisible Earth 'Personal'
Beneath our feet lie layers of strata accumulated over hundreds of millions of years, complex flowing groundwater, and even faults that occasionally bare their fangs. Because these are usually 'invisible,' it is difficult for us to truly grasp the risks of disasters. However, research institutions and universities have accumulated a wealth of survey data on these risks. We have commercialized this survey data into 'Tactile Digital Twins'—a fusion of the latest digital technology and physical models—and have deployed them in numerous universities and museums.
As a venture originating from the University of Tsukuba, our dream is to move these products and information out of museums and into your daily lives. By doing so, we can enable everyone to intuitively understand Earth's data and diagrams—previously readable only by experts—and build a society where everyone can make their own informed decisions for safety. Disaster prevention challenges vary by region, including volcanoes, floods, and earthquakes. We address these needs by proposing detailed visualization processes aligned with regional future strategies.
(2) Our Dream's Next-Generation Business: Integrated Experience through 'Tactile Digital Twins' x 'VR'
Based on our proprietary patented technologies (Patent Nos. 6079990 and 6176660), we possess the technology to rapidly and precisely materialize ground surfaces and underground structures using projection mapping and 3D models. By combining this with VR/XR technology, we are rolling out the following next-generation businesses nationwide:
- 4D Hazard Maps Experienced with the Five Senses:
We project disaster simulations onto precise topographic models using projection mapping, while simultaneously providing an experience of standing in the midst of the event via VR. We are building a platform that allows people to understand 'where, why, and how' a location is dangerous through their senses, rather than just viewing a hazard map as a set of symbols.
- Educational Platform for Walking Through the 'Earth's Memories':
We provide systems that allow users to touch models in museums or schools while using VR to restore and observe landscapes and prehistoric life from tens of thousands of years ago. This platform transforms geology from 'rote memorization' to 'exploration,' fostering children's scientific curiosity. In this way, the Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc. aims to transform the future of disaster prevention education through technological innovation.
(3) Steps Toward Realizing Our Dream
As a University of Tsukuba venture, we have pursued the visualization of Earth science in collaboration with national research institutions and museums. This has led to our selection for Toyo Keizai's 'Amazing Venture 100 (2025 Latest Edition).' We have also signed an alliance agreement with major telecommunications and video production company IMAGICA EEX. We supervised 'LOST ANIMAL PLANET,' an AR content piece developed jointly with that company and NTT QONOQ that brings extinct animals back to life, and have also developed our own VR museums. Leveraging this experience, we will provide more interactive experiences by converting our accumulated Earth science data into VR and combining it with existing projection mapping.
(4) Conclusion: Dialoguing with the Earth, Preparing for the Future
As a leading example of our regional future strategy assistance, our 3D data and geological information were featured in the February issue of JR East's onboard magazine, 'Train Vert.' In this issue, our representative, Akihiko Shibahara, used geological 3D data to explain why many Japanese film works, including the 'Ultraman' series which celebrates its 60th anniversary, were filmed in Tochigi. Please take a look.
Knowing the Earth is knowing the future. The 'Tactile Digital Twin' we advocate is a challenge to turn specialized data into a 'common language' that everyone can touch. In 2026, we will evolve this technology into a pillar of disaster prevention learning and regional future strategies, increasing the number of places around the world where people can dialogue with the 'heart of the Earth.'
■ Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc.
https://www.revj46.com/
Representative: Akihiko Shibahara
Paleontologist. Ph.D. (Science). Specializes in Earth science, 3D modeling, and VR. Author/supervisor of over 20 books on Earth science and dinosaurs. Developed patents related to Earth science visualization. Extensive media experience, including scientific verification for the 'Ultraman' series.
Deputy Representative: Satoru Daidoji
Representative of Nishimura Precision Topographic Models / CTO of Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory / Owner of Map Bar M@Akasaka. Planning Committee Member of the Japan Cartographers Association / Deputy Chief of the Outreach Subcommittee of the Japan Cartographers Association / Supporting Member of the Japan Map Center.
The University of Tsukuba venture 'Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc.' (Headquarters: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture; https://www.revj46.com/) visualizes Earth's information—specifically topography and geological data—as 'Tactile Digital Twins' through proprietary 3D modeling and projection mapping. We propose solutions for regional issues and provide powerful support for regional future strategies.
(1) Our Dream: Making the Invisible Earth 'Personal'
Beneath our feet lie layers of strata accumulated over hundreds of millions of years, complex flowing groundwater, and even faults that occasionally bare their fangs. Because these are usually 'invisible,' it is difficult for us to truly grasp the risks of disasters. However, research institutions and universities have accumulated a wealth of survey data on these risks. We have commercialized this survey data into 'Tactile Digital Twins'—a fusion of the latest digital technology and physical models—and have deployed them in numerous universities and museums.
As a venture originating from the University of Tsukuba, our dream is to move these products and information out of museums and into your daily lives. By doing so, we can enable everyone to intuitively understand Earth's data and diagrams—previously readable only by experts—and build a society where everyone can make their own informed decisions for safety. Disaster prevention challenges vary by region, including volcanoes, floods, and earthquakes. We address these needs by proposing detailed visualization processes aligned with regional future strategies.
(2) Our Dream's Next-Generation Business: Integrated Experience through 'Tactile Digital Twins' x 'VR'
Based on our proprietary patented technologies (Patent Nos. 6079990 and 6176660), we possess the technology to rapidly and precisely materialize ground surfaces and underground structures using projection mapping and 3D models. By combining this with VR/XR technology, we are rolling out the following next-generation businesses nationwide:
- 4D Hazard Maps Experienced with the Five Senses:
We project disaster simulations onto precise topographic models using projection mapping, while simultaneously providing an experience of standing in the midst of the event via VR. We are building a platform that allows people to understand 'where, why, and how' a location is dangerous through their senses, rather than just viewing a hazard map as a set of symbols.
- Educational Platform for Walking Through the 'Earth's Memories':
We provide systems that allow users to touch models in museums or schools while using VR to restore and observe landscapes and prehistoric life from tens of thousands of years ago. This platform transforms geology from 'rote memorization' to 'exploration,' fostering children's scientific curiosity. In this way, the Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc. aims to transform the future of disaster prevention education through technological innovation.
(3) Steps Toward Realizing Our Dream
As a University of Tsukuba venture, we have pursued the visualization of Earth science in collaboration with national research institutions and museums. This has led to our selection for Toyo Keizai's 'Amazing Venture 100 (2025 Latest Edition).' We have also signed an alliance agreement with major telecommunications and video production company IMAGICA EEX. We supervised 'LOST ANIMAL PLANET,' an AR content piece developed jointly with that company and NTT QONOQ that brings extinct animals back to life, and have also developed our own VR museums. Leveraging this experience, we will provide more interactive experiences by converting our accumulated Earth science data into VR and combining it with existing projection mapping.
(4) Conclusion: Dialoguing with the Earth, Preparing for the Future
As a leading example of our regional future strategy assistance, our 3D data and geological information were featured in the February issue of JR East's onboard magazine, 'Train Vert.' In this issue, our representative, Akihiko Shibahara, used geological 3D data to explain why many Japanese film works, including the 'Ultraman' series which celebrates its 60th anniversary, were filmed in Tochigi. Please take a look.
Knowing the Earth is knowing the future. The 'Tactile Digital Twin' we advocate is a challenge to turn specialized data into a 'common language' that everyone can touch. In 2026, we will evolve this technology into a pillar of disaster prevention learning and regional future strategies, increasing the number of places around the world where people can dialogue with the 'heart of the Earth.'
■ Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory, Inc.
https://www.revj46.com/
Representative: Akihiko Shibahara
Paleontologist. Ph.D. (Science). Specializes in Earth science, 3D modeling, and VR. Author/supervisor of over 20 books on Earth science and dinosaurs. Developed patents related to Earth science visualization. Extensive media experience, including scientific verification for the 'Ultraman' series.
Deputy Representative: Satoru Daidoji
Representative of Nishimura Precision Topographic Models / CTO of Earth Science Visualization Technology Laboratory / Owner of Map Bar M@Akasaka. Planning Committee Member of the Japan Cartographers Association / Deputy Chief of the Outreach Subcommittee of the Japan Cartographers Association / Supporting Member of the Japan Map Center.