Thirdverse Secures ¥200 Million to Boost Japanese IP in Social VR

Thirdverse, the Tokyo-based XR game studio, announced a ¥200 million funding round today to expand its social VR metaverse and onboard actor Masi Oka as strategic advisor. The investment will accelerate development of immersive experiences featuring Japanese intellectual properties.

The funding underscores growing interest in metaverse platforms that blend gaming, entertainment and social interaction. With major media franchises joining virtual worlds, Thirdverse’s latest round positions it to capitalize on rising demand for culturally themed VR content.

Subheading: Strategic Talent and IP Integration

  • Masi Oka Joins as Advisor - Oscar-nominated actor Masi Oka will guide storytelling and character integration in Thirdverse’s Horizon Tokyo project.
  • Focus on Japanese Franchises - The studio plans to partner with anime and gaming IPs to build fan-centric virtual experiences.

Thirdverse plans to allocate the capital toward hiring VR engineers, licensing new properties and enhancing network infrastructure. The studio aims to launch its Horizon Tokyo beta in early 2026, offering users interactive cityscapes, live events and avatar customization.

The announcement follows a global surge in metaverse investments this year, as firms race to establish virtual hubs for fans and creators. Industry analysts predict the “Japan-as-metaverse” niche could attract millions of users seeking authentic cultural content.

Subheading: Market Context and Outlook

  • Global Metaverse Deals - Venture funding for XR and metaverse startups reached $1.8 billion in Q3 2025, up 25% year-on-year.
  • Competitive Landscape - Thirdverse competes with U.S. platforms like Rec Room and Meta’s Horizon Worlds, differentiating itself through localized IP.

Actor and producer Masi Oka commented, “Bringing Japanese storytelling into VR opens new creative horizons - I’m excited to help Thirdverse deliver deep, meaningful experiences to fans worldwide.” The studio will reveal additional partnerships and features at its October developer showcase in Tokyo.