1SEC Inc. is a Japanese company that develops high-end digital human technologies under the brand "ONE AI." Their digital humans integrate advanced AI technologies including real-time physics-based graphics, speech recognition, image recognition, and specialized conversational AI. These AI-powered virtual humans are used for interactive experiences in entertainment, marketing, and NFTs. The company is known for creating AI-driven virtual celebrities, such as Lewis Hiro Newman, and has developed virtual fashion projects like 1Block. 1SEC has gained media attention for pioneering Japan's virtual influencer space and has raised significant funding to further their development of interactive digital humans.
Activ8 is a Japanese startup founded in 2016 focused on metaverse entertainment and virtual talent production. It is best known for producing VTubers and digital humans, and for launching initiatives like the “Avatar Symbiotic Society” project. The company has collaborated with major partners including CyberAgent and NVIDIA on digital human development, aiming to enhance user experiences in virtual spaces. Activ8 has also worked with local governments, such as producing an official VTuber for Echizen City, and played a role in creating 3DCG models for characters in popular media like One Piece Film Red. The company merged with Synamon to expand its capabilities in IP virtualization and continues to contribute to projects that integrate AI and digital human technology, highlighting the convergence between VTubers and digital humans through similar foundational technologies.
Advanced Media, Inc. is a Japanese company recognized for its leading role in voice recognition technology, particularly through its AmiVoice engine, which holds the top domestic market share in applications involving digital humans. The company collaborates with Digital Human Co., Ltd. and supports projects that integrate speech technology into metaverse and virtual human environments. Their technology is applied to enhance user interaction with digital humans across sectors like customer service, emotional recognition, and interactive business exhibitions. Advanced Media also participates in research discussions and seminars exploring AI, VR/AR, and future applications of digital characters in society.
Alt Inc. (alt.ai) is a Japanese AI company known for developing digital humans and personal AI (P.A.I.), including digital clones that replicate individuals using their online content such as blogs and social media. Alt combines large language models, generative AI, and artificial consciousness to create interactive, human-like avatars capable of advanced communication. Their technologies are used in various applications such as customer service, virtual meetings, and entertainment. The company also engages in collaborations with firms like NEC and Aisin and works on language models capable of passing professional exams. Alt has hosted events and meetups focused on digital humans and AI, and its founder Goji Yonekura is known for early innovations in data compression.
ANYCOLOR Inc., known for its VTuber group Nijisanji, has engaged with digital human technologies primarily through its virtual talent operations. Although not exclusively a digital human company, it is frequently mentioned in discussions about the use of MetaHuman and Unreal Engine tools, immersive XR experiences, and AI-enhanced avatars. The company has also faced challenges in markets like China due to increasing government regulations on digital humans. ANYCOLOR is viewed as a major player in the virtual entertainment sector, often appearing in job listings and investor reports involving digital human modeling, motion capture, and metaverse applications.
Asobisystem, a Japanese entertainment agency known for producing artists like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and the idol project KAWAII LAB., has recently been associated with digital human technologies. Their projects have generated public attention online, especially when involving popular gravure idols being turned into digital humans. While not focused solely on digital humans, Asobisystem's collaborations—such as with Kizuna AI and visual effects-driven music videos—highlight their growing engagement with virtual content, blending real-world talent management with cutting-edge digital and AI-based representation.
AVATARIUM is a 3D body-scanning system developed by Pocket RD that significantly accelerates the production of digital humans and avatars. By capturing a person’s full body with high precision, AVATARIUM enables the rapid creation of photorealistic 3D avatars, reducing both time and costs typically associated with digital human development. It has been used in collaborations with major organizations such as Daiwa Securities Group and in projects like “KASSAI” and “KOTO,” where digital humans serve as interactive AI operators. AVATARIUM has also been deployed in broader contexts such as education, healthcare, and the metaverse, and is offered in portable versions for wider adoption. The technology is positioned at the forefront of avatar-based applications, integrating with generative AI and blockchain for extended use in NFTs and immersive virtual experiences.
AVITA Inc. is a Japanese company founded by robotics expert Hiroshi Ishiguro in 2021, focused on developing hyper-realistic digital humans and avatar technologies for real-time customer interaction. AVITA's flagship service, AVACOM, enables remote avatar-based customer service, which has been adopted in sectors such as energy, healthcare, retail, and public services. The company partnered with Osaka Gas to launch Japan’s first real-time digital human in the energy sector and collaborated with Osaka Police Hospital and Lawson for avatar-based solutions. AVITA aims to "Virtualize the Real World," creating lifelike digital humans that replicate human gestures and expressions for business, healthcare, and social interaction. Their work integrates generative AI, 3D modeling, and motion capture to enhance digital customer engagement. AVITA also participates in major expos and government-backed digital transformation projects, with a mission to expand human activity beyond physical limitations using avatars. Their headquarters is in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Aww Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2018 and recognized as Asia’s first virtual human production company. It specializes in creating highly realistic 3DCG digital humans and virtual influencers, including its flagship virtual model imma, who has gained international attention in fashion, media, and advertising. Aww integrates AI and 3DCG technology to produce interactive digital humans, positioning them as autonomous entities capable of natural communication and emotional expression. The company has partnered with NVIDIA to advance real-time, AI-powered virtual humans and co-developed solutions with corporate partners like Dai-ichi Life and Omron. Aww also collaborates with Chinese firm Ranmai Technology and is actively involved in developing the virtual human ecosystem in the metaverse and Web3. Its projects explore marketing, customer service, digital fashion, and entertainment, promoting the potential of synthetic characters as digital agents, brand ambassadors, and media personalities. The company's CEO is Takayuki Moriya, and its creative producer is Sara Giusto.
Bandai and its affiliates, including Bandai Namco Entertainment and Bandai Spirits, have been involved in various initiatives using digital humans. Notably, Bandai Spirits collaborated with Sony Music to co-create a hyper-realistic digital human artist named ANNA, designed to be indistinguishable from a real person. The companies launched a project to craft an entire life story for this character. Bandai Spirits also conducted public relations experiments involving digital humans. In other contexts, Bandai Namco Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment have supported or exhibited high-fidelity digital human technologies, such as virtual actors and interactive AI-based avatars. These efforts are part of broader trends in entertainment, marketing, and digital production, where Bandai integrates cutting-edge CG, AI, and immersive media to expand storytelling and customer engagement.