Redefine Arts

What Redefine Arts does

Redefine Arts (株式会社RedefineArts) is a privately held Kyoto, Japan-based application developer founded in September 2020 by CEO Sakakibara Masahiro. The company operates three core products across two distinct businesses: (1) VR gaming — Akpala, a VR magic-casting FPS battle game featuring AI-driven NPCs and a voice-activated spell system, distributed on MetaQuest/Oculus Store and Steam/SteamVR; and Xpraize, a TRPG VR game with voice recognition currently in beta on Steam; and (2) video production technology — Tokusatsu Studio (特撮スタジオ), a PC application that uses the patented IVB (Interactive Visual Board) technology to replace CG 3D models with high-fidelity 2D visual boards, enabling real-time synthesis of live-action video with virtual CG environments.

The company monetizes through one-time software license sales of VR games on global storefronts (Meta, Steam), one-time Tokusatsu Studio software license sales to production studios and individual creators, and bespoke content production services for traditional arts and film productions (Noh 'Hagoromo' with Sector 80; 'Manjushri Kowai' with Shochiku Studios; traditional-arts explainer videos for XR-Theater & Cafe JapaDive Osaka). Non-dilutive funding supplements revenue: VIPO JLOX+ grant for Tokusatsu Studio development (2024) and INPIT acceleration support for patent strategy (September 2024). Distribution is mixed: consumer products run on major VR platform stores with global reach; professional products use direct B2B sales primarily in Japan.

Strategically, Redefine Arts is positioning Tokusatsu Studio as an embedded content engine for institutional XR venues (the April 2025 JTB/NTT Communications/NTT ConNQ-backed JapaDive Osaka facility), while continuing to build Akpala's global VR gaming footprint via event appearances (Tokyo Game Show 2023, BitSummit Drift 2024, Comic Con 2024, PHOTONEXT 2025) and platform exposure. The advisory board — featuring a former Sony Interactive Entertainment VP and a former EY/FSA executive — provides strategic cover disproportionate to the company's small team and undisclosed revenue base. The company's registered capital is ¥41,391,000; no external equity funding rounds have been disclosed.

Name

Redefine Arts

Legal name

株式会社RedefineArts

Website

https://redefine-arts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Redefine Arts is a Kyoto-based application developer building VR games (Akpala, Xpraize on MetaQuest and SteamVR) and Tokusatsu Studio, a PC video synthesis application using patented IVB technology, serving VR gaming consumers, film/TV production studios, and traditional arts organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

VR Gaming and Video Production Software

NAICS

Software Publishers (513210), Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)

akta.pro primary industry

VR/AR/XR Game Studios (MPAFAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Immersive/Interactive Animation (AR/VR/Real-Time) (MPAHACAN), Outsourced Art/Audio Production Services (2D/3D, Animation, VFX, Audio/VO) (MPAFAKAM), VR/AR Game Publishing & Distribution (MPAFABAK)

Keywords

• VR game development
• Video synthesis software
• Real-time visual effects
• AI-driven NPC systems
• Interactive visual boards

Headquarters

HQ city

Kyoto

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. VR Game Sales (Akpala, Xpraize): Direct sales of VR gaming products through Meta / Steam digital storefronts. Akpala is available on MetaQuest and SteamVR; Xpraize beta is sold on Steam. Revenue generated per-unit or at point of purchase.
2. Tokusatsu Studio Application Sales: PC application sold to professional and prosumer users for real-time video synthesis production. Revenue from software licensing to film/TV production studios and individual creators.
3. Content Production Services: Custom video production services using Tokusatsu Studio, evidenced by traditional performing arts content (Noh 'Hagoromo' demonstration), Shochiku productions ('Manjushri Kowai'), and traditional arts explanatory videos for XR facilities.
4. Government Subsidies: VIPO (映像産業復興機構) JLOX+ grant subsidy received for Tokusatsu Studio development and demonstration, and INPIT acceleration support for patent strategy — non-dilutive funding support.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Redefine Arts develops and sells VR gaming applications and proprietary video synthesis software. Its flagship consumer VR title Akpala is a voice-casting FPS battle game with AI-driven NPC characters sold on MetaQuest and SteamVR. Tokusatsu Studio is a PC application using patented IVB technology to composite real video with virtual environments for special-effects production, sold to professional studios. Xpraize is a TRPG VR game with voice recognition available in beta on Steam.

Product overview

Redefine Arts is a Kyoto-based startup developing a portfolio of original entertainment products centered on VR gaming and proprietary video synthesis technology. Its core offerings include Akpala, a VR magic-casting FPS battle game with AI-driven NPC characters and a voice-casting spell system; Tokusatsu Studio, a PC application that composites live-action video with virtual CG environments using the patented IVB (Interactive Visual Board) technology; and Xpraize, a TRPG VR game with voice recognition. The products are available on MetaQuest, SteamVR, and Steam platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Akpala: VR magic-casting FPS battle game featuring AI-powered NPCs and voice-casting magic system. Available on MetaQuest and SteamVR.
• Tokusatsu Studio
• Xpraize

Products and services

• Akpala A VR magic-casting FPS battle game featuring AI-powered NPC characters and a voice-casting (voice-spell) system where players' spoken voice activates in-game magic spells. Also includes an e-act catcher mechanism for third-person perspective recording of gameplay. Designed for VR gaming consumers on MetaQuest and SteamVR platforms.
• Tokusatsu Studio (特撮スタジオ) A PC application that synthesizes real video footage with virtual CG spaces in real time, enabling users to shoot tokusatsu (special effects)-style photos and videos without full 3D CG production. Uses proprietary IVB (Interactive Visual Board) technology with a registered patent to replace CG 3D models with high-definition 2D visual boards. Designed for film/TV production studios and cultural institutions.
• Xpraize A TRPG (tabletop role-playing game) VR game with voice recognition capabilities, combining tabletop RPG mechanics with virtual reality. World's first fusion of TRPG and VR, enabling players to adventure in a virtual space using voice commands. Beta version available on Steam.

Quantifiable outcome

• Akpala ranked in upper positions of OculusRank world rankings for VR games
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• JTB / NTTコミュニケーションズ / NTTコノキュー (for XR-Theater & Cafe JapaDive Osaka)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025A new XR entertainment facility opened in Dotonbori, Osaka in April 2025 with Tokusatsu Studio-produced traditional arts content. Jointly developed with JTB, NTT Communications, and NTT ConNQ, representing a significant institutional partnership for cultural XR content.
• Meta Platforms (Meta / Oculus)coreTechnology or IntegrationMeta Platforms provides the MetaQuest/Oculus platform and store for distribution of Akpala VR game. Akpala is available on Meta / Steam stores for MetaQuest and SteamVR users, making Meta a core platform partner for distribution and technology integration.
• Valve Corporation (Steam)coreTechnology or IntegrationValve provides the Steam/SteamVR platform for distribution of Akpala and Xpraize (beta). Both VR games are sold through Steam, making Valve a core platform partner for global digital distribution.
• 株式会社松竹撮影所coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShochiku Studios collaborated on a demonstration video 'Manjushri Kowai' (まんじゅうこ|scale) using Tokusatsu Studio, validating the product in professional film production environments.
• 株式会社セクターエイティエイトcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSector 80 collaborated on producing the Noh performance 'Hagoromo' (羽衣) demonstration video using Tokusatsu Studio, and was involved in the XR-Theater & Cafe JapaDive Osaka project where Tokusatsu Studio content is experienced.
• Panasonic映像株式会社minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a business partner, suggesting collaboration in the video/imaging technology space.
• 株式会社ゲン・テック・ホールディングスminorOthersListed as a business partner, nature of collaboration not specified in detail.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AkpalaVR
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWnJgTrNVIuDcqUi4NAeIwA
• TikToktiktok.com/@tokusatsu_studio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Redefine Arts