CHIBA -- The Matsudo Municipal Government in Chiba Prefecture has developed "Meta-Matsu," a three-dimensional virtual space based on the city's map, and made it available online.

Users can explore the proprietary municipal "metaverse" for free and access information on disaster prevention and cultural properties. The city aims to expand Meta-Matsu's features to create a "smart city hall" where administrative tasks and consultations with staff can be done via smartphones and other devices. It also plans to provide information on medical facilities and recycling collection points on the virtual map.

Mayor Takamasa Matsudo said, "We aim to incorporate as many city hall functions into Meta-Matsu as possible, enabling administrative procedures to be completed virtually."

Users can join by selecting a nickname and avatar from the city's website. By controlling their avatars, they can navigate the virtual Matsudo, moving over the map and inside buildings.

The cultural properties map allows users to explore local cultural assets. Meanwhile, the disaster prevention map displays evacuation shelters and areas designated for potential disasters such as floods and storm surges. There are also virtual meeting rooms where avatars can converse.

Meta-Matsu also hosts "spaces for children" four times a month, each lasting about two hours. Participants can freely interact using avatars, maintaining anonymity through voice and text communication. Event dates, times and access passwords will be announced on the municipal government's website.

(Japanese original by Tomohiro Shibata, Chiba Bureau)