I went to see Immersive Museum Osaka (it's really good)

About half a year ago, I had a 'revelation' (a strong desire) to buy wireless headphones, and after examining the specs of products from several manufacturers in detail, I realized that the trend for recent high-end models is a feature called 'spatial audio.' This is an effect that, regardless of the original sound source or video data, uses processing within the device to expand the space where sound is heard (called the sound field) and emphasize the three-dimensional feel of the location where each sound is playing (called localization).

Each manufacturer has various names for this feature; for the SHURE AONIC 50 Gen 2 that I use, it is simply called 'Spatial Audio.' Also, for the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 wireless earphones that I also use, it is called '3D Audio.' And for the BOSE QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which I was debating until the very last minute against the AONIC 50 Gen 2, they gave this feature the name 'Immersive Audio'.

Beyond just the difference in names, I'm sure there are differences in how it actually feels when you listen to it from company to company, but what they achieve is generally the same. When I turn this feature on with the two models I use, especially the SHURE headphones, the music actually changes to a sound with a sense of presence as if I were listening from the front of a live venue (depending on the sound source, it might be a small indoor club or a large outdoor stage). Also, for videos and anime, rather than the feeling of watching in a theater, you can have an acoustic experience that makes you feel as if you are inside the world of the work itself. It is truly immersive. Models with these kinds of immersive audio features are relatively expensive, but if you are planning to buy wireless headphones or earphones in the future, you should definitely check whether this feature is included.

So, while the story up to this point seemed related to the main topic, it actually wasn't very related at all. I just really wanted to write about it. Thank you for reading.

And so, I went to Immersive Museum Osaka.

To begin with, what kind of event is it? First of all, the venue is a hall about the size of a 25m swimming pool. The four walls have height, and the ceiling has steel beams arranged in a grid pattern. Many projectors and speakers are placed on these steel beams, and the system is set up so that the images projected from each projector are displayed not only on the four walls but also on the floor. The speakers are quite excellent and play bass that resonates to the core of your body.

The essential content screened is mainly works by 'Post-Impressionist' painters (Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Seurat, etc.), but it doesn't just project those works onto the walls. By making full use of CG, the scenes in the paintings are made three-dimensional, elements like flower petals that make up the paintings move dynamically, or details of a large single painting are enlarged and shown; various ideas are incorporated, and as you watch, you are gradually drawn in, and before you know it, you are truly immersed in the worldview of the painters.

This kind of expression using CG can easily become trite, with the 'I worked hard to make this CG' feeling coming to the fore, but this Immersive Museum attacks the fine line where that doesn't happen, and I could feel the creator's sense and love for painting.

By the way, there are Yogibo-like cushions (I couldn't tell if they were actual Yogibos) of various sizes placed here and there on the floor of the venue. You can relax on these cushions in your favorite spot to watch, and the moment I laid down at first, I thought, 'I want to sleep like this.' 😆 However, I managed to pull myself together and watch it, but that viewing style is very good. Looking around, everyone was sitting or lying down in a relaxed manner, and there was a sense of unity that we were all watching the same thing together.

By the way, as shown in this photo, if you don't enter early, depending on the number of participants at that time, you might not be able to secure a cushion and will have to stand or sit directly on the floor in a suitable place to watch. I recommend buying advance tickets and arriving at the venue before the time.

Also, the content screening starts automatically at the start time, so it is better to enter early for that reason as well. However, there are two screenings. They show the same thing twice, but there is a short break of about 10 minutes called a photo time in between, during which static images are projected on the walls, and you can walk around freely and take pictures. You are allowed to take pictures during the content screening as well, but moving around the venue is a nuisance. There was no prior explanation about the fact that there are two screenings or that there is a photo time in between, so when the first screening ended, I was let down, thinking, 'Huh? Is it over already?' It's a bit disappointing that the guidance in this area is not thorough, but in the end, you can fully enjoy everything, so please rest assured about that point.

Oh, that's right, there are four walls, but naturally, you cannot look at all of them at the same time. Therefore, the images are basically the same in front of you and when you turn around. In other words, no matter where you are or which direction you are looking, there is almost no content you will miss. However, it didn't seem to be completely like that. For this reason, you might want to try changing the direction you look during the second screening even if you stay in the same place.

Hearing that, some people might think, 'What, they're going to show me the same thing twice...' and think it sounds a bit boring, but when you actually watch it, you'll think, 'I want to see it again!' I was, of course, into the visuals, but I was also super hooked on the quality of the sound. It brought back memories of when I used to go to clubs and get immersed in music when I was a college student.

One screening is about 20 minutes. And the photo time is about 10 minutes, so I think it will be about 50 minutes in total. By the way, it was the first session of the morning, but the entrance to the venue was closed and there were no standing signs, so I was worried if I was in the wrong place. The venue is right where you enter the Dojima River Forum building after walking along the river. Please note that you do not need to go up by elevator (I went up).

I highly recommend it. Not only for people who like paintings, but I think even people who aren't that interested will find this good. Please go and see it. I'm thinking I might go again. 😉✨️✨️