BIPROGY and Yamazawa to test VR shopping support in Yamagata

BIPROGY and supermarket chain Yamazawa, in collaboration with Yamagata University, will conduct a demonstration experiment in Kaneyama, Yamagata Prefecture, to support shopping in areas with limited access to retail services. The project utilizes “VR Shelf” technology, which allows users to view and select life-sized product images on a monitor to place orders.

Participants can order fresh foods and other items available at Yamazawa stores through the VR interface, with orders being delivered to the Kaneyama Central Community Center for pickup the following day. The experiment is scheduled for November 3 and November 7, 2026.

The initiative aims to address social challenges caused by Japan’s aging population and declining retail presence in rural areas. Yamagata Prefecture has a high elderly population rate of 35.6%, leading to many store closures due to lack of successors or profitability. By analyzing purchase data and user feedback, the partners intend to develop a sustainable shopping support model that also functions as a community hub.