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Google Search Brings Iconic Japanese Characters To Life With Augmented Reality

Our favourite classic Japanese anime, games and TV shows are coming to life with the use of Augmented Reality (AR) on Google Search. From Pac-Man to Hello Kitty, these animated icons will be gracing us with their kawaii presence in Search.

Japan’s anime and video game culture emerged between the 1950s and the 1980s as comic books, gaming arcades, home TVs and consoles boomed. However, this Japanese craze is not just a phase. The most iconic characters to this day remain to have caught people’s imaginations despite having a generation gap.

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When it comes to broader trends, anime wins out, climbing to its highest peak on record in the past month. Singaporeans are no stranger to the well-loved Japanese characters as well. Singapore was ranked third place globally when it came to search interest on Hello Kitty and second for Little Twin Stars.

From today, users will be treated to iconic characters hailing from various anime, games and shows such as Hello Kitty, Pom Pom Purin, Little Twin Stars, Cogimyun, Taiko No Tatsujin, Gundam Odysseus, Evangelion, Gomora, Ultraman and more.

All you have to do to access and share these AR characters is to search for the characters on Google using a mobile device and tap “View in 3D” to rotate or zoom in to see it up close. You can then bring the characters into your space with AR and turn up your volume to hear Hello Kitty deliver a cute message or Pac-man’s retro sound effects.

This Google feature is available for both Android and iOS devices granted that these devices have the Google app installed.