RISING is an interdisciplinary research team that takes a measured and empirical approach to understanding how emerging technologies—such as avatars and artificial intelligence—are transforming society, industry, and everyday life.
The English edition of the CA Economic White Paper has now been released.
- PDF version (open-access, full text available)
- The paperback POD edition is available for purchase on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4295023361
Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) generated through computer technology reproduce human appearance and movement in virtual spaces. They are already being used across many contexts as a communication infrastructure that links virtual environments with the real world.
The CA Economic White Paper 2025 systematically examines the economic, industrial, and social potential of CAs. This volume is the English edition of the previously published Japanese version and represents the first annual publication of its kind. Authored by researchers from Japan and the wider Asia–Pacific region, this volume draws on extensive surveys, literature reviews, and case studies. It systematically examines CA applications not only in entertainment but also in education, healthcare, corporate activities, and the metaverse economy, and analyses their social impacts, risks, and institutional and ethical challenges. It also evaluates social impacts as well as associated risks and institutional and ethical challenges.
At a time when AI, robotics, and the metaverse are converging, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the emerging avatar economy and serves as an essential reference for envisioning the next generation of the information society.
Title: CA Economic White Paper 2025: Cybernetic Avatars Shaping Value in the Virtual–Physical Convergence
Contents:
Chapter 1 Trends and the domestic market size of CA services
Chapter 2 CA usage – an international comparison
Chapter 3 Social transformation brought about by CAs(international comparison)
Chapter 4 Use of CAs in companies (international comparison).
Chapter 5 CAs and purchasing behavior
Chapter 6 Public perceptions of identity in relation to CAs (international comparison)
Chapter 7 Copyright system in the metaverse – copyright exchange
(international comparison).
Chapter 8 Development of the elemental technologies of CAs and their potential
Chapter 9 Research trends in CAsEditor and Publisher: RISING (Research group on Information Society Innovation for the Next Generation)
Authors:
Shinichi Yamaguchi (Associate Professor, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan)
Hidetaka Oshima (Research Fellow, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan)
Tatsuo Tanaka (Professor, Department of Management and Information, Yokohama College of Commerce)
Satoshi Nakano (Associate Professor, Faculty of Commerce, Chuo University)
Takeyasu Ichikohji (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University)
Sotaro Katsumata (Professor, Graduate School of Economics, The University of Osaka)
Eri Inoue (Senior Research Fellow, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan)
Shinnosuke Tanabe (Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan)
Wen Hai (Doctoral Program, Graduate School of Economics, The University of Osaka)
Fumihiko Ikuine (Professor, Chuo Graduate School of Strategic Management, Chuo University)First Printing: January 1st, 2026, First edition (Version 1.0)
