Pasona Group and AVITA Announce Partnership and Launch the “Avatar Employment Creation Project”

Pasona Group and AVITA Announce Partnership to Launch the “Avatar Employment Creation Project

Proposing New Work Models for an Autonomous Society and Advancing “Employment DX”

Pasona Group Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Yasuyuki Nambu) and AVITA Inc. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroshi Ishiguro) today announced that the two companies have entered into a partnership to launch the “Avatar Employment Creation Project” on Wednesday, October 20. Through the development of new services utilizing AVITA’s avatar*1 technologies and comprehensive talent development programs, the initiative aims to create new employment opportunities and foster next-generation industries.

Amid the expansion of remote work driven by COVID-19, as well as advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the use of avatars in virtual environments—often associated with the concept of the metaverse*2 —has drawn significant attention.

By leveraging avatars, individuals who face challenges with physical mobility or geographic constraints can access new work opportunities. At the same time, avatar technologies can extend human capabilities, enabling innovative forms of employment and new work models suited for digital-first environments.

Under this partnership, Pasona Group and AVITA will jointly develop and provide the “Avatar Work” service, while also cultivating professionals who can promote avatar-based services. The companies will further advance regional revitalization initiatives by disseminating local information through avatars and developing programs that integrate virtual spaces with tourism and community engagement.

As the first initiative of the collaboration, an avatar jointly developed by the two companies will begin providing concierge services for “Awaji Concierge Avatar,” This service will serve as an integrated inquiry and reservation desk for various dining, lodging, and tourism facilities on Awaji Island—an area where Pasona is actively promoting regional revitalization. To support this effort, the companies will establish the Awaji Avatar Center in Awaji City and begin training avatar operators.

Through this collaboration, Pasona Group and AVITA aim to support the digital transformation (DX) of employment models as society shifts from corporate-centric structures to a more autonomous, individual-driven approach. Together, the companies seek to realize a society where diverse talent can thrive.

*1) Avatar: Technology that extends human abilities and enables activity beyond physical constraints.
*2) Metaverse: A virtual environment where individuals can interact and engage freely through avatars.

Overview of the “Avatar Employment Creation Project”

Launch Date: October 20, 2021
Summary: A joint initiative leveraging AVITA’s avatar technologies to develop new services and cultivate talent, with the goal of creating new employment models and fostering emerging industries.

1. Development and Provision of the “Avatar Work” Service

• Provide staffing and BPO (business process outsourcing) services in which avatars perform customer-facing tasks such as sales, reception, guidance, and consultations.

• Establish training programs and evaluation frameworks for individuals working as avatar operators.

2. Promotion of Avatar-Enabled Regional Revitalization Projects

• Utilize avatars to disseminate regional information.

• Develop mechanisms that link virtual environments with tourism, residence, and local engagement to increase population exchange.