Why the Current "Horror Boom"? — The True Nature of "Immersive" Horror Experiences Taking Over Museums and Planetariums

In 2025, Japan's horror experiences have expanded beyond the realm of movies to include museums, planetariums, theme parks, and even VR spaces. The full-fledged horror production "Melody of Reflection," which began at various planetariums, creates an "inescapable" fear with visuals and sound enveloping the entire dome. The high brightness and wide color gamut of the LED dome enhance the level of immersion. The production is supervised by Hirofumi Gomi, a leading expert in haunted houses. Interactive exhibitions like the "1999 Exhibition" at the Roppongi Museum and the new haunted house at Asakusa Hanayashiki are emerging one after another. The background to this trend includes (1) advancements in technology such as high-definition visuals and 3D sound, (2) the Japanese cultural foundation of "Hyakumonogatari" and summer ghost stories, (3) the investment efficiency and steady performance of horror films, (4) the appeal for social media and UGC dissemination, and (5) the psychological desire for "coolness" during the hot summer. For facilities, there are revenue benefits from extended nighttime hours and expanded merchandise sales, while safety designs considering age appropriateness and sensitivity to light and motion sickness are essential. Horror is now shifting from a "viewing" experience to an "immersive" one—Japan's fusion of "rituals × cutting-edge technology" is shaping new viewing behaviors.