Video streaming that makes the flow of the game easy to follow and fun to watch, with playful AR effects and AI analysis

Tokyo, Japan, March 3, 2026 — MIXI, Inc. announces that it will, in collaboration with WINDS Inc., utilize its in-house developed multi-cam AR and video broadcasting and analysis technology to broadcast the beach volleyball tournament DIG CUP, to be held on March 14 and 15, 2026.
In this initiative, we will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including the development of a “sports coder” system compatible with multi-cam AR, to deliver a new spectator experience that blends the real and virtual, featuring AI scoreboard OCR and AR visual effects, together with Koichi Nishimura, a leading figure in Japan’s beach volleyball scene. The tournament will be streamed on U-NEXT and on the MIXI TECH&DESIGN YouTube channel.

*Development Image

Leading up to this moment, we have developed technologies for video broadcasting and editing, including commercial applications enabled by obtaining a wireless station license for local 5G, as well as automated editing for AI-powered race video streaming in publicly-managed betting sports. In recent years, we have also worked on technologies using indoor positioning systems (IPS) and have advanced the implementation of technologies that help enhance athletes’ performance, such as an automatic tracking camera system built at Kanku Ice Arena using IPS and AI image analysis.

■Streaming Platform Combining Multi-Cam AR with Video Transmission and Analytics Technology

Multi-Cam AR
For this tournament’s video stream, we will introduce Multi-cam AR, which seamlessly blends the real court with virtual objects. This makes it possible to maintain the consistency needed for AR objects to appear as though they exist in the actual court space, even in a live production environment that switches between multiple cameras, while enabling natural-looking AR visuals that remain properly aligned as the camera angle changes. In addition, the AR visual direction uses three-dimensional compositions that take advantage of the court’s depth, along with designs that respond to player movement and the flow of the game. Even from multiple angles, the presentation keeps the game easy to follow while delivering visuals that are intuitive and enjoyable.

Video Transmission and Analytics Technology
In addition to visual effects using multi-cam AR, we have introduced the following technologies to deliver game information more clearly and in real time.

・Sports Coder (AR Effects and Information Display Integration):
We will utilize our in-house sports coder*¹, developed to support AR effects and scoreboard OCR integration. The sports coder also includes a feature that displays real-time data from heart rate sensors worn by players. This will provide a viewing experience that better conveys the tension and key moments of the game by presenting players’ conditions as supplementary information and linking the production effects with on-screen information.

・AI scoreboard OCR (automatic score updates):
The venue scoreboard footage is analyzed in real time using AI image analysis, and OCR*² automatically captures the score status. Score displays are updated more quickly, making it easier for viewers to follow the state of the game.

・AI Ball Tracking (easy ball visibility / replay effects):
AI technology enables real-time ball tracking during matches and natural rendering even when the ball overlaps with AR objects by recognizing occlusion, or front-to-back relationships. It also supports ball trajectory effects during replays, making it applicable to a wide range of uses, from visual effects to analysis.

These technologies will make information easier for viewers to understand and enhance the viewing experience by conveying the excitement of live competition. The broadcasting of sports that integrate a sports coder compatible with multi-cam AR with video transmission/analysis technologies is a pioneering initiative in Japan.

Future Outlook

Leveraging our expertise in video streaming technologies, including AR and sports coders, we will continue our efforts to enhance the sports viewing experience. By working together with people involved in each sport to refine a viewing experience that better conveys the appeal and highlights of the competition, we aim to create sports entertainment that helps spectators feel more meaningfully connected. Looking ahead, we will further develop this technology and seek to expand it to a wide range of sports and publicly run competitions.

Comment from Tatsuma Murase, Director and Senior Corporate Officer, MIXI, Inc.
“Sports broadcasting is uniquely positioned to be enhanced with technology, both in terms of ease of understanding and excitement. This initiative is a challenge to transform the viewing experience itself. For first-time viewers, we will deliver AR experiences that make the flow of the game instantly intuitive. For dedicated fans, we will reveal a side of the game that has never been visible before through data such as ball trajectories and players’ heart rates. By harnessing the power of technology, we will spread the joy of watching sports and create moments that forge meaningful connections between the game and its audience, and among people in general.”

Comment by Koichi Nishimura, President and Representative Director of WINDS Inc. (former member of Japan’s national volleyball team)
“To bring the appeal of beach volleyball to more people, advancing the expressiveness of video was essential. Utilizing MIXI’s technology, we hope DIG CUP will showcase new possibilities for the sport.”

Tournament Overview

This event will simultaneously host an official two-player tournament featuring professional players and a four-player tournament open to the general public. A special stage will also be set up at the venue, with planned content including live performances by artists, dancers, DJs, and more. We will deliver both the appeal of competition and a wide range of entertainment.
The organizer, WINDS Inc., is working to broaden the appeal of the sport through beach volleyball team management, junior academy operations, and event planning.

・Tournament Name: BV.LEAGUE DIG CUP Presented by MIXI (DIG CUP) (an officially sanctioned tournament of the Japan Beach Volleyball Federation)
・Dates: March 14 and 15, 2026
・Venue: TACHIHI BEACH (935 Izumicho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo)
・Organizer: WINDS Inc. / Japan Beach Volleyball Federation
・Co-Hosted By: Tokyo Beach Volleyball Federation
・Streaming On: U-NEXT (https://video.unext.jp/) / MIXI TECH&DESIGN YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/mixiTechTalk)