The Japanese company meleap, a leader in AR technology sports, celebrated the opening of its global flagship store "HADO ARENA" at the Hongkou Landmark Center on August 22.
The launch event included the unveiling of several new products and technologies, and an announcement that Shanghai will host the HADO World Cup in 2025, with participation from over 30 countries and regions.
HADO, which draws its name from the iconic "Hadoken" move in the Street Fighter video game, is an innovative sport that merges augmented reality (AR) with physical activity.
Originating in Japan and developed by Tokyo-based meleap Inc., HADO allows players to engage in virtual energy ball battles within real-world spaces using AR glasses and wrist sensors.
This new form of sport combines physical fitness, strategy, and teamwork, representing the future of sports.
Following its entry into the Chinese market last year, meleap's subsidiary, Shanghai HADO, established its Chinese headquarters in Hongkou.
The company has since opened various stores and pop-up locations across Hongkou and the North Bund, organizing teams and competitions, and offering online streaming services to promote HADO across China.
The new HADO ARENA in Shanghai spans over 2,000 square meters, featuring four international-standard courts and a 300-seat competition arena.
As a global center for AR sports, the facility will be open to the public for experiences, training, and competitions, providing state-of-the-art AR sports infrastructure and immersive experiences for players and spectators worldwide.
The opening ceremony also showcased the HADO WORLD's six main characters, highlighting the innovation in world-building, character design, and content creation that HADO brings to the sports industry.
The announcement of the HADO World Cup, scheduled for June 2025, marks a significant milestone for the sport. In the lead-up to the event, a series of qualifying competitions will be held across China and globally, giving fans the opportunity to engage with this cutting-edge AR sport.