Some of our grape Japan readers will remember the realistic 3D cat that suddenly appeared on a new 3D digital billboard in Tokyo's busy Shinjuku district. The billboard, built by Cross Space Co., Ltd., was unveiled in July 2021 and has since become a new Tokyo landmark.

As it turns out, that billboard was only the beginning of a series of 3D billboards the city has planned. Since 2019, HIT Co., Ltd. has been placing "optical illusion" billboards in various locations such as Shibuya and Ebisu. Their latest billboard called Omotesando Hit Vision, was unveiled in early October and has also been entertaining tourists and passers-by in the eponymous shopping district with ads for BMW, food delivery service Foodpanda, and others.

However, unless you count the Foodpanda mascot, the new billboard in Omotesando hasn't had a cute animal mascot equivalent to Shinjuku's now-famous 3D cat. Until now...

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Red XIII 3D Display

In a campaign for FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Square Enix's Image Studio Department created a startling video sequence featuring Red XIII which fully takes advantage of the L-shaped billboard's three-dimensional appeal.

First captured by the Shinra Electric Power Company, the wolf-like beast and friend of Cloud Strife and his allies is seen as he makes his escape, running away from his pursuers in an exciting, dynamic sequence. But then, we're treated to his more spontaneous and mischievous side, as he suddenly drops into a box full of toys, plays, and prepares to take a nap, before being rudely interrupted by the closing shutters of a sign advertising the game.

If you're in the Tokyo area, here are the details you need to know if you'd like to see the ad for yourself:

• Ad duration: Monday, December 20th, 2021, 7:00 am - Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, 11:59 pm
• Location: Near the main intersection of Omotesando Station
• Best viewing point: Near 3-6-20 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (see map below)

Shinra Electric Power Company Special News Report

On December 16th, 2021, Square Enix also released a video simulating a news report by the Shinra Electric Power Company telling citizens that Red XIII had escaped from Shinra Building. The newscaster explains that the company set up a task force to recapture the creature, solicits eyewitness information, and warns viewers to keep their distance if they should see it.

For more information about the game and related campaigns, visit the official website here (for Japanese residents). You can buy the game at the Epic Games website.