Avatar Call App POPOPO to End Service Six Months After Launch
POPOPO Inc. announced on July 15, 2026, that its smartphone communication app POPOPO will end service on September 17 at 15:00 JST. The app, which launched on March 18, 2026, operated as a "videophone that doesn't need a camera," allowing users to converse via 3D avatars that animate automatically based on voice input. The company cited a review of the future business environment and service optimization as the reason for termination. The shutdown timeline includes a halt to new premium member registrations and coin sales on July 22, followed by the end of new downloads on August 31. Unused paid coins will be refunded between September 17 and November 17. During the remaining service period, updates will add external VRM avatar loading and LIVE point exchange features. After service ends, all account data and HoloSuit avatars will be deleted, with no migration to other services. POPOPO was launched by entrepreneur Masuo Kawakami, with a board that included GACKT, Hiroyuki Nishimura, and Hideaki Anno.