Dion Tokyo Co., Ltd. emphasizes on its website that "Golf is a highly competitive sport, yet it is one that people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can enjoy." Through simulation golf, the company provides an environment for the ultimate golfing experience. Founded in 2008, Dion Tokyo sells 500 units annually of its golf simulator, "OK ON GOLF", and operates experiential stores called Golfarei in Takadanobaba and Asagaya.
The Golfarei Takadanobaba branch features six semi-private booths separated by roll-up screens, as well as a fully private VIP room. The VIP room, which is also open to visitors, can accommodate multiple users, making it ideal for group enjoyment, private lessons, or as a showroom where all models of "OK ON GOLF" (TYPE-S, TYPE-D, and TYPE-R) are available for hands-on testing.
Company name:
Dion Tokyo
(OK ON GOLF exclusive distributor in Japan)
【Golf projector installed store】
GOLFARE Takadanobaba
Address:B1 Takadanobaba OC Building, 3-12-2 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075
Introduction date:
May 2024
Installed Products:
BenQ 4K Laser Projector LK936ST
Japan's first “Automatic Mat Changer”.
A key feature of the VIP room at the Golfarei Takadanobaba branch, as of mid-May 2024, is that it is the only location in Japan equipped with the "Automatic Mat Changer." This device adjusts the floor mat based on the ball's position, switching between different surfaces such as fairway grass, rough, and bunker. It allows players to enjoy a more realistic golfing experience.
The VIP room also features a massive 5,000 × 2,500 cm impact screen, onto which realistic golf course landscapes are projected. For this purpose, a BenQ projector has been installed, delivering an immersive visual experience.
Mr. Satoshi Tanaka, Representative Director of Dion Tokyo.
“When I visited a simulation golf store, I was honestly amazed by the exceptional graphics,” recalls Satoshi Tanaka, CEO of Dion Tokyo. “As part of my business nature, I couldn’t help but check what equipment they were using,” he adds, reflecting on how he discovered the BenQ projector.
Reproduction power of the LK936ST 4K laser projector.
LK936ST under projection.
“Customers testing equipment in the VIP room pay attention not only to the simulator's performance but also to the projector's capabilities,” says CEO Satoshi Tanaka. Regarding the BenQ projector, he explains, “As more customers seek 4K-compatible projectors for indoor golf setups, it’s been challenging to achieve monitor-level image quality with most projectors. However, the BenQ golf projector, with its 4K support, offers highly accurate visuals, earning excellent feedback from our customers.”
Additionally, he notes, “The durability of the laser projector, offering up to 20,000 hours of usage, is also a significant advantage. With traditional lamp-based projectors, there are costs associated with filter replacements and lamp changes, but with laser technology, those issues are eliminated. Nearly all new customers have switched to laser projectors, so in that sense, I believe this projector is very well-suited to the current market.”
The LK936ST, designed for short-throw projection, achieves full-screen projection from a distance of 4.5 meters.
Continuing on the image quality of the BenQ golf projector, he explains, “Our simulator uses high-quality sensors, which provide excellent ball trajectory reproduction. For instance, in a scenario where you hit a pitching wedge from about 120 yards onto the green and it comes back with backspin, traditional projectors might produce a somewhat blurred image. However, with the BenQ golf projector, that scenario is represented very clearly.” He further praises the depiction of course landscapes in round mode, stating, “From the movement of clouds to the sway of trees and the rippling of the water in ponds, all these elements are recreated with impressive realism and high image quality.”
He also mentions, “When installing our simulators, it’s often challenging to find locations with sufficient ceiling height and depth.” He continues, “Typically, we recommend a distance of 6 meters from the screen, but since the BenQ projector has a short-throw capability, just 4.5 meters is sufficient, which is very helpful.” This highlights how the projector's design significantly aids in selecting suitable properties for installation.
President Tanaka smiled during the interview.
Satoshi Tanaka expresses his gratitude for BenQ’s unique “free rental service,” stating, “Not only did they provide the product for loan, but they also carefully assisted with equipment installation and alignment.” This service allowed them to evaluate the actual feel of the projector beforehand, and he reflects, “It was extremely beneficial to have customers use the equipment and provide feedback.” He emphasizes, “Being able to use it in the actual environment beforehand was truly appreciated.”
“Projectors don’t tend to malfunction frequently, so they usually don’t present major issues, but having a warranty period is important,” Tanaka continues. “While many products come with a one-year warranty, BenQ offers an extension of up to three years. Having such packages available is very helpful when recommending to customers,” he adds, giving high praise to BenQ's support system.
Overview of the OK ON GOLF VIP Showroom.
For those looking to introduce a golf simulator, here are some key points for choosing a projector: "4K and laser technology are now standard." From a business perspective, President Tanaka emphasizes the importance of running costs. "BenQ projectors have the durability to function effectively even in unattended stores operating 24 hours, making them very cost-effective. Additionally, while typical projectors require filter cleaning approximately every three months, depending on the store, BenQ's laser projectors are filterless, eliminating that hassle and effort. In terms of reducing costs and labor expenses, I believe business owners will be quite pleased."