I interviewed Kazuki Yuhara about First Virtual Suit on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Venice Immersive in Venice, Italy.
Here is the story synopsis for First Virtual Suit:
- “In the near future, as virtual reality becomes a part of everyday life, creating and using avatars becomes the norm. But what do we choose to project onto these digital selves? Are they idealised versions of who we wish to be — or reflections of our true selves, long hidden within? First Virtual Suit follows a young person who creates their first avatar, only to find themselves on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. As they explore the possibilities of digital embodiment, they are confronted with memories, insecurities, and a version of themselves they had forgotten. In this immersive narrative experience, the virtual becomes a mirror, and the avatar becomes a doorway to the self.“
Here are the contextual domains that are explored:
- [1] Idenity, Self, Expression [1] as well as online virtual culture in VRChat [11] as contrasted to physical reality [4]. A certain uncertainty [12] about the future [9] and specific professional aspirations [10]
Here is the Elemental Center of Gravity:
1st Center of Gravity of Earth Element / Environmental and Embodied Presence: A lot about virtual embodiment, avatars using the blending and blurring between mixed reality and virtual reality. Motion captured actors |
2nd Center of Gravity of Water Element / Emotional Presence: Narrative-driven, MUSICAL. Very interesting use of music to explore avatar culture in virtual spaces. Used Voice actors |
3rd Center of Gravity of Fire Element / Active Presence: You get to choose your own avatar at the end and help to customize a collective avatar |
4th Center of Gravity of Air Element / Mental and Social Presence: Either Dialogue or narration. Also SONGS! This was a group and collective experience, although we were all pretty static, and the multi-player aspect was obvious with the co-presence of mixed reality rather than VR portions |
Archetypal Themes and Character Explored:
- Identity and self-expression through virtually-mediated spaces. What’s real vs What’s fantasy? From the creators, “But what do we choose to project onto these digital selves? Are they idealised versions of who we wish to be — or reflections of our true selves, long hidden within?” There’s also some Zeus themes of expansion and Air themes of infinite possibilites. “In virtual space, one can become any version of themselves, transcending age, gender, even species. While this freedom is empowering, it can also be overwhelming.”
Artist Statement:
- This project follows a high school student struggling with their future and sense of self, as they explore a virtual world where avatars embody diverse possibilities. In virtual space, one can become any version of themselves, transcending age, gender, even species. While this freedom is empowering, it can also be overwhelming. The story invites the audience to consider: among countless avatars, which would you choose — and who do you want to be? It’s not just about appearance, but about re-examining the boundaries of identity. I hope this work encourages each viewer to face the version of themselves they have yet to meet.
This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon.
Music: Fatality
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