#Japan #Tokyo #If You See a Cat #Kodansha VR Lab #Jun Wada

VR Animation Debuting Globally

Excitement is in the air as the VR animation "If You See a Cat" (Japanese title: '猫が見えたら') embarks on a worldwide release starting April 3, 2026, via Steam and Meta Store. Produced by Kodansha and developed by Kodansha VR Lab, this immersive experience is already making waves at international film festivals, accumulating nominations and awards along the way.

This groundbreaking animation delves deep into the issues surrounding mental healthcare in Japan, which grapples with historical challenges, inherent difficulties in the mental health system, and structural flaws that often inhibit recovery for those affected by mental illness. The narrative follows a boy who is diagnosed with a mental disorder after claiming to see his deceased cat as a hallucination. Through the VR medium, players experience the story from the perspective of the "hallucinatory cat," observing the boy's experiences within a hospital setting. Such a vantage point allows players to intimately grasp the complexities of mental health issues, the mother-son relationship, and the search for healing, truly exemplifying the power of VR storytelling.

The creative force behind this project unites renowned animation director Jun Wada, celebrated for winning the Silver Bear at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival for his work on “Great Rabbit,” and Kenji Ishimaru, a highly acclaimed VR producer. Their collaboration merges meticulously researched scripts with Wada's unique animation style, crafting a heartfelt experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

The voice cast is impressive, featuring Ryūya Wakaba as Naoki, the protagonist, and Ryoko Yui as his mother, Midori, in the Japanese version. Both actors deliver powerful performances that enhance the story's emotional depth.

To celebrate the global release of "If You See a Cat," a limited-time launch sale is set on Steam, offering a 20% discount from April 3 to April 17, 2026. Players eager to experience this innovative work can take advantage of the sale during this two-week window.

Launch Sale Details

• - Release Date: April 3, 2026
• - Platforms:

- Steam
- Meta Store

• - Sale Period: April 3, 2026 – April 17, 2026 (Steam Exclusive)
• - Discount: 20% off on the sale price (Steam Exclusive)

Meet the Cast

Ryūya Wakaba

• - Date of Birth: June 10, 1989
• - Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
• - Notable Awards: TAMA Film Awards, Best New Actor (2016), and numerous accolades for his performances.
• - Recent Works: “Atop the City” (2021), “The Ex-Con” (2022), and “Inazuma Love” (2023).

Comment: "It’s a joy to be brought in by a team that dares to innovate. During this conservative era, I feel delighted to fight alongside kindred spirits. Experience the unprecedented."

Ryoko Yui

• - Date of Birth: August 10, 1976
• - Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
• - Career: Debuted in the drama “Silence Don” and has made significant contributions to television dramas, films, and theater.

Comment: "What should a parent do when they see their child conversing with a cat they believe to be gone? Everyone has a different perspective, but this work provides an opportunity to witness that relationship through the cat's eyes, offering insights into what truly matters in our lives through the VR experience."

More About Director Jun Wada

Born in 1980 in Hyogo Prefecture, Wada studied at Osaka University of Education and the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts. Since around 2002, he has focused on animation, maintaining ‘spacing’ and ‘fluid movement’ as significant themes in his work.

Project Overview

• - Title: If You See a Cat
• - Duration: Approximately 37 minutes
• - Genre: VR Animation
• - Production: Kodansha VR Lab
• - Language Options: Available in Japanese and English with subtitles in English, Japanese, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese.

Main Cast (Japanese)

• - Naoki: Ryūya Wakaba
• - Midori: Ryoko Yui
• - Doctor Inai: Kentaro Tone
• - Nurse Takaguchi: Emiko Takeuchi
• - Nurse Mikida: Wataru Komada

Main Cast (English)

• - Naoki: Caleb Yen
• - Midori: Rosie Okumura
• - Doctor Inai: Doug Erholtz
• - Nurse Takaguchi: Rebecca Davis
• - Nurse Mikida: Sean Chiplock

Film Festival Accolades

• - Venice International Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection
• - TITAN International Film Festival – Best AR/VR Film
• - Animateka International Animated Film Festival – Official Selection
• - Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival – Official Selection
• - International Film Festival Rotterdam – Official Selection
• - Asia Digital Art Award FUKUOKA – Excellence Prize
• - NewImages Festival 2026 – Official Selection
• - One World International Human Rights Film Festival – Official Selection
• - New Media Festival – Official Selection
• - Kaboom Animation Film Festival – Official Selection

With multiple festival selections and awards underscoring its critical acclaim, “If You See a Cat” promises to be a remarkable intersection of animation, technology, and poignant storytelling, waiting to be explored by a global audience.

For more detailed updates, keep an eye on our platforms leading up to the release!