#Japan #VRChat #Iwami Kagura #Gotsu City

Cultural Innovation in the Digital Age: The Phenomenon of Iwami Kagura in the Metaverse

In a remarkable blend of tradition and technology, Iwami Kagura, a renowned traditional performance art from Gotsu City in Shimane Prefecture, has captured the attention of both domestic and international audiences. Developed by V Corporation in collaboration with Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store, the Metaverse space themed around Iwami Kagura opened to the public on May 28, 2025, within the VRChat platform. Remarkably, it surpassed 10,000 visitors within just a week, which is nearly half of Gotsu City’s population of 20,836 inhabitants. This phenomenal response highlights the growing interest in blending cultural experiences with innovative technology.

A Celebration of Myth and History

The immersive experience allows users to witness key scenes from the famous myth of Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi, from both the stage and the audience perspective. Participants can truly engage with the performance, which has been praised for its overwhelming sense of realism and cultural authenticity. This engaging interaction facilitates a unique understanding of the rich narratives inherent in Iwami Kagura, enabling a global audience to appreciate this traditional art form.

Bridging Cultures at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo

This successful venture also featured a prominent display at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held from May 28 to June 1, 2025, where visitors could explore the Gotsu City booth. The integration of real-life costumes with the Metaverse experience allowed attendees to experience the spectacle of Iwami Kagura in a new dimension. This model of combining tangible cultural elements with virtual technology has garnered significant acclaim, illustrating the potential of Metaverse platforms to enrich and disseminate local traditions.

Behind the Scenes: How It All Came Together

The collaborative effort required to bring this project to fruition included extensive full-body motion capture shoots conducted in Gotsu City, along with support from the Iwami Kagura Hamako group. V Corporation took charge of crafting the 3D world and avatar costumes, transforming the essence of traditional performance into an awe-inspiring digital experience. This innovative project is seen as a case study for local revitalization efforts through cultural expression in the Metaverse.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

V Corporation is committed to fostering new avenues for experiencing and preserving regional cultures through Metaverse technology. They are actively developing further projects aimed at showcasing Japan's diverse traditions and connecting them with audiences worldwide.

Access the Metaverse World

Explore the Iwami Kagura Metaverse world here.

Free Avatar Costumes

Users can also download free avatar costumes, including 'Shōki' and 'Epidemic God,' available at BOOTH.

Iwami Kagura's venture into the Metaverse is not just a technological triumph; it is a celebration of cultural heritage that bridges the gap between Japan's rich history and the digital future, making traditional performances accessible to a global audience.

As this digital stage continues to attract interest, it promises to pave the way for similar initiatives that blend technology with culture, offering a fresh perspective on how we engage with our heritage in the modern world.