This is an original segment for the new craft program “Ugo-Kousaku,” currently in development by the video streaming service U-NEXT and designer Masaya Ishikawa. When you access the web app on your smartphone, an animation appears over the live camera image. Tapping the screen triggers a single action, and the video asks viewers the question: “Where in the world would it be interesting to place this simple animation?” Through the way the animation’s size and appearance change depending on where it is placed—that is, through the illusion of size—the video also invites us to think about the way our eyes work. “Ugo-Kousaku” also conveys the joy of coming up with ideas and making things by hand through new craft and video experiences unique to streaming, using technology and optical illusions.

An interactive video installation inspired by festivals and traditional events long passed down in Tohoku. In this work, the mysterious act of “transforming” into something other than a human being can be experienced through interactive visual expression. Taking four traditional customs—“Namahage,” “Shishiodori,” “Kasei-dori,” and “Sotome”—as motifs, the work visualizes them with WOW’s own interpretation. When a mask is put on in front of the screen, the viewer’s silhouette changes into each of these forms, and the blessings these events bring to people are projected as animation. This is an attempt to let viewers enjoyably experience the mysterious power of “becoming” someone other than themselves, or something other than human. The work carries the wish that by engaging with the traditional culture born of Tohoku’s land and climate through a completely new form of expression, its value will be passed on to the next generation.

A short animation created for the short reel album featuring the song “I Want to Live!” by Freedom Hiruko and various artists/collectives. Of the three videos, two were produced with a focus on traversing between images and videos, so the first and second are connected.

The new “CLEAR” is a shampoo for adults!!