Interview with VR Japan Tours

VRChat’s best virtual tour guides sit down with ArmaniXR in this VR is Alive Interview

ArmaniXR

,

lifetoast

,

Doodle Drop

and I sat down with LambSun and Ribertan of VR Japan Tours this past January as part of Armani’s ongoing series “VR is Alive”. Armani had all of the questions prepared and asked doodle and I to help with filming, as we’re still figuring out the best way to film and edit VRChat footage. Lifetoast joined to provide support and that special social lubricant we all rely on to create a comfortable atmosphere. The interview was about an hour and half total, taking place in a lovely world inspired by traditional Japanese inn called ryokan. Afterwards, I was so excited by the thoughtful conversation and B-roll from the tour we attended that I told doodle and Armani, “don’t worry guys, I’ll edit this one!”. Eight months later here we are, the complete edited interview.

Taken by ArmaniXR

I was first introduced to VR Japan Tours through the Raindance Immersive festival in 2023, when they were nominated for Best Immersive Experience. One of their staff, HayaTikaze, like me, seemed to be trying to go to as many of the festival’s events as possible. We kept bumping into each other and her intensely bright personality made me really excited for their event. On the day, I spawned into a traditional Japanese garden with some familiar and unfamiliar faces. We chit-chatted as we waited for the VR Japan Tours staff to gather everyone who had RSVP’d. Once we were settled the staff guided us through basic VRChat quality-of-life features, and told us which staff members’ avatars to show so that we see all of the visual aids they prepared for the tour. We walked around the garden learning Japanese words related to the outdoors and the seasons, and then we went inside for a calligraphy lesson!

Taken by DustBunny

The canvases we used are created by Enfutu (who was participating in the tour that day), and were originally made for practicing Japanese Calligraphy. This canvas prefab has since become the basis for what a lot of VRChat artists now use to paint, whether in Tokkio’s Life Drawing, Cerulean Forest Art Studio ＆ Finishing Touch - Art Studio ＆ Gallery, and many others. It was cool to finally use them for their intended purpose! As a VRChat artist with so much time spent holding that brush, being in the same instance as Enfutu was a precious moment.

Taken by HayaTikaze

I joined a handful of tours after this one — each with a new theme and new faces gently guided through worlds by the VR Japan Tours staff. Many of these worlds often featured Japanese architecture, seasonal festivals, or activities. Before the interview in January a group of us got together to attend a tour celebrating the new year. We visited a shrine, prayed for good fortune, and ate some delicious street food! (Mostly made with Bonito).

Taken by lifetoast

There were moments in the tour where we were able to ask questions to staff members, really highlighting the value of having such direct access to people from different cultures. LambSun mentioned in the interview that this is one of the most powerful things about hosting these tours in VRChat: being able to interact with people face to virtual face. There was a moment while everyone was taking turns miming the actions of washing their hands and mouth at the shrine, lifetoast pulled Ribertan aside to clarify how most people practice this IRL. They both got so caught up in discussing other elements of the world that LambSun had come over to let them know the group had moved onto the next activity of the tour.

Taken by babybonito

VR Japan Tours, in my opinion, is one of the most accessible events you can join in VRChat. They provide an introduction to VRChat menus, visual aids, and guide you through virtual worlds with a combination of presentation and activities. You can also catch dance performances and get to know their lovely staff member! Hope you enjoy the Interview, and we’ll leave you with some information below to get involved.💚

Discord: discord.gg/dChx6vfU3g

Twitter/X: @VRJapanTours