Kodansha VR Labs and KOMODO have brought If You See a Cat to Steam. This marks the first foray into virtual reality for Atsushi Wada, a celebrated Japanese animator. Compatible with various VR headsets, the experience is now available for purchase, featuring a 20% introductory discount that remains active until 16 April 2026.
Kodansha VR Labs serves as a dedicated division of the prominent Japanese entertainment firm Kodansha. Under the leadership of Kenji Ishimaru, the studio prioritises the development of participatory storytelling through the use of immersive technology. The project arrives on the platform following significant recognition within the international film circuit. Atsushi Wada, previously a Silver Bear winner at the Berlin International Film Festival, saw this latest work earn a VR nomination at the Venice International Film Festival. It was also featured as an official selection at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and participated in the COURT XR Competition at Clermont-Ferrand.
The narrative is positioned within the context of the mental healthcare system in Japan. It centres on a young boy who receives a diagnosis of mental illness after experiencing visions of his late pet. Participants engage with the story from the perspective of the hallucinated cat, witnessing the protagonist’s emotional hurdles and his interactions with his family. Through this specific viewpoint, the film examines themes of self-acceptance and the complexities of mental health.
