VR and 3DCG

Overview

Hideki Saito is an active Vtuber and a dedicated user of Blender, specializing in VR construction and environmental design. His involvement with Blender dates back to its early days, to the extent that his name is listed in Blender’s source code. As a founding member of the Blender Foundation, Hideki contributed to one of the first online crowdfunding campaigns that helped open source Blender, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Articles

• From Niche to Phenomenon: How VR and Blender are Redefining Creation in Japan – This article explores the symbiotic relationship between Blender and the rise of VR in Japan. It explains how Blender’s accessibility and versatility have made it the go-to tool for creating VR avatars, fashion, and environments, fueling a creative boom in virtual spaces. The article also discusses the cultural factors contributing to Blender’s popularity in Japan, such as the DIY ethos and the desire for personalized VR experiences. It concludes by highlighting the challenges and future prospects of this dynamic duo, emphasizing their transformative impact on digital creativity.
• The Great VRChat vs. MMD Feud – This article recounts the conflict between the VRChat and MikuMikuDance (MMD) communities around 2018-2019. It explains how the free availability of MMD models led to their widespread use in VRChat, often without regard for the MMD community’s norms and copyright concerns. This sparked backlash and cultural clashes, with the Japanese VRChat community caught in the crossfire. Despite the drama, the article highlights the positive legacy of MMD veterans who brought their skills to VRChat, shaping its vibrant avatar market. It concludes with a call for understanding and respect for the history and culture behind digital creations.