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

• Why Japan Produces So Many VRChat Creators — An Ecosystem Perspective – This article examines why Japan produces an unusually large number of VRChat creators, arguing that the phenomenon emerges not from a sudden boom but from a long‑developing ecosystem that naturally guides users toward creation. Drawing on repeated, full‑coverage observation of Virtual Market (Vket) events, the piece identifies several structural factors: an asset economy built around incremental customization; accessible tools that lower technical barriers without eliminating effort; cultural norms that treat originality as a baseline expectation; and a strong emotional attachment to avatars as personal identity rather than disposable performance skins. The Japanese VRChat community’s avoidance of curated avatar worlds, combined with multiple transitional pathways from consumer to creator, reinforces a progression in which customization leads organically to ownership and eventually to creative production. Social enforcement around licensing and originality further shapes behavior, creating both stability and friction. The article concludes that Japan’s high creator population is not an anomaly but the predictable outcome of an ecosystem where creation is framed as the default trajectory of participation.
• 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.