In mid-January, I was invited to Nagasaki to participate in a VR art experience event called "NAGASAKI MIRAI PORT." The concept was to create an opportunity for children in Nagasaki to experience the metaverse. Since I also run a media outlet focused on the Web3.0 domain, I'm fortunate to be invited to various events. However, I've had very little experience participating in Web3.0 events specifically for children. That's why I wanted to participate and get a feel for the atmosphere.
On the day of the event, there were probably over 40 children participating. Many of them were likely experiencing the world of VR for the first time, and I was amazed to see how much they enjoyed the experience and created art within that world. I also had the opportunity to try VR art during the last available time slot, but I couldn't bring myself to draw anything bold, using my lack of artistic talent as an excuse.
Instead of drawing freely in the boundless metaverse, I drew a tiny picture that wouldn't even fill an A4 sheet of paper. I think my hand stopped because I was thinking about how my drawing would look to others on the monitor. When did I become such a boring adult?
As adults, we face things we can control and things we can't, but occasionally, things that were considered impossible become possible. I consider myself a logical thinker, but I believe there are times when it's necessary to appropriately ignore data.
When I was a child, I used to play in a homemade secret base I built on a large tree in an empty lot, using materials I scavenged from a garbage dump. I was severely scolded by my father, but I also enjoyed bringing a twisted piece of tissue paper close to the heating element of an electric heater, enjoying the sound and smell of the burning tissue.
These are things I can only say now, more than 20 years later, but I projected my younger self, driven by curiosity and action, onto the children who were boldly and unhesitatingly engaging with the metaverse. It felt like the outline of an almost idealized image became clearer: young people with the drive to act, letting their curiosity lead the way, leaving the details to the adults, are the ones who "get things done."
