Hello, I'm Mob from the Negolove team at SKOOTA GAMES.
Although it's a bit late, I recently attended '40degrees japan', which was held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium from May 9 to 10. Unlike the indie game-focused events I usually cover, this was a vibrant and chaotic festival where creators from various genres such as art, dance, design, fashion, music, and games gathered together.
This time, we didn't just participate as media or general attendees; we actually set up a booth as "exhibitors" ourselves!
Stepping out of the gaming industry and showcasing alongside creators from completely different fields was, to put it mildly, a "refreshing experience." By engaging with the "dedication" and "expressive methods" that differ from game development, I felt my rigid perspectives loosening, allowing me to enjoy a pleasant sense of fatigue and fulfillment.
In this report, I would like to introduce four booths that showcased unique concepts and displays found in this intersection of different industries. I also took the opportunity to conduct short interviews with creators from fields that I usually don't have much contact with, leveraging the privilege of being an exhibitor (?).
Now, let me share a glimpse of the energetic atmosphere at Yoyogi.
The Extraordinary Blending into the Ordinary. The Romance Woven by a Burnt Spacesuit — 'The Daily Life of an Astronaut + Space Age' (Booth Number: F7)
The first booth I want to introduce is the 'The Daily Life of an Astronaut + Space Age' booth, which handcrafts "spacesuits" and showcases space-related costumes and items.
As I walked through the venue, I was completely captivated by the authentic spacesuit sitting in the center of the booth, surrounded by retro space-related items (like old magazines and furniture), and before I knew it, I found myself drawn to the booth. This time, I had the special opportunity to speak directly with the exhibitor, so I’m excited to share that energetic interview with you.
Mob: Thank you for having me today. The spacesuit at your booth is incredibly impressive! Could you tell us how you started creating and showcasing such works?
Exhibitor: I originally worked in the film industry doing special effects, and we decided to make a sci-fi film independently. In the special effects industry, having "things" like hero masks or monsters really gets you excited. So, we thought, "If we're going to have space, we should definitely start by making a spacesuit to get everyone hyped!" and that's how we began.
Mob: So it started from movie props. As I’ve heard, your studio was unfortunately affected by a fire, and miraculously, this handmade spacesuit was the only thing that survived unscathed... It’s quite a dramatic turn of events that you began taking photos of everyday scenes while wearing that remaining spacesuit, leading to your current activities.
Exhibitor: Yes, that's right. My love for independent filmmaking and special effects, along with various events, have led me to where I am now. I hope that by blending the spacesuit into everyday scenes where "there's no space," people can enjoy a sense of the extraordinary, making them think, "Wait, is this Earth?"
Mob: Indeed, just looking at it is incredibly uplifting, and for some reason, it really boosts my spirits. Do you have any goals for the future regarding this spacesuit or your activities?
Exhibitor: This might get a bit niche, but right now, the "Artemis Program," which is humanity's lunar landing project since the Apollo program, is being relaunched, and humans are expected to set foot on the moon again in a few years. The space development scene, including private companies like SpaceX, is really heating up.
Mob: I see, so real-world space development is entering a new phase.
Exhibitor: Yes. There’s a project starting to support the excitement around this lunar landing through art and creative expression. We’re collaborating with a gallery in Osaka to hold an annual art event featuring space-themed artists, famous manga artists, and illustrators, and we’re scheming to boost space development on our own (laughs).
Mob: That sounds exciting! We don’t often think about "space" in our daily lives, but seeing space suits and art like this gets everyone pumped. I was deeply convinced by what you mentioned before, that "the enthusiasm humanity felt during the past Space Age is etched in our genes."
Exhibitor: Yes. If humanity successfully lands on the moon again through the Artemis Program, we might see a new "21st-century Space Age" emerge. I want to continue creating works while looking forward to that future.
Mob: I’m even more excited about what’s to come! Lastly, do you have any announcements for upcoming events?
Exhibitor: Coming up, I’ll be exhibiting at "Comitia 156" on June 7, so please come by and visit!
A Terrifying Yet Warm World Welcoming Monsters ―― 'Toi Hana' (Booth Number: D15)
Next, we introduce the booth of 'Toi Hana', which showcased original character plushies and costumes themed around aliens and monsters.
Surrounding the booth were costumes and plushies of one-eyed monsters, boasting an overwhelming visual appeal that captured the attention of passersby. They had a somewhat rugged and terrifying appearance, reminiscent of something from the movie 'Monsters, Inc.' Yet, as the saying goes, "the eyes speak more than the mouth," and when you gaze into their eyes, you inexplicably feel a strange sense of reassurance and warmth, as if to say, "These creatures won’t hurt me."
We also asked the exhibitor for a short interview.
Mob: The monsters displayed here have a vibe reminiscent of 'Monsters, Inc.' What inspired you to create such works?
Exhibitor: Well, I’ve loved those kinds of movies since I was a child. I think watching educational programs featuring costumes was also a trigger. I went to a special makeup school for movies and got a job in film art, but it felt different from what I wanted to do, so I quit and decided to pursue what I love.
Mob: I have this image that movie lovers are very proactive. It seems rare for a child to develop an interest in plushies just from watching educational programs. What was the actual reason you ventured into this kind of production?
Exhibitor: I love movies and I used to enjoy watching making-of videos.
Mob: I see. Have you ever had your dreams shattered by watching those?
Exhibitor: No, if anything, I was more curious about what was inside the costumes. (laughs) I was the type who wondered how those behind-the-scenes aspects worked.
Mob: That makes sense. Lastly, can you share any upcoming activities?
Exhibitor: The next event will be in September, and there will be another gathering of plushie creators. I'm planning to participate in that.
A Joint Exhibition of Animals Woven from a Torrent of Personalities — 'Quad Pop' (Booth Number: E19・20)
Next, I would like to introduce the joint booth **'Quad Pop'**, where four talented illustrators have come together. (Participating artists: Shibao[@shibao_2525], Moca[@moca_wandering], Urogutsu[@Uuboots], Nekoya Manpuku[@manjyukowai_nya])
At first glance, the common theme I noticed among these four was "animals." Welsh Corgis, ducks, small and cute monsters, plump cats, birds crossing the sea, and more... The characters, each with completely different artistic styles, personalities, and separate stories, cohabiting in one space provided a visually rich and vibrantly stimulating experience, creating a truly luxurious exhibition space.
Why did these artists, each with different backgrounds, come together, and how do they operate? As someone involved in a different industry related to creation (indie game development), I was very curious about their thoughts and stances as veteran exhibitors, so I decided to ask them.
Mob: You all depict your favorite animals and characters in an appealing way, but what was the initial motivation for creating and exhibiting such works?
Exhibitor: I originally drew purely as a hobby, but I thought, "Why not try exhibiting at an event?" That was the trigger. When there's a goal (deadline) like an event, it transforms from just a hobby into something that is "to be shown to others" and solidifies into a "product" for output.
Mob: I see! It's a common thing in creation that motivation rises and takes shape because of events and deadlines. By the way, do you all have pets like the animals depicted (cats, etc.)? In the game and anime industry where I am, we often get excited talking about cats when we gather, so I'm curious.
and overall, it was a booth full of cuteness.
and I thought, "I wonder where these people gathered from."
Exhibitor: Some members actually have pets, while others don’t but take care of them, and generally, they just love the animals they draw.
Mob: I see. By the way, have you been participating in these exhibition events for quite a while?
Exhibitor: It varies by member, but for those who have been around for a long time, it’s been about 10 years. We participate not only in Japanese events but also in overseas events.
Mob: 10 years! Even participating overseas... that’s incredibly veteran, isn’t it? With such seriousness, do you all do this as your main job? Or is it more of an extension of a hobby?
Exhibitor: Most of us work as illustrators, creating professional artwork, and this feels like a blend of hobby and work, focusing on what we love. Some even have completely different main jobs and engage in this activity on their days off.
Mob: It’s amazing that you continue your creative activities using your free time, especially when your regular job can be so demanding. Lastly, do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions you can share with us?
Exhibitor: Actually, we will each be exhibiting at the "Design Festa" in two weeks (May 18th and 19th), so please come and visit us!
*Note: Sorry for the delay in publishing this article! If you're curious about our next activities, please follow each creator's social media!
Cute yet gruesome, the food chain death race — 'Wabi-Sabi Sushi Derby' (Booth Number: D18)
Finally, we would like to introduce the indie game 'Wabi-Sabi Sushi Derby', which was right next to our SKOOTA GAMES booth and we kept running into during the event. As one of the relatively few exhibitors in the "game category," we were able to share the struggles and joys unique to indie game developers.
To be honest, I had seen this game a few times at past events like the "Taipei Game Show," but this was my first time playing it and talking directly with the developers.
Honestly, I had always assumed, "Isn't this a game made by overseas developers?" The straightforward naming sense of "Wabi-Sabi" and the overall strong Japanese aesthetic made it feel like "a sense from abroad that transcended Japan." (It's a common thing in indie games, right?)
However, after playing it, I realized that this game is quite "intense," a pure crazy game despite its cute appearance.
Mob: "It's an outrageous catchphrase, 'Your sushi runs,' but could you tell us again what kind of game it is?"
Exhibitor: It's a game where you grow sushi and participate in races to compete. However, the races take place on "the counter of a Japanese restaurant," so sometimes customers might target you with chopsticks.
Mob: By the way, what happens if you get picked up with chopsticks?
Exhibitor: You lose your character (completely disappear). However, when you get eaten, that becomes "revenue" and comes back as tips, so you can use that money to make more sushi and try again, ultimately aiming to win the S1 Cup.
Mob: I thought while playing that this is quite intense. (laughs) Cute sushi is running around, and you can even name them and nurture them, yet it ends up being mercilessly "eaten (destroyed)." I felt like there were a lot of kids at this event, but was there no consideration for a younger audience?
Exhibitor: That's right. We had no intention of targeting children at all; rather, we aimed to create something for our generation and young people in their 20s. But surprisingly, it has been well-received by kids, and I’m quite surprised myself.
Mob: I see. How did you come up with ideas during the development process?
Exhibitor: Yes. I have a fifth-grade daughter, and from the beginning, I had her help brainstorm ideas like "What do you think would be a good skill for the engawa?"
My first sushi in life.
Mob: That sounds great! I think the unique edge of indie games, where it’s all about "if you like it, that’s what matters," has created a balance that attracts both adults and children through brainstorming ideas with family. By the way, has your daughter said anything about this "edible" system?
Exhibitor: My daughter has been saying since the very beginning, "Please make a mode where you can't eat it" (laughs). She doesn’t want to let go of the sushi she raised.
Mob: I knew it! (laughs)
Exhibitor: I understand her feelings, but I told her, "But it’s valuable because you can eat it." I hope she understands that food shouldn’t just be played with; it should be properly eaten and appreciated.
Mob: It’s amazing that it even encompasses the philosophy of food education... I think that’s wonderful. Lastly, could you tell us about the release and future plans?
Exhibitor: We plan to release it on Steam around July this summer. The domestic exhibitions will probably wrap up with this one, and we’re thinking of showcasing at overseas events in North America and elsewhere in the future.
Mob: I’m looking forward to the overseas expansion! Thank you very much.
※ Note: A demo is already available on Steam, so if you’re interested after reading this article, be sure to check out "Death Race of the Food Chain"!
In Conclusion — The Thigh Rabbit Has Been Working Hard!
Of course, I wasn’t just running around the venue. I was also spreading the word about the thigh rabbit 'Thigh Rabbit' to various people in a corner of the venue!
Among the many guests I interacted with, some said "It’s cute," while others were children who left saying, "If you look closely, something’s off" (laughs). Either way, I think both the thigh rabbit and I had a delightful two days, providing a stimulus that’s not usually seen.
It was a booth promoting thighs.
Currently, Thigh Rabbit has released a free app where you can play mini-games on iOS and Android! It’s a fun game app that allows you to play mini-games featured in the animated film "Super Kaguya-hime!" anywhere and anytime. If you’re interested, please check out the link below!
Thigh Bunny's Great Thighs - Google Play App
Thigh Bunny's Great Thighs App - App Store
Well then, this report from the vibrant Yoyogi wraps up here. See you in the next article!