
So that’s what the obi is really for!
Whether you’ve been to Japan or not, you’re still sure to know about kimono, the traditional robe-like clothing still worn even today for special occasions and ceremonies. If you’ve had the opportunity to try one on, or even try on the lighter summer version – the yukata – then you understand the challenges that come from wrapping and tying the obi. Undoing the obi, however, is much, much easier.
But if you’ve never had the chance, this virtual reality game may allow you to experience what it’s like to at least to take off the obi… Well, that is, if you were to take it off at such a speed that the one wrapped up in it goes spinning off like a top!
「よいではないか VR」作りました。悪代官となって着物の帯をひっぱって高速回転させ、他の悪代官に回転させられた町娘とコマバトルするゲームです。お辞儀するとお辞儀しかえしてくれます #VRボッチソン自宅会場 #JVRH2016 pic.twitter.com/KSkgUIJ8AG
— tatsunoru@DOFI (@tatsunoru) June 18, 2016
This game, created and shared by Japanese Twitterer @tatsunoru, casts you as an “evil Edo-period magistrate”, alone in a room with a girl in a traditional-style tatami room. The game begins with you taking the end of the obi in your hands and pulling. The faster you pull, the faster the girl begins spinning!
By the time you’ve run out of obi, the wall in front of you will suddenly disappear, revealing a stage with another spinning girl in a green kimono.
▼ A challenger appears!
In a rather Beyblade-like battle, the two spinning girls bump into each other until one is eventually knocked off of the stage.
▼ “I am victorious!”
Though in the end your spinning battle girl may just end up falling off herself.
▼ Oh, well in that case…
The video has been liked over 30,000 times and retweeted close to 50,000 times since it was uploaded on June 18. No word yet on when or even if this will be available for the public, but judging by the online response we can see it being pretty popular.
And for those of you who thought, “This could use some background music,” here you go:
Source: Twitter/@tatsunoru, Net Lab
Images: Twitter/@tatsunoru




Virtual reality Sadako lets anyone experience crawling through a TV and scaring people to death
Japanese VR game lets you live the wonderful fantasy of getting poked in the chest by a cute girl
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa