
After revealing her big secret last year, the popular schoolgirl is back and she’s undergone some impressive improvements.
Last year, a Japanese schoolgirl called Saya made headlines around the world after it was revealed that she didn’t actually exist. The girl was, in fact, a 3-D computer-generated model with an incredibly life-like appearance that fooled everyone into thinking she was a living, breathing student.
Her creators, husband-and-wife team Yuka and Teruyuki Ishikawa, have continued to work on Saya’s look throughout the year, depicting her in a number of scenarios as they work on creating a movie with her as the star character.
What’s even more impressive than the natural-looking realism of Saya’s character is the fact that the Tokyo-based duo behind her creation are entirely self-taught in the fields of computer graphics and design. While most of their orders are for overseas clients, their work on Saya is a side-project they work on in their free time.
Now they’ve added another layer of realism to the attractive schoolgirl with the “2016 version”, which they revealed via their Twitter account just a few days ago.
Sayaの2016verです(•̀ᴗ•́)。去年の発表から色々な皆さんの反応を頂きつつコツコツと改良を重ねてきました。既に動きのシステムも稼動していて秋の展示会へのお披露目に向けて制作中です、詳細は今後アナウンス予定です。 pic.twitter.com/kOGcMx96co
— TELYUKA (@mojeyuka) September 9, 2016
Saya now has even more detail, with stunning skin tones that have an incredibly realistic texture. The amazing details extend to the reflection in her irises and even the flyaway strands of hair on her head.
Naturally, Twitter users were blown away by Saya’s new look.
“The level of realism is absolutely amazing!”
“I can’t see anything but a real girl in this image.”
“Wow – she’s evolved even more than last time!”
“I can’t wait to hear her voice and see how she moves.”
We shouldn’t have to wait too long to see Saya come to life on screen, with the creators revealing that they’re working towards debuting the character at an autumn exhibition, having already completed the motion capture process last month.
先週はモーションキャプチャの撮影でした。ツークン研究所と共同でSAYAを一人の女の子としてどこまで練り上げていけるのか研究制作中です。もう少ししたら色々と発表して行きたいですっ(•̀ᴗ•́)。 pic.twitter.com/AMloE8LZlB
— TELYUKA (@mojeyuka) August 3, 2016
They’ll be making announcements in the near future so watch this space for more details!
Source: Togech
Top Image: Twitter/@mojeyuka
Insert Images: Twitter/@mojeyuka, Telyuka
Follow Oona on Twitter for more updates on Saya and her upcoming debut!





This high school girl is incredibly popular online, but can you guess what her secret is?【Photos】
Japan’s hyper-realistic CG schoolgirl moves for the first time in new video【Video】
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Drinking sake just got more convenient with convenience store Family Mart’s new canned brews
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Haunted, abandoned hotel complex on Okinawa is a lesson against messing with Japan’s spirits
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Truck driver hailed as “hero” for cutting off car on wet highway
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply