[Interview] Lag:N/A Discovers the Significance of Sword Dancing at Overseas Events and the Potential of Metaverse Sword Performance

A sword dance is a type of traditional dance. It is generally danced with a sword.

There are sword dances in various regions including Japan, China, Vietnam, and India that have their own unique cultures.

Lag:N/A was the last performer at the after party of “RAIN DANCE IMMARCIVE,” which has been held for more than 30 years.

I had the opportunity to interview Lag:N/A, who has made great strides, about the appeal of sword dance and the possibilities of Metaverse Sword Performance, and was able to hear a very in-depth conversation with her.

How did she start performing sword dances at overseas events?

Amaneko

First of all, thank you for your performance at the overseas event held in the early morning of November 27 (JPT).

Please tell us your frank impression of the event.

Lag N/A

Yes, I was honestly happy to be able to perform on the big stage of the Immersive section of the RAIN DANCE Film Festival, which has a history of more than 30 years.

Amaneko

How did you get the invitation?

Lag N/A

I went to see LANCIA MISUMI perform Metaverse Ondo at an event called “THE BLACK SUN” as a gallery

Lag N/A

After LANCIA MISUMI finished playing, I was dancing a sword dance in the back of the crowd to the music of the next performer, so as not to disturb the others.

Then Maria, the Curator of Raindance Immersive, asked me if I would like to perform on stage. I gladly accepted the proposal and jumped in to perform a sword dance.

Amaneko

The sword dance performed to foreign music. It felt so fresh!

Lag N/A

It was very well received and I was able to enliven the event as a participant and performer.

Lag N/A

I was then invited to officially participate as a performer at the “RAIN DANCE IMMARCIVE” awards ceremony after-party, which I did.

Amaneko

It’s like watching a comic book success story…

Not only sword performance, but also communication through words.

Amaneko

You communicate naturally, but this is an overseas event, right?

You can speak English?

Lag N/A

Yes, I do. I am not good at complex conversations involving technical jargon, but I can handle everyday conversations without problems.

Amaneko

So you can speak English! I envy you…

Lag N/A

So I had no trouble communicating with people from overseas.

I also worked as an interpreter for friends who had difficulty speaking English and made connections between Japanese and people from overseas.

Lag N/A

I think one of the main reasons I was invited to overseas events was because of my English conversation and my interaction with overseas people as a Friend’s interpreter.

Amaneko

That’s great! After all, the sense of security of connecting through language may be the same for the other person.

Lag N/A

I would like to work mainly as a performer, but also as an interpreter.

Amaneko

I think it is really wonderful.

It is said that Japanese metaverse culture is rare even when seen overseas, but it is difficult to transmit it due to the language barrier. But I think Lag:N/A, who can speak English, can convey a lot of things.

I hope she will be invited by many people, not only for her sword dance, but also as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world!

A special favorite sword

Amaneko

What kind of relationship do you have with this sword?

Lag N/A

こThis sword was not for VRChat at first.

Amaneko

What do you mean?

Lag N/A

It was even before I started working with VRChat.

I played the lead role in a certain TRPG’s multi-episode story format. My favorite sword originated as the unique weapon of the protagonist of that story. At the time it was only a single line of text, the only setting text I had created.

From there it became an illustration, and I asked them to make a one-off 3D model. Then I came across VRChat, and I ended up wielding the sword.

Amaneko

From text to 3D model to face the sword in VR… emo…

Lag N/A

Isn’t it romantic? From text to illustration, to 3D model, to being wielded in VR, to being performed at events around the world.

Amaneko

I never thought I would hear such a wonderful episode…!

Turning point in starting out as Metaverse Sword Performer.

Amaneko

When did Lag:N/A’s performances start to be seen by everyone?

Lag N/A

It was when I performed with Mr.yoikami the leader of BREATH ACTORS.

Lag N/A

I met yoikami at “Japanese Izakaya Kagasaki”. There, I was showing a simple performance with a sword as usual. Then I was able to get some advice on my performance!

Amaneko

What a surprise! That was great!

Lag N/A

What is really great is what comes after.

Amaneko

Is there more!

Lag N/A

After opening a new instance on the spot and giving a theatrical performance in the instance he was moving to, he said: ‘There is another leading actor in this play’, ‘Lag:N/A, please come on stage’.

Amaneko

Suddenly?

Lag N/A

He then announced to the audience: ‘We are now going to perform a sword dance with Lag:N/A. The choreography is improvised’.

Lag N/A

That was my first experience of sword performance for many people.

Amaneko

It was amazing…

Lag N/A

It was really amazing. My motivation to become a performer stems from this incident.

Amaneko

I don’t know, I don’t think I could sleep that night lol.

Lag N/A

I was so gutted, I was like, ‘I did it!’ It was a really big experience.

What is the appeal of sword performance for Lag:N/A?

Amaneko

What is the attraction of sword performance for Lag:N/A?

Lag N/A

If I had to say that it is unique to sword performance, I would say that it is well received overseas.

Amaneko

That’s a bit of an exaggeration.

Lag N/A

A girl in a kimono with an oriental feel, wielding a sword as tall as she is, performs to music.

This is something that people from overseas rarely see in the Metaverse, and I think it is something that is seen in a vivid way.

Lag N/A

I had heard that samurai and geisha were popular abroad, but experiencing them first-hand confirmed their reputation.

Possibilities of Metaverse Sword Performance

Amaneko

Do you see the potential of the Metaverse Sword Performance?

Lag N/A

Yes I do. I think it is the fact that anyone can take on any form and wield any weapon.

Lag N/A

To give an example, in reality it is very difficult and dangerous for small children to wield large swords due to their height and muscle strength.

Amaneko

Yes, that is true.

Lag N/A

But in the Metaverse, they can wield it with a light controller. You can change your physique freely, use any weapon you like, and swing it in or out with particles. Various expressions are possible.

Lag N/A

With this overwhelming degree of freedom and technical skills, it is possible to transcend various barriers. I believe this is the potential of Metaverse Sword Performance.

Lag:N/A is a performer in the Metaverse through sword performance.

She approaches overseas users and events with her partner’s sword and her English skills.

Despite her cute appearance, we were able to catch a glimpse of her efforts to “live in the Metaverse.

We will pay even more attention to Lag:N/A’s future activities.

~ extra photo~