Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Japanese virtual reality artist Aimi Sekiguchi held a live digital painting performance for the students of Dubai’s Rashid Center for People of Determination, as the Japanese artist created an interactive and meaningful experience for the kids while they witnessed her digital art in the metaverse. 

The event, which took place on Oct. 15, was attended by the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, IMANISHI Jun, and was the first concert by a Japanese artist to be held at the center.

“Many of the children in wheelchairs have limited access to places in daily life, so they enjoyed experiencing another world through virtual reality,” Sekiguchi told Arab News Japan. “Seeing their wonderful smiles made me very happy.”

The Japanese Consul General reflected on the event, saying, “I have been interested in the UAE’s People of Determination initiatives and have been thinking about whether it is possible to provide opportunities for people of determination to experience art and music across borders and nationalities.” 

“I’m so delighted to be able to see thousands of children’s smiles through this stimulating art and music performance. I hope that this will be an opportunity to open up the new world of these children who do not have the opportunity to go out and see a live digital concert,” he added. 

The children were impressed by the performance, with some of them joining the Japanese artist on stage. It introduced them to a new kind of art that they were not aware of. 

“The Rashid Center has many bright children where various people from different backgrounds come together,” Sekiguchi shared. “I hope challenges and successes in welfare will be mutually shared among countries, leading to a better future for all.”