VR Animation "IF YOU SEE A CAT", Nominated at Venice International Film Festival, Begins Worldwide Distribution on Steam & Meta Store from April 3rd!

Kodansha VR Lab, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Ishimaru, hereinafter referred to as "our company") is pleased to announce that the VR animation "IF YOU SEE A CAT" (English title: IF YOU SEE A CAT, hereinafter referred to as "this work"), planned and produced by our company, will begin worldwide distribution on Steam and Meta Store from Friday, April 3, 2026.

This work has been highly acclaimed at numerous international film festivals, including the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and NewImages Festival 2026. To commemorate the start of distribution, a 20% OFF launch sale will be held on Steam for a limited two-week period from April 3rd to April 17th.

By maximizing the realism of VR, players can observe a boy's hospital life from the perspective of a "phantom cat," posing questions about the reality of mental healthcare, mother-child relationships, and what "salvation" means. The audio is available in English and Japanese. In the Japanese version, actor Tatsuya Wakaba passionately plays the role of the protagonist boy "Naoki," and Ryoko Yui plays the mother "Midori."

[About the Work] This project is an ambitious work that delves into the social issue of Japan's mental healthcare challenges, brought together by the collaboration of Jun Wada, an animation director who won the Silver Bear at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival ('Great Rabbit'), and Kenji Ishimaru, who has produced numerous highly acclaimed VR films. The script, based on meticulous research, merges with Wada's distinctive animation expression, resulting in a work that deeply resonates with the audience.

**[Distribution Information & Launch Sale]** To commemorate the start of distribution, it will be offered at a discounted price for a limited time on Steam from April 3rd to April 17th. Distribution Start Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 Distribution Platforms: Steam: <u>https://s.team/a/4458990</u> Meta Store: <u>https://vr.meta.me/s/2i5ixSRp1AecLsn</u> Sale Period: April 3, 2026 - April 17, 2026 (Steam only) Sale Details: 20% OFF the selling price (Steam only)

**[Work Outline]** Title: IF YOU SEE A CAT Runtime: Approx. 37 minutes Genre: VR Animation Planning & Production: Kodansha VR Lab Production: Kodansha Languages: English, Japanese (Subtitles: English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese)

**[Awards]** Venice International Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection