The Book of Distance

       The Book of Distance is a documentary that adapts the immigration story of Yonezo Okita, the grandfather of Randall Okita (the narrator), into a virtual reality medium— inviting users to experience Yonezo’s journey as a Japanese immigrant during World War II. Throughout the documentary, users are prompted to experience events that Yonezo went through, following his journey from Japan to the United States.

        As Yonezo builds a house with his family, the users interact by picking up wooden blocks to help construct the fence alongside him. When Yonezo plants for his farm, users join in the planting process, helping spread the seeds.

       As he was forced to relocate and work for someone else, users were placed in the crates with him.  By positioning users in Yonezo’s shoes, VR transforms them from passive observers to active participants, heightening users’ emotional connection to the characters. This experience also allows certain moments provided opportunities for exploration, while others limited interactivity For instance, when Yonezo was confined in the crate, users are able to examine the space and even peek through a small hole to see coyotes outside!

                            (The army relocating the family and forcing them off their farm/land)

Overall, this was a touching story— especially as the reader flips the photo cards of the Okita family and the music starts playing— whose emotional factor was heightened through this interactive medium. Readers are able to feel more attachment to these characters because they're able to experience the characters' experiences and put themselves in their shoes.

Note: If you're prone to motion sickness, I would not recommend this experience; women are more prone to experiencing nausea from VR experiences and if you are already prone to sickness— 90% chance you might throw up.