The story is based on accounts of people who have experienced sexual violence that turned their bodies into “objects”.
They embark on journeys to look for new bodies, and at once also to connect with others, such as machines, plants or stones.
If the main character is harmed, the operation is disabled, and the character becomes unable to move.
The discordance between the player’s intention (the operation of the controller) and the character’s behavior turns into a realistic
experience of sexual abuse. It is called Tonic Immobility or just Freeze. Just like a victim of sexual abuse, the player is forced into
the unreasonable situation of being unable to move as they want, or to scream out.
“I stitch my skin to the ground” was selected by the jury of the New Animation Art of Prix Ars Electronica 2024 (in Linz, Austria) for the Honorary Mention.
JURY STATEMENT
Usami's work transcends traditional game design by using interactivityto spotlight the serious problem of sexual harassment in Japan's public spaces and its effect on the survivors.
It uniquely portrays survivors' disconnection from their bodies, rendering visceral imagery of characters leaving their own skin. By defying conventional gameplay norms, users symbolically rebuild their avatars, evoking 'reparative play'—a psychoanalytic concept of empowerment amid trauma.
The experience prompts users to confront uncomfortable truths and fosters collective understanding, healing, and renewal through its blend of unconventional gameplay and narrative.
Trailer (3min)
Trailer English subtitles by Hayley Scanlon, Japan Visualmedia Translation Academy
