Hey ACG fans, we all love collecting figures and binging anime, right? But have you ever stopped to think about how someone who can't see, or experiences the world differently, might enjoy these passions?
Recently, a Japanese X (formerly Twitter) user shared a heartwarming interaction with a visually impaired individual, proving that "you can absolutely love anime and games, even if you can't see them." The post struck a chord with countless anime and model enthusiasts.
The viral post detailed how the user's father had a blind colleague who was super curious about "Mobile Suit Gundam" and always wondered what a Gundam actually looked like. So, the user brought in some of their Gunpla for the colleague to touch. The reaction? Pure joy! The colleague exclaimed, "I finally know what a Gundam looks like!"
The user emotionally added, "Being able to feel the shapes with your hands like that is truly incredible. Gunpla is just the best!"
They clarified that the colleague wasn't a hardcore anime fan but was genuinely curious about popular titles. "Just because you can't see doesn't mean you can't be interested in or enjoy anime or games," the user stated, a sentiment that resonated deeply with netizens.
The user also directly asked their father's blind colleague, who explained that even without seeing the animation, they could grasp the scene's atmosphere through dialogue and sound design. For battle sequences, for instance, character emotions, explosions, and impact sounds convey the action perfectly – it's absolutely an experience they can have.
Even horror films, they noted, can be genuinely terrifying through background music and character speech. The colleague even expressed a strong desire to "watch" "Ringu" (The Ring), showing keen interest despite not being able to see it.
The post blew up, sparking a flood of comments from netizens sharing similar experiences and insights: "My blind friend can identify different train models just by touching them – it's amazing!" "I once saw a blind person at a museum touching models while listening to a guided tour, and it hit me that art isn't just for seeing." "With more and more 3D figures and dolls available today, there are more entertainment options for people with disabilities."
Some users even pointed out the inherent charm of anime's sound design. Compared to live-action films or dramas that often rely on visual transitions, anime's sound effects and voice acting are more seamlessly integrated, making it easier to "watch by listening." Many even put on anime as background noise while doing other tasks, finding they don't miss anything without the visuals and can actually immerse themselves deeper in the story.
For instance, the anime film "Girls und Panzer der Film" offered an audio description track where voice actors narrated scenes for visually impaired audiences, ensuring everyone could enjoy the movie. And it's not just anime; more and more games are incorporating accessibility features. Take "BlindWarriorSven," the blind fighting game player who competed in "Street Fighter 6" at EVO 2023, absolutely stunning the crowd.
Beyond that, some museums have designed tactile exhibits, allowing visually impaired visitors to "touch paintings" and understand art. Even Disney in the US has created model-based guided tours for visually impaired guests, making their visits more engaging.
For those with all five senses, it might be tough to imagine how individuals with sensory limitations can enjoy entertainment just like anyone else. But the truth is, they absolutely do.
This discussion has opened many eyes to the fact that enjoyment knows no bounds; a sensory impairment doesn't mean you can't experience these joys. So next time you meet a friend with such challenges, perhaps you can share these passions with them, finding new ways to connect and explore together!
via： togetter