Folklore Fusion

Through the immense popularity of anime, manga, or global phenomena, Japanese narratives and visuals have conquered the world, shaping pop culture and popularizing themes from Japanese folklore in Western media. In this context, Folklore Fusion explores the creative interplay between tradition and modern visual storytelling with a cutting-edge CGI character project. 

After an intense trip through Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, architecture, and local legends, ECAL Bachelor Media & Interaction Design students created the Swijūs—fusion of «switzerland» and «Kai-Jū»—hybrid creatures blending Japanese and Swiss folklore. Each student focused on a specific district of Tokyo, merging its cultural and architectural identity with legendary figures from both traditions to craft unique narratives. By studying clichés and stereotypes, they reinterpreted cultural symbols to create an unexpected fusion between the two worlds. Beneath its playful appearance, Folklore Fusion examines the narrative potential of modular design, exploring how visual systems can shape storytelling.  

In a scenography conceived by ECAL Bachelor Industrial Design students, the project offers an immersive experience at the heart of the Swijūs universe, unfolding across multiple media, much like a successful phenomenon. Explore a reimagined Tokyo through an interactive online map, where each Swijū watches over its district! Collect Folklore Fusion trading cards (TCG), seamlessly integrating into existing decks, featuring various levels of rarity and immersive augmented reality (AR) content that brings the creatures to life! Scan the QR codes and the Swijūs will appear before your eyes in every corner of Milan! Dive into the creative process with a magazine-style printed edition, documenting the inspirations and research that shaped this fusion between folklore and modernity. 

Beyond paying tribute to Japanese culture, Folklore Fusion and its Swijūs become imaginary artifacts, reflecting the cultural exchanges and shared narratives of our time.