Key information
At the DREAMSCAPE#5 indie game event held on October 24, 2026, developer Histoire caramélisée showcased Washi, a narrative game described as a reading puppet animation and serious folklore horror otome title. The story follows Mina, a pregnant woman visiting her friend Erico, who recently suffered a miscarriage, at an old family home where they encounter supernatural phenomena.
The game features a 13-episode scenario where player choices influence the ending. Beyond the standard structure, the narrative delves into unsettling themes, including the identity of Mina's child's father and the circumstances surrounding Erico's miscarriage, all tied to local traditions and customs.
Developer cara utilizes physical paper craft rather than traditional digital illustration. By manipulating the texture, wrinkles, and layering of washi paper, the creator generates distinct shadows and expressions. For instance, background mountain ranges are created by layering paper that blocks light differently based on density, while character hair textures are differentiated by cutting the paper against the grain to simulate specific hair types.
The developer, formerly involved in object performance stage arts, views game development as a way to create a solo stage production. By integrating experience in scriptwriting and music, cara aims to leverage these artistic techniques to build the game's unique atmosphere, which was noted for standing out among other event exhibits.
