Urashima Tarō Mirror: An Interactive Portrait of the Fictional Self in Time

17333

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Urashima Tarō Mirror: An Interactive Portrait of the Fictional Self in Time

Year

2026

Abstract

This article presents the Urashima Tarō Mirror (UTM), an interactive installation that allows users to visually experience self-transformation associated with aging through AI-generated portraits. UTM generates a series of portraits ranging from childhood to old age based on the user’s facial photograph, and the displayed image changes—appearing younger or older—depending on the user’s distance from the mirror. Through this mirror-like interface, users can experience in a short moment the physical changes that would normally take years to occur. This experience evokes awareness of one’s own transformation and aging, offering an experience that encourages reflection on identity and self-acceptance.