Inazuma Inc. today announced the worldwide release of ePaperCraft SHIRYU on Steam, following its earlier debut on the Microsoft Store. The software, created by Takahiro Yonemura, Ph.D. (Engineering), allows users to design 3D models on a PC, automatically unfold them into printable templates, and build finished objects in the real world using paper, scissors, and glue. The release marks the culmination of over two decades of continuous development and refinement of the original software, which was recognized as a Jury Recommended Work at the 10th Japan Media Arts Festival.
SHIRYU ships with more than 70 ready-to-build models, and users retain the right to use their original creations commercially. The software targets a broad audience, from elementary school students to hobbyists, educators, makers, and artists, balancing ease of use with opportunities for intricate manual work and inventive model design. Importantly, no generative AI was used to create the included models or the program code, emphasizing a hands-on, deliberate design process in an era of instant generation.
The software's developer, Dr. Yonemura, is already known to American audiences through his sci-fi manga "Beast Code" (eigoMANGA, 2022) and "Recycled Brain" (eigoMANGA, 2025-2026), both covered by Anime News Network. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and lectures at a university of science and technology in Japan. His English-language book "The Metal Brain" was distributed to 12 countries under a Japanese government support program in 2019.
Dr. Yonemura commented on the philosophy behind SHIRYU: "People ask why an engineering PhD writes manga and folds paper. I say: a scientist's job is to turn imagination into something real. SHIRYU turns a screen into scissors, glue, and a creature on your desk."
The availability of SHIRYU on Steam broadens access for creators worldwide. More information can be found on its official website and on its Steam page. This launch represents a significant milestone for papercraft enthusiasts and educators seeking a digital tool that bridges virtual design and tangible creation, while also highlighting the enduring value of manual craftsmanship in a technology-driven world.
