What is UltraKiss?
UltraKiss is a computer program that implements the Kisekae Set system, KiSS. This is a Japanese graphics system originally conceived in the 1990′s to facilitate costume changes for virtual dolls. In some sense UltraKiss is a computer paper doll system, but as a presentation tool the Kisekae Set system implements a non-procedural event model and other characteristics that enable interactive presentation and programmable content.
UltraKiss supports FKiSS1, FKiSS2, FKiSS2.1, FKiSS3, FKiSS4, CherryKiSS, Enhanced Palette, and new FKiSS5 extensions.
Software Installation:
Windows
Apple
Linux
Kisekae UltraKiss requires Java Software. Not sure if you have Java installed? Click here to check your system. The minimal implementation of UltraKiss is a fully secure Java application that runs in the Java sandbox to protect you. Not sure if secure Java applications will run on your system? Click here to test your system.
For people who want to build and maintain KiSS sets, download the complete version of UltraKiss. This will install UltraKiss complete with online help, media support, and demonstration KiSS sets. This full featured version of UltraKiss is a signed secure Java application that operates as a stand-alone application on your computer. You will need to allow the program access to your system for full operation.
If you do not want the help system or demonstration sets or media support then you should download the minimal version of UltraKiss. You will be prompted to give the program access to your system for proper operation.
If you only want to see what UltraKiss is all about, then try any of the demonstration sets below. Kisekae World is an interactive site. You can securely run any of the KiSS sets seen on this page in UltraKiss, right now, if you have Java installed on your system. This will download and automatically run UltraKiss as a secure Java application in the Java sandbox.
What does UltraKiss do?
UltraKiss simplifies many of the technical details of building and viewing KiSS sets. For viewers, UltraKiss displays KiSS sets and lets users interact with the set using the mouse and keyboard. For developers, UltraKiss manages images of dolls, clothing, and many other media objects that are included in KiSS sets.
The original KiSS model defined a special image format called the KiSS cel format. The KiSS model also proposed separate image palettes for color variations. The paper doll images and other related files were traditionally packaged in the LHA compressed file format popular in Japan. UltraKiss implements integrated LHA, ZIP, and JAR archive file formats for file compression. UltraKiss extended the FKiSS programming language by implementing structured logic, local variables, and label parameters for recursive logic. Some media enhacements for MP3 music and video are also provided.
SAILOR MOON |
SAILOR V |
How does UltraKiss work?
UltraKiss reads and interprets KiSS data files. These files contain computer graphics images, color palettes and data control files. KiSS drawings often contain front and back layers such that clothing can be placed on dolls in a more realistic way. Objects are constructed from layered image components that usually show only parts of the complete image. These objects are manipulated through user actions or through a simple event processing model that enables timed animations or special actions when objects are touched or dragged across the screen.
The original KiSS development model required that artists and programmers develop their content in external tools and then test the work in a KiSS viewer. UltraKiss provides a graphical user interface so that the KiSS configuration file is automatically developed for the artist. UltraKiss offers an undoable edit-test process to simplify working with new objects and developing FKiSS program logic.
FRKISMI |
UltraKiss applications and games
The Kisekae concept became popular in Japan, most likely because of the anime connection. There was a small English speaking community of Kisekae artists from around the world that extended the KiSS model and contributed to the development of the art form. Some artists explored image movement and event control as a new application development methodology. Various games and other applications could be built with the system as shown below.
FKiSS5 |
FKiSS5 |
FKiSS5 |
FKiSS5 |
Where does the name Kisekae come from?
The KiSS model was first proposed as a graduate thesis in Japan, in 1991. Kisekae takes its name from the Japanese term kisekae ningyou, which refers to playing dress-up with dolls.
SAILOR MOON |
Where do I find KiSS material?
It’s difficult to find much material now as this discipline has essentially disappeared. The primary Japanese website for the World KiSS Project is still active. A North American distribution site for KiSS material is available through Otaku World.
The Scarecrow Sets
The Scarecrow games are not just a “kisekae”. They are very interactive quest games and fairy tales about magic, beauty, and love. The artist who created the Scarecrow sets extended the artistic implementation of the Kisekae model into domains that had not been originally conceived. These sets are very different from everything, you’ve seen before. To quote the artist: “The girl, you see here, talks, walks, jumps, falls… even she can fall in love… with YOU. But if you do not behave like a gentleman, you’ll lose her very soon! Well, she’s not easy, but she can do almost everything, what the real girl does, and even more! She can turn into other creatures. She can take you in some magic places… Because actually she is a fairy! Yes, she is that one! The Fairy of Your Sweetest Dreams…” Visit the Scarecrow to see his work.
SCARECROW |
SCARECROW 1 |












