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| Shenmue Chapter One Yokosuka: World Guidance |
Published shortly after Shenmue I’s original release in Japan, the World Guidance guidebook contains some of the most detailed and comprehensive information about the first game found in any of the guidebooks released at the time.
At the end of the book is an exclusive survey of 57 developers who worked on Shenmue.
The survey is introduced in the guidebook as follows:
Survey of 57 Shenmue Project Members!
The massive development team poured their collective effort into creating Shenmue: Chapter One ~ Yokosuka . To close out this book, we present the real, unfiltered comments from the staff themselves. Of course, this is only a portion of their voices, but it gives you a glimpse into both the hardships and joys of game development. Please read through with anticipation for what’s to come in the next installment.
Survey Questions
1. What do you like about Shenmue?2. Who is your favorite character, and why?3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!7. Please give a short message for the players.
During development, the Shenmue project was divided into a number of teams, including the Sound Team, Planning Team and Events Team. The survey responses are grouped according to these teams.
Our translation of the survey responses begins below! Note: images and additional notes have been added for extra context. Based on the initials provided, we have also attempted to identify each respondent where possible.
In this first part, we present the responses from the Sound & Music and Graphics Design teams, with the remaining teams to follow in Part Two.
★ Sound & Music Team
S.H. [Sound Effects Supervisor Seiichi Hamada]
Role: Sound Effects  |
| Seiichi Hamada [screengrab from the Making of Shenmue NHK Special] |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The battles, and the variety of different events.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ryo: the way he calmly carries on without showing his emotions.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene with Chai at the arcade.
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| Seiichi Hamada's most memorable scene |
T.N. [Sound Production Manager Tatsutoshi Narita]
Role: Product Manager 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
How beautiful the graphics are.
How beautiful the graphics are.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Chai: he just looks downright evil.
Chai: he just looks downright evil.
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| T.N.'s favorite character |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The events with Chai.
The events with Chai.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I've got plenty of painful ones…
I've got plenty of painful ones…
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Whoa~!"
"Whoa~!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
The soundtrack has been released, so please buy it!
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| Shenmue Original Sound Track - Chapter One, Yokosuka (released March 2000) |
Y.T. [Assistant Director Yasuhiro Takagi]
Role: Sound Debugging 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The Network Rankings feature for the mini-games.
The Network Rankings feature for the mini-games.
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| The Network Rankings feature allowed players to upload their best scores for various mini-games and view the ranking tables on the Shenmue Passport (screenshot from the fan remake Suka Pass) |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Nozomi Harasaki. She's cute.
Nozomi Harasaki. She's cute.
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| Y.T.'s favorite character |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The ending event.
The ending event.
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| Y.T.'s most memorable scene |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I can’t remember - it was that tough.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to the next installment!
Please look forward to the next installment!
O.M. [Voice Recording Chief & Composer Osamu Murata]
Role: Music, Voice Recording
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| Osamu Murata |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Being able to freely explore such a large play area and talk with the townspeople.
Being able to freely explore such a large play area and talk with the townspeople.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Goro, because he has such a cheerful personality.
Goro, because he has such a cheerful personality.
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| Goro |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The opening scene.
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
I was too scared to try putting in anything like that.
I was too scared to try putting in anything like that.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Goro and Lan Di share the same voice actor. [Takahiro Sakurai]
Goro and Lan Di share the same voice actor. [Takahiro Sakurai]
Guizhang and the greengrocer are also voiced by the same actor. [Tetsuya Sakai]
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| Voice actor Takahiro Sakurai played Lan Di and Goro |
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| Guizhang and Masaru Aoi, the greengrocer, are also voiced by the same actor. [Tetsuya Sakai] |
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Take your time and enjoy the game.
Take your time and enjoy the game.
Related post - read fascinating anecdotes and insights about Murata's work on the Shenmue project here:
M.T. [Voice Editor Megumi Takano]
Role: Voice Editing 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The distinctive personalities of the characters, and the high degree of freedom.
The distinctive personalities of the characters, and the high degree of freedom.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang: the way he gets back to his feet after being taken down by the Swallow Flip, even in a suit.
Guizhang: the way he gets back to his feet after being taken down by the Swallow Flip, even in a suit.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
That serious line from Ryo: “But, to Goro..?” I couldn’t help laughing.
That serious line from Ryo: “But, to Goro..?” I couldn’t help laughing.
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| "He's gotta heart of gold" |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Fuku-san, I’m leaving the dojo in your hands until Ryo gets back!"
"Fuku-san, I’m leaving the dojo in your hands until Ryo gets back!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Hope you’ll stay hooked for the games to come!
Hope you’ll stay hooked for the games to come!
Takenobu Mitsuyoshi
Role: Sound Director
Q. What do you like about Shenmue?
A. The world it creates.
Q. Who is your favorite character, and why?
A. [Eri] Tajima. She has a certain elegance to her.
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| Eri Tajima |
Q. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
A. The end credits.
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| The Shenmue I end credits stretched to almost 9 minutes in length |
Q. Did you secretly hide any “tricks” in the game?
A. None.
Q. Please share an interesting episode from development.
A. When I was writing the forklift theme, our department head [Yu Suzuki] jokingly said, “Hey, just use the Daytona song!” I took him at his word and actually put it into the game. When he heard it later, he said, “Mitsuyoshi… you didn’t actually use that, did you?”
Note: this episode was also recounted in Shenmue Master's written interview in 2018 with Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, Yuzo Koshiro and Ryuji Iuchi:
Q: The theme music from Daytona USA is included on one of the game discs of Shenmue 1. Is it true that when you were choosing the music for the forklift race, Yu Suzuki told you “It should be the Daytona song,” so you added the song, when actually he was joking so you replaced this song with the music we heard in the final version?
RI: You'd best ask Mitsuyoshi-san…
TM: It's true. 🙂 We were all just so exhausted, including myself, that we didn't have enough energy left to decide whether he was joking or being serious. 🙂
Q. Were there any ideas that proved especially useful?
A. I wanted to write more music that matched the animation and movement of each event scene. Also, I think we could have explored the idea of developing melodies around “inner motifs.” But at that point, if we’d done that, it would’ve upended the entire foundation of what we were doing. So, in the end, I think the way we handled it was right.
Q. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
A. "Cut it out, you punk!" (in the style of wrestler Antonio Inoki*)
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| *Antonio Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. |
Q. What does Yu Suzuki mean to you?
A. Above all, he's a creator - the kind of person who relentlessly pursues what he believes in, no matter what stands in his way. And, of course… he's my boss. He’s been the department head ever since the beginning.
Q. Please give a short message for the players.
A. Right now I’m editing the U.S. version - it’s looking really cool. And from the sound side, the soundtrack album has been released, so please check it out!
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| US Shenmue, which would be released in September 2001 |
★ Graphics Design Team
T.M. [either 3D Background Main Designer Takehito Mikami or Takumi Matsui]
Role: Stage Design 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The FREE aspect.
The FREE aspect.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang Chen: he’s cool and strong.
Guizhang Chen: he’s cool and strong.
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| Guizhang |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The opening scene where Ryo’s father dies.
The opening scene where Ryo’s father dies.
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| "Keep friends..." |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
My wedding and the end of development happened at the same time - it was rough!
My wedding and the end of development happened at the same time - it was rough!
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Please buy Shenmue II !"
"Please buy Shenmue II !"
D.S. [3D Character Designer Daisuke Sato]
Role: Character Modeling, etc. 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That feeling of frustration - like you can do so many things, but not quite everything.
That feeling of frustration - like you can do so many things, but not quite everything.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ryuji Tatsumi and Toya Hasegawa, because I created them.
Ryuji Tatsumi and Toya Hasegawa, because I created them.
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| Ryuji Tatsumi of the Water Dragon Thrift Store in Dobuita |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
I think the opening scene of Lan Di versus Iwao turned out really well.
I think the opening scene of Lan Di versus Iwao turned out really well.
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| "I've no intention of telling you." |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Nothing particularly funny or entertaining.
NOB [likely either 3D Background Main Designer Nobuyuki Matsuda or 3D Background Designer Nobuaki Mitake]
Role: Stage Design 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The attention to detail: from the grand buildings to the little household items you’d hardly notice.
The attention to detail: from the grand buildings to the little household items you’d hardly notice.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Xiuying. She’s so alluring.
Xiuying. She’s so alluring.
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| Xiuying Hong |
When Ryo shouts, "Father....!"
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| In the Japanese version, Ryo shouts "Oyaji....!" (="Father....!") |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
It was the kind of work that could bring a grown man to tears.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"I love Shenmue! Wooooo!"
"I love Shenmue! Wooooo!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to Shenmue II.
Please look forward to Shenmue II.
S.I. [3D Background Designer Shinya Inoue]
Responsible for: Tattoo Parlor, Hong Kong Rest House, Trees, etc. |
| Tattoo Parlor at the Okayama Heights apartments |
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| Hong Kong Free Stay Accommodation |
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| Realistic trees and shrubbery in Yamanose |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The intuitive controls: unlike anything seen before in a game.
The intuitive controls: unlike anything seen before in a game.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ryo: he’s a character anyone can easily empathize with.
Ryo: he’s a character anyone can easily empathize with.
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| S.I.'s favorite character interrogating the locals |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Nozomi’s confession.
Nozomi’s confession.
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| The "Nozomi's Confession" cut scene is a missable scene that is triggered by Ryo answering her phone call at the Hazuki Residence. There is a great video by Matthew Reynolds that details the conditions for this scene to play out. |
Y [3D Background Assistant Main Designer Yasushi Kameda or 3D Background Designer Yoshinari Ito]
Role: Harbor Area, Sushi Shop Interior |
| New Yokosuka Harbor introductory cut scene |
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| Takara Sushi in Dobuita |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The relentless pursuit of crafting a 3D sandbox world - something not likely to be copied soon by others.
The relentless pursuit of crafting a 3D sandbox world - something not likely to be copied soon by others.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Niao Sun, because she's, uh... rather well-endowed.
Niao Sun, because she's, uh... rather well-endowed.
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| Niao Sun |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
♪ “As long as I’m with you, it won’t be hard… I can keep on walking… through this Shenmue desert…”
♪ “As long as I’m with you, it won’t be hard… I can keep on walking… through this Shenmue desert…”
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Shenmue will forever be a “Butsumetsu* day”.
*Butsumetsu is the unluckiest day in Japan’s traditional six-day fortune calendar. This comment is a self-deprecating joke, implying “Shenmue is doomed to bad luck forever”.
H.T. [3D Background Designer Hiroyasu Tamura]
Responsible for: In-game Signage, and Environment Design for the Arcade, Antique Shop, Alpha Trading, and Old Warehouse District. |
| Environments worked on by H.T. |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Being able to walk around so many different places.
Being able to walk around so many different places.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Mark. We gave him an afro.
Mark. We gave him an afro.
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| H.T.'s favorite character: Mark Kimberly |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene at Asia Travel Co. where Ryo roughs up Jimmy.
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| "I got a wife and kids!" |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
I drew the safety-check poster you can see posted around the harbor.
I drew the safety-check poster you can see posted around the harbor.
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| The safety-check poster can be seen in various places around the harbor area, such as inside the office at (New) Warehouse No. 8. The poster reads: "Safety First - Point and Confirm". |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I once took a nap under my desk and came face to face with a cockroach.
I once took a nap under my desk and came face to face with a cockroach.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Don’t forget to throw away your lunch trash regularly!"
"Don’t forget to throw away your lunch trash regularly!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Wait 'til you see how amazing the next one is.
M.A. [3D Background Designer Mami Abe]
Role: Environment Design 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That it doesn’t feel like a typical video game.
That it doesn’t feel like a typical video game.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ryo, because he’s wonderful (in many ways!).
Ryo, because he’s wonderful (in many ways!).
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| Another vote for Ryo! |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The park scene with Nozomi. It’s so cheesy… but I love it.
The park scene with Nozomi. It’s so cheesy… but I love it.
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
“Hararon” is actually stocked at the convenience store (Tomato Mart). You can’t buy it, though.
“Hararon” is actually stocked at the convenience store (Tomato Mart). You can’t buy it, though.
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| "Hararon" is the name of an energy drink that can be seen advertised around Yokosuka (see our previous post). It can't be purchased, but it can be seen here stocked in the drink cabinet inside the Dobuita Tomato Mart. |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
A lot happened, that’s for sure.
A lot happened, that’s for sure.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"I’ll do my best on Shenmue II too!"
"I’ll do my best on Shenmue II too!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to Shenmue II !
Please look forward to Shenmue II !
Y.K. [3D Background Assistant Main Designer Yasushi Kameda]
Responsible for: Dobuita and Motorcycle Stage Environment Design |
| Areas worked on by Y.K. |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
How deep it feels, like there’s always more beneath the surface.
How deep it feels, like there’s always more beneath the surface.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Nozomi Harasaki. She's a babe.
Nozomi Harasaki. She's a babe.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The cut scene where Ryo rides the motorcycle back to Dobuita.
The cut scene where Ryo rides the motorcycle back to Dobuita.
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| Rescuing Nozomi from the harbor |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
There are actually several other Tomato Mart locations along the road in the motorcycle stage. It appears that the chain has spread all over the place!
There are actually several other Tomato Mart locations along the road in the motorcycle stage. It appears that the chain has spread all over the place!
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| No time to stop in |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I’ve been involved in this development for two years now which, somehow, is funny to me.
I’ve been involved in this development for two years now which, somehow, is funny to me.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Making the in-game Dobuita feel like the real one was tough work!"
"Making the in-game Dobuita feel like the real one was tough work!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please understand what the "FREE" genre really means - it doesn’t mean you can literally do anything.
T.W. [3D Background Designer Tatsuya Wakabayashi]
Responsible for: Environment Design for MJQ, Global Travel Agency, Yamanose, and Sakuragaoka |
| Environments worked on by T.W. |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Being able to freely explore all the intricately built neighborhoods.
Being able to freely explore all the intricately built neighborhoods.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san, because of his clueless charm.
Fuku-san, because of his clueless charm.
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| "Did Akemi say anything about me?" |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The nighttime park scenes with Nozomi.
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| "I wish time would just stand still" |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
There are a few, but here’s one: the Megaland* magazine in the convenience store was made specially for me by [name omitted].
There are a few, but here’s one: the Megaland* magazine in the convenience store was made specially for me by [name omitted].
*This is perhaps supposed to be Meganeland ("Spectacles Land"), a magazine that can be seen at Tomato Mart.
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| The magazine selection at the Dobuita Tomato Mart. Aside from the eye-catching Poo magazine, there is also Meganeland (Spectacles Land magazine) which has the green cover. |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
A lot of things happened, but I'd better not write them down.
A lot of things happened, but I'd better not write them down.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"It’s tough!"
"It’s tough!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to Shenmue II!
Please look forward to Shenmue II!
S [3D Background Designer Shigeo Kusaba or So Nakamura]
Responsible for: Environment Design for the Hazuki Residence and Residential Areas 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That it wasn’t released until everyone was completely satisfied with it.
That it wasn’t released until everyone was completely satisfied with it.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Nozomi Harasaki. She’s got a certain appeal.
Nozomi Harasaki. She’s got a certain appeal.
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| The favorite character of S. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The opening scene where Iwao and Lan Di fight.
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| The dramatic opening cut scene |
7. Please give a short message for the players.
This is a completely new kind of game that's unlike anything before. I hope you enjoy it.
This is a completely new kind of game that's unlike anything before. I hope you enjoy it.
H.E. [Motion Camera & Animations Designer Hiroya Eguchi]
Role: View Mode* Design*View Mode essentially relates to story-related cut scenes, being described in the Shenmue manual as follows: "The view mode occurs automatically in specific event scenes in which directed camerawork highlights progression tips in the game storyline".
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The meticulously crafted environments and the characters’ lifelike realism.
The meticulously crafted environments and the characters’ lifelike realism.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Chai. His inhuman form and movements are just so cool.
Chai. His inhuman form and movements are just so cool.
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| Chai snatches the mirror |
The scene where Nozomi rides on the back of Ryo’s motorcycle as they return to Dobuita. It really moved me.
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| Bringing Nozomi back home |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
Not exactly hidden, but I appear in the game as one of the characters*.
Not exactly hidden, but I appear in the game as one of the characters*.
*Several staff members are known to have been portrayed as characters in the games (see our previous post) but Hiroya Eguchi is a new addition! I have tried to find an image of him online in order to make a match but have been unsuccessful so far.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
When we were deciding on Nozomi Harasaki’s final character model, I made a test scene using several different Nozomi prototypes. Afterward, the models that weren’t selected ended up walking around Dobuita as background extras.
When we were deciding on Nozomi Harasaki’s final character model, I made a test scene using several different Nozomi prototypes. Afterward, the models that weren’t selected ended up walking around Dobuita as background extras.
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| One of the Nozomi model candidates was Izumi Takano, who can be seen in the What's Shenmue demo and again later in Shenmue II (see our previous post). |
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| This model was another candidate for Nozomi, and closely matches her early concept art sketch. These screenshots show her at Yamaji Soba Noodles and were taken from a brief clip on the What’s Shenmue VHS. However, this model does not appear in the released games. [Connection noted by vfXander] |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Father....!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
If you look closely at the characters, you might notice they resemble someone unexpected - maybe even a celebrity!
If you look closely at the characters, you might notice they resemble someone unexpected - maybe even a celebrity!
Y.I. [3D Background Designer Yoshinari Ito]
Role: Stage Design 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
You can zoom in and look closely at anything, anywhere. As someone who creates backgrounds, I really appreciate that - sometimes I want people to notice all the little details. It’s one of the few games that’s “fun just to look at.” (Though there are plenty of spots I’d rather people didn’t look at too closely...)
You can zoom in and look closely at anything, anywhere. As someone who creates backgrounds, I really appreciate that - sometimes I want people to notice all the little details. It’s one of the few games that’s “fun just to look at.” (Though there are plenty of spots I’d rather people didn’t look at too closely...)
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang. He’s the coolest guy in Chapter One.
Guizhang. He’s the coolest guy in Chapter One.
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| Can't get much cooler. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Around April, when the cherry blossoms in the yard start to fall - it’s beautiful.
Around April, when the cherry blossoms in the yard start to fall - it’s beautiful.
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| Cherry blossoms at the Hazuki Residence in this capture by SkillJim (as described in his guest post about the cherry tree's changing appearance). |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
During development, whenever something went well, someone would start clapping. Then the people nearby would join in, and before long, the entire floor would erupt into applause, even though most of them didn’t know what they were clapping for.
During development, whenever something went well, someone would start clapping. Then the people nearby would join in, and before long, the entire floor would erupt into applause, even though most of them didn’t know what they were clapping for.
T.I. [3D Character Main Designer Tetsunari Iwasaki or 3D Character Designer Takashi Ito]
Role: Character Modeling 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
You can finally see the kind of realistic environments, like the streets and scenery, that games and movies had never been able to show before.
You can finally see the kind of realistic environments, like the streets and scenery, that games and movies had never been able to show before.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Mimi: she’s cute.
Goro Ono: he’s cool.
Iwao Hazuki: he has a strong presence.
Goro Mihashi: he’s hilarious.
Mimi: she’s cute.
Goro Ono: he’s cool.
Iwao Hazuki: he has a strong presence.
Goro Mihashi: he’s hilarious.
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| T.I.'s favorite characters |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The conversation between Ryo and Guizhang right before the 70-man battle.
The conversation between Ryo and Guizhang right before the 70-man battle.
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| Terry tricks Ryo into fighting Guizhang |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Our character team secretly made a few models that looked like real members of the development staff. The moment they appeared on-screen, everyone burst out laughing.
Our character team secretly made a few models that looked like real members of the development staff. The moment they appeared on-screen, everyone burst out laughing.
- Related post: Shenmue Characters Based on Actual People
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"I wish my body was more robust!"
"I wish my body was more robust!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
I hope you feel the effort and dedication of everyone on the design team shining through on screen.
I hope you feel the effort and dedication of everyone on the design team shining through on screen.
K.Y. [3D Character Designer Keita Yoshino]
Role: Character Modeling 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Darts.
Darts.
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| Darts at the You Arcade |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Sōryū*: he’s cool.
Sōryū*: he’s cool.
*The developer uses the early name for Lan Di.
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| K.Y.'s favorite character |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The 70-man battle… and darts.
The 70-man battle… and darts.
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| 70-man Battle |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Game development isn’t exactly fun and games.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"I want a cash bonus."
"I want a cash bonus."
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Darts are fun! Let’s all play together!!
Darts are fun! Let’s all play together!!
T.I. [Motion Main Designer Takeo Iwata]
Responsible for: Animations 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
It’s packed full, in every sense of the word.
It’s packed full, in every sense of the word.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san, because he’s got that perfect airheaded vibe.
Fuku-san, because he’s got that perfect airheaded vibe.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The QTE battle with the girl gang (sukeban). I couldn’t help thinking, “Wait, the hero’s beating up women…?”
The QTE battle with the girl gang (sukeban). I couldn’t help thinking, “Wait, the hero’s beating up women…?”
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| In a previous post we cover the delinquent girls and their creative insults: "Kiss Off Twit!"- Insults in Shenmue |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
During motion capture, Mr. Hiroshi Fujioka gave an impassioned talk to the staff about the “ki” of martial arts. He was also doing the Segata Sanshiro commercials at the time, and I remember thinking: “He really is that character.”
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| Screengrab from a Sega Saturn TV commercial featuring Segata Sanshiro |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I just want to be healthy.
I just want to be healthy.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to Shenmue II!
H.K. [Battle Motion Chief Designer & Motion Designer Hiroshi Kawasaki]
Responsible for: Battle Animations
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The laid-back, easygoing atmosphere, and Ryo’s natural, slightly oblivious personality.
The laid-back, easygoing atmosphere, and Ryo’s natural, slightly oblivious personality.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san. He’s so adorably clingy, always bowing to someone younger, and that flat-top haircut of his just tops it off.
Fuku-san. He’s so adorably clingy, always bowing to someone younger, and that flat-top haircut of his just tops it off.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Ryo’s unreadable expression when he’s praised for getting a high score at the arcade is perfect.
Ryo’s unreadable expression when he’s praised for getting a high score at the arcade is perfect.
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
If you tap the cat’s forehead repeatedly, it sticks out its tongue! (…Sorry, that’s a lie.)
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Maybe everything about it was kind of funny…
Maybe everything about it was kind of funny…
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Woo~!"
"Woo~!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
If this game awakens a passion for stalking in you, we take absolutely no responsibility. Thank you for understanding.
If this game awakens a passion for stalking in you, we take absolutely no responsibility. Thank you for understanding.
M.K. [Motion Designer Masaya Kusunose]
Responsible for: NPC Routine Animations, Dynamics 1. What do you like about Shenmue?
You can see remnants of trial and error all over the place, which is what makes it interesting. I love those rough edges.
You can see remnants of trial and error all over the place, which is what makes it interesting. I love those rough edges.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ine-san. She’s wonderful, the very image of a proper Japanese woman.
Ine-san. She’s wonderful, the very image of a proper Japanese woman.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Ryo chugging canned drinks, or blowing all his money at the capsule toy machines.
Ryo chugging canned drinks, or blowing all his money at the capsule toy machines.
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| Priorities. |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
Apparently Nozomi Harasaki does… something to Ryo*.
Apparently Nozomi Harasaki does… something to Ryo*.
*Note: although this would appear to be a false tease, Nozomi certainly does something to the thugs at Sakuragaoka Park with an easter egg discovered by a Japanese fan in 2019.
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| Nozomi joins Ryo to take on the local thugs. |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
A few people ended up with kidney stones.
A few people ended up with kidney stones.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I want to get healthy again! (My body still hasn’t recovered.)
I want to get healthy again! (My body still hasn’t recovered.)
7. Please give a short message for the players.
What is entertainment, anyway?
What is entertainment, anyway?
Masanori Oe
Role: Design Director |
| Masanori Oe (or "Ohe" as written here, to represent the elongated "o" sound) |
Q. What do you like about Shenmue?
A. That it is fully voiced. And the fun of discovering all sorts of little details in the carefully crafted background - it feels like a kind of treasure hunt.
Q. Who is your favorite character, and why?
A. Mimi. She’s cute.
Q. What scene left the deepest impression on you?
A. The scene where Nozomi gives Ryo an amulet.
Q. Are there any easter eggs in the game?
A. I hear that former Executive Director Yukawa makes an appearance. Also, a few of the project staff show up as extras.
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| Mr. Yukawa at Bar Yokosuka |
Q. Do you have any funny stories from development?
A. During development, one character who hadn’t yet been assigned any specific animation data suddenly started doing Pai’s victory animation from Virtua Fighter - leaping and kicking. It was hilarious.
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| Several unused animations from Virtua Fighter, including Akira's victory pose, can be found within the Shenmue code. |
Q. Did you have any ideas that went unused?
A. It's not one that I proposed out loud, but: a "Zapping System"! Maybe you could play as Mimi and live out life in Yokosuka, or become Nozomi and stalk Ryo - that kind of thing might be fun.
* Note: this sounds not unlike the Character Perspective System that Yu Suzuki contemplated for Shenmue III.
Q. Do you have any message for Yu Suzuki?
A. Please take better care of your health.
Q. A message for the players?
A. Please look forward to Shenmue II!
M.N. [3D Background Assistant Main Designer Masato Nishimura]
Responsible for: Backgrounds, Sega capsule toy characters, and more
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Even though his father’s just been murdered, Ryo still spends every day glued to the capsule machines.
Even though his father’s just been murdered, Ryo still spends every day glued to the capsule machines.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Yoshito Nishii: because he’s modeled after me.
Yoshito Nishii: because he’s modeled after me.
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| Character model Yoshihito Nishii vs current-day Masato Nishimura |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
When I finally completed the entire capsule toy collection, and… Nozomi’s panty shot.
When I finally completed the entire capsule toy collection, and… Nozomi’s panty shot.
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
During battle, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, B, A* for four extra options and a force field. (Just kidding.)
During battle, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, B, A* for four extra options and a force field. (Just kidding.)
*This sequence is the "Konami Code", a famous cheat that originated in the 1986 game Gradius for the NES and was later popularized by Contra, where it famously gives the player 30 lives.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
At one point during development, when it rained in-game, even the dogs and cats were walking around Dobuita holding umbrellas. We couldn’t stop laughing.
At one point during development, when it rained in-game, even the dogs and cats were walking around Dobuita holding umbrellas. We couldn’t stop laughing.
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| Apparently umbrellas, being held here by humans, were also held by animals during early development. |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Do your kanji drills!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Enjoy the game actively. It’s far more fun to play on your own initiative than to simply do what the developers intended.
Do your kanji drills!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Enjoy the game actively. It’s far more fun to play on your own initiative than to simply do what the developers intended.
K.M. [2D Graphics Design Supervisor Kenji Miyawaki]
Responsible for: 2D Design, Main Character Design2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san. He’s like Ukkari Hachibei - kind of a lovable fool.
Fuku-san. He’s like Ukkari Hachibei - kind of a lovable fool.
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| Ukkari Hachibei is a character from the long-running historical drama series Mito Komon. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
When you fail the soccer ball QTE and the ball hits Kayoko (the little girl) in the head. That awkward pause afterward is strangely funny.
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| "I wanna go home!" |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
The label on the Shenmue Potato Chips is full of silly jokes. I figured the fine print would never be legible once it was turned into a texture… but I was wrong.
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| Shenmue Potato Chips packaging. The front strangely boasts "94% potato" and "Gradually-salty flavor", while on the reverse side the purchaser is advised to eat the contents "within 5 minutes"! |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Goro and Kurita were actually designed as battle-only characters originally, but they really moved up in the world!
Also, amazingly, the greengrocer lady was made by reusing a male character model.
After five years on this project, I’ve got too many stories to fit in here (laughs).
Goro and Kurita were actually designed as battle-only characters originally, but they really moved up in the world!
Also, amazingly, the greengrocer lady was made by reusing a male character model.
After five years on this project, I’ve got too many stories to fit in here (laughs).
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| Shiro Kurita (Kurita Military Surplus) and Goro Mihashi |
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| "The greengrocer lady": Yoshie Aoi, wife of Masaru at Yaokatsu Produce |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
“When I die, let my body lie where it falls!”*
*This is a line that originates from the classic 1970s samurai drama TV series Ōedo Sōsamō, symbolizing total sacrifice and anonymity in death.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
There will be lots of appealing new characters in the next installment, as well as some exciting story developments, so you’ve got plenty to look forward to.
D.T. [Motion Designer Daisuke Tachibana]
Responsible for: NPC Routine Animations & Other Animations
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The opening sequence.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang. Because he’s so cool and aloof. He really stands out as a character.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The part where Guizhang almost gets his head smashed in.
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| The scene D.T. is likely referring to: Terry plays dirty against Guizhang |
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Thank you for playing.
H.K. [3D Character Designer Hiroki Koike]
Role: 3D Character Modeling
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The fact that you can play it over and over and never get tired of it.
The fact that you can play it over and over and never get tired of it.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Chai. Because I made him.
Chai. Because I made him.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene where Nozomi confesses her feelings to Ryo in the park.
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
The characters of [Guangji] Wang, [Hiroyuki] Orihara and [Hiroshi] Tamura (among others) all have the faces of Shenmue development staff.
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| Hiroshi Tamura's real-life basis was production manager Hiroshi Asou |
*Note: while the modeling of the characters of Wang and Tamura on staff members was already known about, Orihara is a new one to add to the list! Research may be needed to match his model with a project staff member from the time!
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| Hiroyuki Orihara from Bar Linda. Which developer does he resemble? |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
At first, I was using Rambo III as a reference, and somehow then went on to Princess Mononoke, then The Mummy, and finally Joan of Arc.
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| Movies that inspired some of the 3D character designs: Rambo III (1988), The Mummy (1999), Jeanne d'Arc (1999), Princess Mononoke (1997). |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Stylish!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Shenmue II is going to be really exciting. We’re working through the nights to make it so.
That concludes the responses from the Sound & Music and Graphics Design teams. Look out for Part Two in the coming days, when we’ll hear from more of the developers behind Shenmue.
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