In Part One, we began our translation of an extensive survey of 57 Shenmue developers published in the World Guidance guidebook in May 2000, shortly after the game’s original release. Having heard from members of the Sound & Music and Graphics Design teams, we now continue with responses from the Game Development and Planning teams.
Keiji Okayasu
Role: Game Director
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| Keiji Okayasu with Yu Suzuki in 2000 |
Q. What do you like about Shenmue?
A. The variety and depth of the mini-games.
Q. Who is your favorite character, and why?
A. The Santa who appears at Christmas. His lines are simply funny, and he’s a limited-time character on top of that.
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| Santa Maeno |
Q. What scene left the deepest impression on you?
A. The Jimmy chase scene. During the QTE, there’s a moment where Ryo spins around someone to dodge them. The first time I saw that, I thought, “Whoa, that’s cool!”
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| QTE: chasing Jimmy through Dobuita |
Q. Can you share any interesting episodes from development?
A. In the warehouse QTE scene, when Ryo grabs Tony by the collar, the combination of Tony’s expression and the way the light hit his face made the scene look almost occult and creepy… and somehow that version ended up being approved as-is.
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| The creepy scene: "We're gonna go after your family and friends..." |
Q. Any ideas you found particularly useful?
A. Hmm, there were so many that I forgot them all.
Q. Shout out one thing you’d like to say!
A. I’m exhausted.
Q. A message for Yu Suzuki?
A. Thanks for all your hard work, every single day.
Q. Finally, a message for the players.
A. Shenmue is the kind of game that’s hard to explain, so just play it. If you find it fun, I’d be happy if you told someone else about it.
★ Game Development Team
T.S. [Periodical Motion Data Management Tomotaka Shirono]
Responsible for: NPC Routines Data
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Character code "YSKT" (editor’s note: Yoshikazu Takahashi). A comrade-in-arms who fought to the end as the messenger of bugs.
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| Yoshikazu Takahashi: This nondescript businessman provided valuable debugging assistance. (This character's backstory describes him as having lost his job recently but he continues to pretend to go to work each day as he can't bring himself to tell his family). |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene under the cherry tree. Even though Iwao corrects him, it still doesn’t look like Ryo’s doing it right!
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| Iwao & young Ryo flashback scene |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
After pulling four all-nighters in a row, I finally went home. Just as I crawled under my futon and pulled up the blanket, I got called back because of a bug. Note: it takes an hour and a half for me to get to the office.
N.S. [Battle System Programmer Norihiro Sekine]
Responsible for: Free Battle (Sub)
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| Battle scene |
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That we created a townscape that looks like it could actually exist anywhere, all built from polygons.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fukuhara. The ultimate disciple.
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| Masayuki Fukuhara |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Fukuhara: “But... I want to help somehow.”
Ryo: “Just look after things while I'm gone.”
Ryo: “Just look after things while I'm gone.”
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| Fuku-san offers Ryo his help. |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
During the 70-Man Battle (both Story and Time Attack modes), if you hold down the L and R triggers on the port 4 controller when starting, the game goes into autopilot. Press any button to cancel. Note: Records made in auto mode won’t be ranked.
Note from Switch: I tried to recreate this trick on the Demul emulator (with both the US and Japanese versions), but had no success. Please comment if you are able to get it working!
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
There was someone in the department who bought a huge stockpile of instant ramen and sold it around the office.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I want to see it made into an American comic!!
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| Perhaps the comic idea went on to become the Shenmue Side Story comics! |
H.S. [Battle System Chief Programmer Hiroaki Shoji]
Responsible for: Battles, Fluttering**This would be referring to the handling of physics for hanging clothes or hair.
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
It’s a game that doesn’t feel like a game. I realized that when I saw my father, who doesn’t even like games, playing Shenmue and saying, “There’s something different about this!”
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fukuhara. He’s kind of a goofy character, he has no fluttering cloth, and I could reuse his moves.
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| Fukuhara's strengths: no fluttering cloth + reusable moves. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The opening event. Shenhua’s dress gave me a lot of grief. She’s an incredibly high-maintenance woman.
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| Shenhua's dress and hair moving in the breeze in the prologue. |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
The 70-Man Battle’s “Watch Mode.” See another staff member’s comment for details. There’s also “Poison Mode,” a feature added to prevent players from endlessly running away and regenerating Ryo’s health during battles. After about 20 minutes, Ryo automatically loses. This still applies even after Ryo has exceeded five retries and entered his invincible state. It's no secret, so I'm sure you already know about this, right, Shinjuku Jackie*?
*The developer may be addressing another developer or play tester by their nickname.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Long ago, the “Rising Flash” used to be “Shoryuken*.” I think he even performed a Karate Kid-style kick at one point…
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| *This easter egg was revealed in 2019 by a fan who unlocked this move, causing Ryo to use it against Goro in the harbor blackmail QTE event. Details in our previous post. |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"Shut up! He kicked your butt too!"
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| Tony and Smith at the tattoo parlor. |
7. Please give a short message for the players.
The next installment is currently in active development, but before that, try playing through Chapter One again. You’ll definitely discover something new. Speed runs are fine, but I’d be happier if you found your own way to enjoy the game. And if you haven’t played it yet, borrow a copy if you have to, but please give it a try!
M.N. [Programmer Masakazu Nishii or Masanori Nakamura]
Responsible for: Dobuita, FREE motorbikes.1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Space Harrier.
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| Space Harrier at the You Arcade |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Hirai-san (the MJQ bartender). Because he’s cool.
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| Takeshi Hirai, owner of the MJQ Jazz Bar. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Ryo playing the capsule toy machines.
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| "Maybe I'll get another" |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
When I changed the motion data, everyone turned into Sachiel*.
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| *Sachiel is the third Angel from Evangelion, a humanoid monster. |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Don’t peek at panties.
M.W. [System Asst. Main Programmer Makoto Wada]
Responsible for: System (exploration, ponytails, hand animations, odds and ends)
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
It's packed with technology.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Mark. He’s got a cool, serious vibe.
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| Mark can't resist making a pun. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Ryo's departure.
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| Master Chen and Guizhang farewell Ryo |
7. Please give a short message for the players.
The next installment is in production. Please wait a little longer.
T.T. [Programmer Takatoshi Tatsumi or Tomohiro Tsuchiya or Tetsuya Takenaka]
Responsible for: A bit of everything1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The ending.
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| Ryo's ship sails for Hong Kong |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang. I just like him, somehow.
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| Guizhang |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The ending.
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| Departure for Hong Kong |
S.T. [Motion Capture Unit Action Director Sho Tagaya]
Responsible for: Motion1. What do you like about Shenmue?
There's nothing in particular...
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san. He often showed up whenever a bug arose...
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| Was Fuku-san responsible for additional bugs? |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene where Ryo says "But, to Goro..?"
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| Goro and Mai announce their marriage plans |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I broke my leg (sob).
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I've got nothing to shout.
Y.I. [Battle System Programmer Yasutaka Igarashi]
Responsible for: things related to battles1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The way it teaches you how to pass time.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Pedro. Because he's the master.
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| Pedro |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Fukuhara’s face when his piggy bank gets smashed. His expression is the best.
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| Ryo smashes Fuku-san's piggy bank (with permission) |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Getting to meet someone who delivers blunt comebacks like Bacardi’s Mimura*.
*Bacardi is the name of a comedy duo which later changed its name to Summers in around 2000. Mimura was famous for his very direct, no-nonsense ‘straight man’ style.
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| Comedy duo Bacardi (Kazuki Ōtake and Masakazu Mimura) during the 1990s. |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"NO FEAR!"
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Have fun with your free time.
M.H. [System Programmer Masashi Hayashida or Muneyuki Hirose, or Programmer Muneyuki Hattori or Masatoshi Hashimoto]
Responsible for: Map display, clipping, weather and more1. What do you like about Shenmue?
A grown man spending the entire day at the capsule toy machines.
A grown man spending the entire day at the capsule toy machines.
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| Ryo building his capsule collection |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
This guy* because debugging him wiped out half my day.
*Unfortunately, the name of the character he is referring to was omitted from the printed survey.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The sunset seen from the harbor.
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| Sunset at the harbor |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Near the end of development, I started reacting instinctively to words like “bug,” “rain,” “snow,” and “volume.”
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| A rainy day in Dobuita |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Chinese food!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Take your time when playing.
Anonymous
Responsible for: Shenmue Passport1. What do you like about Shenmue?
An adventure that still feels grounded in everyday life.
An adventure that still feels grounded in everyday life.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Chai, because he’s so distinctive and unforgettable.
Chai, because he’s so distinctive and unforgettable.
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| Chai taunts Ryo |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The opening sequence.
The opening sequence.
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| Lan Di and Iwao |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I just want to sleep!
S.
Responsible for: Map collisions (hit detection)
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That it had a long development period.
That it had a long development period.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Tam-san [Tamura], the butcher. When I was in the hospital, he actually came to visit me*.
Tam-san [Tamura], the butcher. When I was in the hospital, he actually came to visit me*.
*This would be referring to Shenmue Production Manager Hiroshi Asou, on whom the character model was based.
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| The character model for Tamura the butcher was based on Shenmue Production Manager Hiroshi Asou. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
After feeding the kitten fried tofu.
After feeding the kitten fried tofu.
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| Tofu received - not impressed. |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Crashed my bike and ended up in the hospital, but at least I got a summer break out of it.
Crashed my bike and ended up in the hospital, but at least I got a summer break out of it.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Give me my overtime pay and days off!
Give me my overtime pay and days off!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
The next one will be even more amazing. Probably. In lots of ways.
The next one will be even more amazing. Probably. In lots of ways.
S.K. [Programmer Shinichi Kawamoto or Shin Kuroiwa]
Responsible for: Enoki-related events, Sukeban (girl gang) QTE, Goro QTE, Nozomi’s kidnapping etc.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
The koi (carp), because they're lively even in winter.
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| The koi swimming on a winter evening (screenshot credit: Wandering Through Shenmue) |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The part where Guizhang gets crushed - squish!
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| Ryo fails to save Guizhang at the start of the 70-man battle |
T.M. [Battle System Planner Toshiaki Motozawa]
Responsible for: QTE battles, etc.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Hato - how he stays cool even after his bar’s been wrecked.
Hato - how he stays cool even after his bar’s been wrecked.
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| Yoshifumi Hato, bartender at Heartbeats Bar: "I'll tell you. In return, you don't show your face here again." |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Shenhua’s close-up.
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| Close-up of Shenhua, from the prologue. |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
When a face texture broke, it looked like the character had a nosebleed.
T.I. [3D Background Designer Takehiro Izumo, 3D Character Designer Takashi Ito or System Programmer Takayuki Iida]
Responsible for: Various1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That it comes with 3 discs.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
The leaf-chewing punk, because he’s got a funny face.
The leaf-chewing punk, because he’s got a funny face.
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| The "leaf punk": Akio Enoki |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The fight with the leaf punk.
H.Y. [3D Background Designer Hiroshi Yamada]
Responsible for: Tomato Mart (Yokosuka branch), Asia Travel Co., Global Travel Agency and Maeda Barbershop.1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The concept of “leisurely, fully, gently”*: how the game is crafted so that even details that would normally be omitted are there for the player to enjoy.
*Yu Suzuki built Shenmue around these three concept keywords - which could also be translated as “relaxing, rich, and mellow” - as he mentioned in his comment in the very first Weekly AM2 online magazine in December 1999.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang Chen. I like how he delivers suave lines without even realizing it, and how he unexpectedly reveals a compassionate side.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene at Yokosuka Harbor, after defeating Terry when Ryo says, “Thank you,” and Guizhang replies, “That’s my line,” before walking away.
The scene at Yokosuka Harbor, after defeating Terry when Ryo says, “Thank you,” and Guizhang replies, “That’s my line,” before walking away.
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| An iconic scene with Guizhang |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
One of the planners pointed out that even though there's a year-end sale, "nothing changes (aside from the map),” so I doubled your chances of winning the raffle on December 24–25, January 1–4, February 14, and March 14, but only at the Yokosuka Tomato Mart. This works on all discs.
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| Ryo draws the 5th place prize in the raffle |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
During the final crunch period, we had to test the raffles and capsule toys to make sure every prize could appear and that the odds were correct. Half-asleep while checking, we ended up forgetting the original purpose and started competing with each other to complete every collection.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I want a female friend to keep close to me*! (lol)
*A tongue-in-cheek nod to Iwao Hazuki's final words to Ryo.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Don’t rush - enjoy Shenmue slowly. Immerse yourself, and you’ll find new discoveries. This is just Chapter One. There’s much more to come.
T.G. [System Programmer Toshihiko Gouya]
Role: Systems
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The fact that it’s so "Shenmue".
The fact that it’s so "Shenmue".
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Enoki. He’s a man, a real “Iwaki”-type guy*.
Enoki. He’s a man, a real “Iwaki”-type guy*.
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| *Masami Iwaki is a famously wild, rough-edged but lovable baseball player from the classic manga Dokaben. Note how he chews a leafy stem! |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The part in the opening where Fuku-san's face looks kind of intense.
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| Fuku-san during the opening scene |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"It's fun, isn't it?"
H.
Responsible for: Harbor (general areas)
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The quick loading times when entering and leaving the harbor warehouses and offices.
The quick loading times when entering and leaving the harbor warehouses and offices.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Shimizu (the man surveying at the harbor). His lines feel so full of life*.
Shimizu (the man surveying at the harbor). His lines feel so full of life*.
*Players familiar with the character will appreciate this comment - he invariably claims to be "too tired" to speak when approached by Ryo.
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| The model for harbor surveyor Kenta Shimizu was based on Kenji Miyawaki. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
Probably the pigeons - even though they’re simple, they move surprisingly realistically.
Probably the pigeons - even though they’re simple, they move surprisingly realistically.
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| Pigeons at the harbor |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
No (though I wanted to include some).
No (though I wanted to include some).
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I suffered horribly from kidney stones. I also got to see everyone in all sorts of amusing states during meetings. What made me happiest was when we finally got almost every building in the harbor accessible without loading. (From a map standpoint, that made it comparable to the shops in Dobuita.)
I suffered horribly from kidney stones. I also got to see everyone in all sorts of amusing states during meetings. What made me happiest was when we finally got almost every building in the harbor accessible without loading. (From a map standpoint, that made it comparable to the shops in Dobuita.)
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
"All things are transient"*.
"All things are transient"*.
*A Buddhist reflection, literally “All things must pass.” Possibly written with the exhaustion felt during the project in mind.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Read between the lines.
S.A. [System Assistant Main Programmer Sumito Aso]
Responsible for: System Architecture2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Shenhua - she looks like she wouldn’t eat meat.
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| Shenhua in Shenmue II would beg to differ. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene where Mark gets beaten up.
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| Mark is bullied |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
When things got busy, I’d end up sleeping in the nap room on the third floor. There was someone who always talked in their sleep - mumbling things like “Pi○chu” and “Ra○chu,”* which kept me awake.
*Imagination is needed here as the developer partially obfuscated their names!
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| The subjects of a colleague's dream? |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Taxes are too high. Lower the insurance premiums. We don’t need pensions.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
If you really love games, don’t worry so much about whether it’s on the Dreamcast, PS2, or whatever. Focus on sound and visual quality first.
★ Planning Team
K.F. [Motion Camera Director Kazuhiro Fushimi]
Responsible for: Event Direction (Camera), Conversation Camera
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
It’s a world without guns or weird energy blasts - just hot-blooded men who put their bodies on the line… that came out sounding a bit wrong, so I’ll stop there. Even without flashy effects or people flying through the air, Shenmue made martial arts feel genuinely cool.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Guizhang. He steals all the best moments.
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| Guizhang |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The battle with Guizhang at the end. The way the characters were directed in that scene was so stylish.
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| Guizhang and Ryo team up |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
There used to be a bit where one of Goro’s victims ran away, crashed into a utility pole, and fell over. It only appeared in the corner of the screen, but I loved that detail. Why did it have to be cut? I love those tiny bits of comic acting.
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| In the released version, Goro's victim flees without running into anything |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
It’s the little comedy moments that make a serious story come alive!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please look forward to Shenmue II.
Please look forward to Shenmue II.
Eigo Kasahara
Role: Planning Director
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| Eigo Kasahara in 2000 |
Q. What do you like most about Shenmue?
A. Probably the fact that you can enjoy so many different kinds of activities…
Q. Favorite character, and why?
A. Tommy* - the look on his face when Ryo grabs him after the warehouse QTE battle is just the best.
*This appears to be a misprint - this is likely referring to Tony.
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| Ryo grabs a defeated Tony |
Q. The scene that left the biggest impression on you?
A. Same as above - Tommy’s scene.
Q. Are there any hidden secrets or tricks in the game?
A. Okabayashi* knows the most about that.
*Most likely referring to Yoshihiro Okabayashi, who managed the Event Planning team responsible for creating in-game events. His survey response is included below.
Q. Any interesting stories from development?
A. At first, Enoki was supposed to be a serious, stoic character. But he turned into the kind of guy who picks fights with kids and women… kind of a sad fall from grace, isn’t it?
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| Enoki may act tough, but rumor has it that he visits the shrine to feed the kitten at night. |
Q. Any ideas that were scrapped?
A. Too many to count, but:
① The ending of Chapter One was originally supposed to have Ryo fighting Chai on the cargo ship.
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| The unused ship scenario was later incorporated into the Shenmue Side Story comics. |
② The opening was going to be the final match of a martial arts tournament, where Ryo loses by foul and receives a silver trophy. All of that was scrapped, and the story instead began with his father’s death.
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| The unused martial arts tournament scenario was also later included in Shenmue the Animation, although a notable difference is that Ryo struck the winning blow in the final, rather than losing. |
Q. A final word?
A. “What the hell?!*”
* A humorous Kansai-style exclamation: "Nande yanen!".
Q. What does Shenmue mean to you?
A. Big Boss*.
*Likely an affectionate self-reference to Yu Suzuki (the project’s “Big Boss”).
Q. Any message for the players?
A. Shenmue is still growing - we’re developing new content for Shenmue Passport. Try reconnecting!
And of course, if you haven’t used the Passport yet, you should!
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| The original Shenmue Passport. In recent years, the fan remake Suka Pass recreates the experience for modern devices. |
M.H. [Event Planning Chief Manager Misako Hamada]
Role: Event Team1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Even people in their 60s - like my own parents, who’ve never played games before - can still find it enjoyable in their own way.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Mizuki the drifter. That soft, downy bird-like hair of his - it’s just wonderful. So cute. It even suits his face perfectly. The way he sits on that wooden crate is super cute, too. And underneath it all, he seems to have some martial arts experience, as though he has a mysterious past, which makes him cool as well. Judging by that face, I can only imagine how handsome he must’ve been when he was young!
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| Shozo Mizuki helps Ryo evade the security guards. "The way he sits on that wooden crate is super cute". (Image credit: Shenmue Wiki) |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The short cutscene that plays after Ryo borrows the motorcycle from [Naoyuki] Ito and arrives at the harbor. (I’m not talking about the part where you actually drive through the harbor.) That scene was only decided on near the end of development, and I was assigned to it at a point where there was absolutely no room for mistakes. When it finally got implemented, I felt such relief and genuine joy.
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| Cutscene: Ryo borrows Naoyuki's motorbike. |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
If you pick up the White Leaf item in the basement, you’ll be able to see a special scene later, in Chapter 2 or beyond.
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| Ryo discovers the White Leaf |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
The basement items were originally planned to tie into key scenes in later chapters. They were meant to be relics Ryo’s father brought back from his martial arts training in China. But people around me objected, saying, “We can’t make promises that far ahead,” and so all of them were made unobtainable.
Near the very end of development, though, Yu-san said, “At least make the White Leaf obtainable,” and so it was hurriedly restored. As for the other items you can’t take, someday, somewhere, you’ll come across them again, and next time you’ll finally be able to obtain them…
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The other items in the basement were intended to become obtainable later in the story. |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I want to go traveling.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please get the people around you to play Shenmue! It’s an easy-to-understand story, even for grandparents, so have them try it too. By the way, in the next installment, there’s going to be a character that fans of cool, mature types will definitely appreciate.
Please get the people around you to play Shenmue! It’s an easy-to-understand story, even for grandparents, so have them try it too. By the way, in the next installment, there’s going to be a character that fans of cool, mature types will definitely appreciate.
S.I. [3D Background Designer Shinya Inoue]
Responsible for: Dojo, Hazuki Residence, Basement, Harbor (Disc 3)1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The sense of time. The way the weather changes.
The sense of time. The way the weather changes.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Hiromasa Ono, because he’s my character*. (He’s like what I’ll be in ten years.)
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| Another character model based on a Shenmue developer has been revealed! Shinya Inoue (left) and his character model in the game as forklift operator Hiromasa Ono (right). |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The discovery of the Phoenix Mirror.
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| Ryo finds the second mirror |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
These are things everyone already knows, but…
① There’s an item called the “White Leaf” in the basement. It’ll matter in later chapters… so make sure to get it!
① There’s an item called the “White Leaf” in the basement. It’ll matter in later chapters… so make sure to get it!
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| White Leaf |
② From late March to late April, the number of cherry-blossom petals changes day by day.
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| See related guest post by SkillJim: The Changing Beauty of the Hazuki Cherry Tree (image credit: Shenmue Forever) |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I wasn’t the only one affected like this, but my wedding happened to coincide with the final mastering period, so things were tough.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Let me go home already! And give me money!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
I hope everyone understands that creating something good takes time. We’re fighting day and night (in many ways) to help everyone share Ryo Hazuki’s feelings as soon as possible. Please look forward to it.
S.T. [Planner Shigeki Terajima]
Responsible for: Debugging, Passport
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The FREE aspect.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fukuhara. He’s got that cool, mature vibe.
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| "Cool" and "mature": not usually the first words that come to mind when describing Fuku-san. |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene with Nozomi on the motorbike.
The scene with Nozomi on the motorbike.
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| Ryo and Nozomi ride home from the harbor |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
I couldn’t get any sleep.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I’m sleepy.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
Please take part in the Network Rankings more!
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| Network Rankings screen in the Suka Pass recreation of the Shenmue Passport |
M.S. [Debug Management Masaaki Somaki]
Responsible for: Debug Management
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
Dunno. If I had to pick something, Space Harrier.
Dunno. If I had to pick something, Space Harrier.
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| Space Harrier |
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Ryo. I like how blunt he is.
Ryo. I like how blunt he is.
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
When he walks up to the billiards players and opens with, “Are you guys sailors?” Ryo, you’re way too blunt.
When he walks up to the billiards players and opens with, “Are you guys sailors?” Ryo, you’re way too blunt.
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| Ryo at the MJQ Jazz Bar |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
Dunno.
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Can’t say.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
“Boss! I’ve got a great idea - let me make one for the arcade!!”
7. Please give a short message for the players.
In Shenmue II, we’re adding a lot more friendly touches to the controls. We’ll work hard to make just moving around more fun.
In Shenmue II, we’re adding a lot more friendly touches to the controls. We’ll work hard to make just moving around more fun.
K.Y. [Event System Programmer Kenichi Yokoo]
Responsible for: Game Event Direction, Assistant Director for NPC Routine Checks
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Xiuying. I’ve got a thing for the older-sister type.
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| Xiuying features in the Shenmue Passport |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The showdown between Guizhang and Ryo.
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| The conclusion of the fight between Ryo and Guizhang |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
When I was checking all the routine-based characters, I ended up with enough stories to fill a whole book.
When I was checking all the routine-based characters, I ended up with enough stories to fill a whole book.
I.M. [Event Planner Isao Murayama]
Responsible for: Events (Mini-Games, Forklifts, etc)
1. What do you like about Shenmue?
The fact that it does so many things that had never been done in a game before.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Shigeki Murayama (an enemy in the 70-man battle). Because we share the same last name. Also… because he’s fat and has a mohawk.
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| Profile of Shigeki Murayama |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The part in the opening where Fuku-san comes flying out.
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| Fuku-san is propelled through the Dojo doors |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Early in development, Ryo’s forklift once went berserk and hit 100 kilometers per hour. It plowed through walls and took off flying. That was hilarious.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Ah!
S.Y. [Chief Game Coordinator Shinichi Yoshino]
Responsible for: Game Management1. What do you like about Shenmue?
That it’s a fresh kind of game, packed with new ideas. I also like how the story progresses even if you don’t play too intensely.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Fuku-san. He’s a passionate guy.
Fuku-san. He’s a passionate guy.
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| "Did she... say anything about me..?" |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The first meeting with Master Chen.
The first meeting with Master Chen.
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| Master Chen |
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
Toward the end of development, the director took us out to a ramen place to thank us for all our hard work. But the next day… everyone who ate there, including the director, came down with food poisoning.
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
Ondorya!!*
*A rough Osaka-dialect-style battle cry, often used in yakuza movies.
7. Please give a short message for the players.
In the next game, we plan to pack in even more playful touches.
Y.O. [Event Planning Planner Yoshihiro Okabayashi]
Role: Event team member1. What do you like about Shenmue?
I love how even the parts that have nothing to do with the main story were made with full effort and attention.
2. Who is your favorite character, and why?
Izumi Takano - a heroine candidate who appeared only in the demo version... I just liked her ponytail, personally.
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| Izumi Takano seen in What's Shenmue (left) vs Nozomi Harasaki in the final release (right). |
3. What scene left the deepest impression on you during the game?
The scene where Ryo’s father is killed. We had to redo it over and over... It’s also the scene whose camera work received the most attention.
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| Iwao and Lan Di |
4. Are there any hidden “tricks” you secretly included in the game?
There are all sorts of secrets... but a secret’s a secret. Like, “If you 〇〇〇 and then ×××, Nozomi will...!” (Or will she?)
5. Do you have any interesting episodes you can share from development?
During a rough patch, I went to play mahjong to clear my head - and someone stole my bike. The week before, a programmer had his car stolen and just laughed it off. I was so frustrated that I went out and bought the exact same model brand-new. It was expensive - an RVF.
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| Honda RVF racing motorcycle |
6. Shout out one thing you'd like to say!
I could really go for some yakiniku right now!
7. Please give a short message for the players.
There’s a lot I could say, but... I just hope you'll keep cheering us on.
Final Comment
For something tucked away at the back of a guidebook in tiny print, this was a surprisingly extensive survey of the developers working on the project at the time. The responses are remarkably frank, and both their humor and the immense effort and sacrifices made for the good of the project come through strongly. It’s only a pity that there wasn't also a set of responses from a certain “Y.S.”!
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