The Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue: Insights From a Virtua Fighter Developer | Part 4 (Final)

This is the last part of our 4-part series comparing the 1980s' manga "Kenji" and Shenmue. In this post, we'll translate an interview with one of the developers of the hit arcade game Virtua Fighter, to gain insight into influences in its creation, to understand how the manga may have provided inspiration, and by extension may have helped to shape the game that eventually became Shenmue.

Parts in this Series

• Part One - Unveiling Inspiration: Exploring the Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue
• Part Two - Character Threads: Themes and Characters in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue
• Part Three - Exploring Parallel Paths: Locations and Scenes in Kenji vs Shenmue
• Part Four (this part) - Insights From a Virtua Fighter Developer

Virtua Fighter, Virtua Fighter RPG and Shenmue

Soon after the release of the first Virtua Fighter in 1993, Yu Suzuki went on a trip to China, primarily to gather materials for the upcoming Virtua Fighter 2 which was released in 1994. 

Become a Patron!

Exploring Parallel Paths: Locations and Scenes in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue | Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of our analysis comparing the 1980s' manga "Kenji" and Shenmue. The previous part covered Characters and Themes. In this part, we'll look at how both stories follow the protagonist's journey from Japan to China, highlighting certain locations and scenes that shed light on potential influences between the two works.

Parts in this Series So Far

• Part One - Unveiling Inspiration: Exploring the Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue
• Part Two - Character Threads: Themes and Characters in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue
• Part Three (this part) - Exploring Parallel Paths: Locations and Scenes in Kenji vs Shenmue

Kenji vs Shenmue: Journey from Japan to China

A clear parallel can be seen in terms of the broad setting and locations of the stories. In both, a Japanese boy who has been brought up studying martial arts resolves to set out on an overseas journey by ship that takes him through locations in Hong Kong and mainland China.

In the case of Kenji, his parents are initially against the idea, but reluctantly give their permission after being persuaded by one of Kenji's adult martial arts mentors. Kenji is able to secure his boat trip for free thanks to the connections of his friend. His initial destination is Taiwan, from where he travels by plane to Hong Kong.

In Ryo's case, the main obstacles to his wish to go to Hong Kong are the permission of his housekeeper, Ine-san, and the lack of money for the boat ticket. Overcoming these obstacles - in particular, the second of these - is the focus of Shenmue's first chapter.

Leaving Japan by Ship

Kenji departs from Japan by ship from Yokohama, and is seen off by a group of friends and family. 

Kenji's friends and family see him off at the port in Yokohama

In Shenmue, Ryo also leaves by ship a little further down the coast in Yokosuka. The cutscene that plays shows Master Chen and his son, Guizhang, watching his departure.

Ryo sets off on his journey from Yokosuka after saying farewell to Master Chen and Guizhang

Become a Patron!

Character Threads: Themes and Characters in 'Kenji' vs Shenmue | Part 2

In this second part, we continue on our exploration of the 1980s' manga series Kenji in comparison to Shenmue. We will take a look at the personalities of the two main characters, and then explore themes and story connections between the two creations.

Previous Part: Exploring the Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue

Kenji vs Shenmue: The Protagonists

The main characters of both Kenji and Shenmue - Kenji Goh and Ryo Hazuki, respectively - are Japanese school students with an interest in martial arts.

Their personalities, however, are rather distinct from each other, understandably as Kenji is still a carefree primary school pupil at the start of the series, as compared to Ryo who is a senior high school student who experiences the shocking loss of his father in the prologue of the game. 

In the initial chapters of the manga, we observe that Kenji is a good-hearted, cheerful child who often causes his mother despair at his mischievous ways. He has a great fondness for his grandfather, whom he loves to spend time with and learn martial arts moves and history. He is also quick to stand up to bullies and protect those weaker than himself. When he grows older, he is driven to travel to China in order to search for his missing grandfather.

Kenji's light-hearted nature can be seen frequently, such as when tries to balance a ruler on his head as he is scolded by his school teacher

In Shenmue, on the other hand, Ryo Hazuki also exhibits many of the same traits of determination and belief in justice, but is weighed down by his grief at the loss of his father. He tends not to open up easily to others around him trying to help, and keeps to himself. His motivation for his journey for China is thus for much darker reasons, as he seeks to locate his father's killer.

Grief takes a heavy toll on Ryo

Become a Patron!

Unveiling Inspiration: Exploring the Manga 'Kenji' and Shenmue | Part 1

In the landscape of martial arts-themed storytelling, Kenji stands out as a beloved manga series that potentially paved the way for later works like Shenmue. Spanning from 1988 to 1992, the series chronicles the journey of the young Japanese protagonist Kenji as he develops both his character and skills in Chinese martial arts. Written during the years preceding the development of Shenmue, this manga has a strong connection to the world of martial arts, drawing inspiration from the author's personal expertise.

Throughout Kenji's adventures, readers are immersed in a rich tapestry of martial arts styles as he traverses locations such as Hong Kong and China. Along the way, he encounters formidable masters, forms lasting friendships, and confronts various challenges, all while honing his skills through diverse martial arts disciplines.

As far as I am aware, Shenmue's creator, Yu Suzuki, has not explicitly referenced Kenji as being a direct influence in published materials. However, given the timeframe in which Kenji was published, its popularity in Japan and its storyline set around martial arts themes, it would be a natural source of inspiration for similarly-themed creative works that followed.

In this initial post of our series, we aim to unearth parallels and similarities between Kenji and Shenmue. We will consider the narrative, characters, and thematic elements shared between the two works while also scouring interviews with development staff for any indications of Kenji's influence on Shenmue's creation.

Become a Patron!

Poll Result: Patrons' Choice Topic for February 2024

Every month, Phantom River Stone holds a poll among our patrons to choose a topic for the blog in the coming month. After tallying the votes (including accumulated votes from previous months), the winning topic that has been voted for this time is:

"Influences & parallels of the 1980s manga Kenji on Shenmue"

Kenji is a popular martial-arts based manga series in which several similar elements to those in Shenmue can be recognized.

Published in the years prior to the development of Shenmue, from 1988 to 1992, it follows the journey of a boy named Kenji, a teenager passionate about the Chinese martial art Bajiquan. The series encompasses a wide array of martial arts styles, drawing inspiration from the author's own expertise.

Kenji explores other martial arts to enhance his skills, and his journey takes him to Hong Kong and China, where he encounters various martial arts masters, forms friendships, and faces challenges.

Given the overlap in the subject matter with Shenmue and the period in which it was published, it would not be surprising to find its influence within the game. However, mention of Kenji is not readily found among past interviews with Yu Suzuki.

In this post, we will be examining parallels and similarities between this popular manga and Shenmue, and tracking down any interviews available with development staff in which its influence may have been mentioned.

Coming in a future post on the blog.

Become a Patron!