MAGIC Kyoto 2019 Travel Report

Held on November 6th, the MAGIC Kyoto event that took place in the Kansai region of Japan is one of the last major events to feature Shenmue 3 prior to its release on the 19th. I traveled down to Kyoto to attend the Shenmue 3 conference live (would there perhaps be a new trailer?) and meet with a number of other Shenmue fans both from within Japan and overseas.

In this post I'll share some photos of the trip and event (a mix of those taken by myself and by others).

The venue was located a short bus ride from Kyoto station.

Kyoto tower: the first thing to greet you on exiting the train station.

The MAGIC Kyoto venue location: the Rohm Theater.

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Mini-Interview with Yu Suzuki at MAGIC Kyoto 2019

We are now just over a week until the release of Shenmue III on November 19th, and to keep the hype building we have something special to share in this post - a brand new interview with Yu Suzuki.

In recent weeks, it was announced that Yu Suzuki would be present at the MAGIC Kyoto event, appearing on stage to talk about the game as well as meeting fans at an autograph signing session. I thought that this could be the last opportunity to speak to the legendary creator prior to its release.

Although no media interviews were officially planned, thanks to the kind arrangements and permission from Shibuya Productions, Koch Media and YS Net I was able to snatch some of Yu Suzuki's precious time at the event.

The interview transcript begins below, translated into English.

• A Spanish version of the interview is now also available from our friends at SEGA Saturno.

Yu's Feeling with the Approaching Release

Phantom River Stone: Thank you for your time today. Please tell us how you feel now that you have finished making Shenmue 3?

Yu Suzuki: I can't wait to release it. There are about two weeks to go now, aren't there. I'm a little nervous thinking about how it will go. However, there's no use feeling nervous. I just want it to be released already! [laughs] I'd like it to be in everyone's hands as soon as possible.

PRS: People's reactions to the Shenmue 3 backer demo have been really positive.

YS: I'm glad to hear that.

PRS: What are you most looking forward to after Shenmue 3's release?

YS: The thing I'm most looking forward to after the release is hearing everyone's impressions, and watching videos uploaded to the web where players comment as they play through.

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Yu Suzuki & Shenmue III at MAGIC Kyoto 2019: Details

As previously announced by Cédric Biscay, Yu Suzuki will be participating in the upcoming MAGIC Kyoto event, and an update today gives further details about what to expect.

• MAGIC Kyoto will take place on November 6th at the ROHM Theater, Kyoto. 
• Yu Suzuki will be on stage to talk about Shenmue III from 8:15 pm to 9 pm. 
• Joining him will be co-producer Cédric Biscay, Esra Krabbe (IGN Japan) and Shenmue fan Satsuki, to "play Shenmue III, talk all things Shenmue."
• An autograph signing will be held. Update: the autograph session will be for 30 minutes within the period of 5.10 pm to 6.10pm.

Note that entry to the event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Links:

• Update: MAGIC Kyoto Participation Info
• MAGIC Kyoto website (English)

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Yu Suzuki Confirmed for MAGIC Kyoto 2019

The co-producer of Shenmue 3 and CEO of Shibuya Productions, Cedric Biscay, has been visiting Tokyo and recently shared this photo of his visit with Yu Suzuki at the YS Net development offices. 

Cedric Biscay, controller in hand, with Yu Suzuki at YS Net (Twitter). 

His text with the photo reads:

"We just realized during our meeting today that we are exactly 2 months before the release ! So exciting !"

Cedric also joined a live-stream with IGN Japan yesterday where he made an announcement regarding the upcoming MAGIC Kyoto event in November that is of great interest to Shenmue fans: Yu Suzuki will be attending the conference this year, which takes place on November 6th.

Cedric Biscay announcing Yu Suzuki's attendance at MAGIC Kyoto on the IGN Japan live-stream

While the details of Yu Suzuki's schedules are still being finalized, Cedric did confirm that there he will be participating in an autograph session at the event.

With the event taking place less than two weeks before the release of Shenmue 3, we're excited to see what will be in store for the game's promotion!

MAGIC Kyoto

Date: 6 November 2019 (Wednesday)
Venue: Rohm Theater, Kyoto

More information on the event is promised "soon".
Follow MAGIC Kyoto on Facebook here.

The Rohm Theater in Kyoto

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