Onimusha: Way of the Sword, slated for release in September, will feature the historical figure Izumo no Okuni, a figure renowned for inventing the Japanese theatrical art form known as Kabuki. The inclusion of Okuni is a personal ambition for Onimusha: Way of the Sword lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita, who has sought to incorporate her into previous games for two decades.
Yamashita explained during a visit to Capcom's Osaka headquarters that Okuni's historical significance made her a compelling character to explore. While the Edo period, the setting for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, was characterized by stability, most historical recognition was afforded to men or women closely associated with them. Okuni, however, rose from obscurity to become a prominent cultural figure, a trajectory Yamashita finds particularly impressive given the era's challenges.
Okuni was reportedly born around 1578 and began her performances near Kyoto's Kamo River. A bronze statue of her observing the river stands in Kyoto today. Yamashita indicated that Okuni's presence in the game is linked to protagonist Miyamoto Musashi's visit to Dokyo's underground laboratory, though the exact nature of this connection remains undisclosed.
"So finally, after 20 years of working as a scenario writer or lead writer, being able to finally have her in this game is a dream come true for me," Yamashita stated. He elaborated on his admiration for Okuni's ability to establish herself as a notable historical figure amidst turbulent times.
While Okuni's specific role within the dark-fantasy action of Onimusha: Way of the Sword is yet to be revealed, Yamashita's evident passion for her story suggests a significant and thoughtfully integrated presence. Further details about the game and its development are available through Game Informer's ongoing coverage hub.