Japanese history is complex and fascinating, but the Heian period and its legacy are especially influential. This captivating era, spanning from the late 8th century to the late 12th century, is often hailed as Japan’s Golden Age. It is most notable for its artistic brilliance, refined courtly culture, and flourishing literary scene. The Heian period …
The modern vampire myth rose out of Europe, but humanoid creatures that drain the life out of others are a global phenomenon. Many Japanese yokai feed on people’s life force. Perhaps the most distinctive of these vampiric entities is the yuki-onna. Yuki-onna literally translates to “snow woman”. This is fitting, as yuki-onna are spirits made …
To explain the Tale of Ronin art pipeline, we must first embark on a journey rooted in the creative wonders of Edo period Japan. Our process begins with a collection of reference photos, carefully chosen to reflect both the essence of the era and the locations or items shown in the game. These references provide …
When the last of Japan’s three great unifiers, Tokugawa Ieyasu, came to power, he had a problem. His predecessors, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had both failed to establish a lasting regime that could endure after their deaths. In 1603, Ieyasu created the Edo bakufu—also known as the Tokugawa Shogunate—to legitimize his rule. Thus the …
The Bakufu-Han System: Feudal Government Structure in Edo Period Japan Read More »
We’re thrilled to unveil our latest Game Features video for Tale of Ronin! In this new preview, we’re taking you deeper into the heart of our game and giving you a taste of what’s in store for all the aspiring Ronin out there. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of feudal Japan, …
Vengeful ghosts are a staple of Japanese folklore. The most famous and the most culturally-relevant today is the onryo, a vicious ghost that indiscriminately curses those unfortunate enough to be near the spirit or the subject of its revenge. And among onryo, the most famous is probably the ancient samurai known as Taira no Masakado. …
Taira no Masakado: Japan’s Most Famous Vengeful Ghost Read More »
Magatsuhi-no-Kami are kami of Japan’s native Shinto belief system. Like other powerful kami, they are treated as a mighty, deity-like force that can directly influence the world on a massive scale. However, Magatsuhi-no-Kami stand out from the crowd by being the kami of disasters. According to the Shinto creation myth, the Magatsuhi-no-Kami—or rather, Yasomagatsuhi-no-Kami, translated …
In Japan, the arrival of spring brings forth an enchanting spectacle that captivates both locals and visitors alike—the blooming of cherry blossoms. These delicate flowers, known as “sakura,” hold a deep-rooted significance in Japanese culture and history. They bloom for only a short time, often for as little as 14 days. During that period, the …
Few images are more distinctive than the iconic silhouette of the komuso monk. These mendicant monks traveled across Japan in the Edo period, begging for alms and observing the land. Their uniform consisted of a kimono, a woven basket worn over the head, and a traditional bamboo flute called a shakuhachi. During this period, they …
The concept of the wronged dead returning from the grave for revenge is likely universal. However, the Japanese onryo stands out even among other spirits of vengeance. The distinctive appearance, tragic circumstances, and destructive curse of onryo are enough to make them horror icons even today. In short, an onryo is the vengeful spirit of …