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 …
Samurai were required to be physically strong to perform effectively in combat. However, mental strength was just as essential as physical strength. Meditation and zen were integral parts of the samurai lifestyle designed to help warriors develop mental fortitude. In Tale of Ronin, this focus on the mind of a samurai is reflected in the …
The Japanese Warring States period, also known as the Sengoku period, lasted for most of the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a violent and turbulent era where the land lacked a central government. The Imperial Court had lost most of its power and the descendants of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun, were unable …
The Japanese Warring States Period: 100 Years of Civil War Read More »
Kabuki is one of Japan’s most iconic forms of traditional performance art. It combines music, dance, and theater with elaborate costumes and sets. Today, kabuki is internationally acclaimed, but it originated as the art of the people during the 1600s. Between the late Warring States period and the early Edo Period, the kabukimono movement arose …
Kabuki and Kabukimono: The Violent Birth of an Art Form Read More »
Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi was a samurai who lived in Japan’s Edo period. He lived from 1607 to April 21, 1650, and is often depicted in modern and contemporary accounts with a single eye. It’s unknown how he lost the eye, or if he actually did. In fact, very little is known about his life for …
Japanese mythology is filled with mysterious and enchanting yokai—spirits, monsters, deities, and unexplained phenomena. Some yokai are more dangerous than others. Despite their unintimidating name, the warai-onna, which literally translates to “laughing woman”, are among the deadliest. Warai-onna are found in the mountains, where woodcutters and travelers supposedly hear them cackling after dark. They take …
Tale of Ronin is a narrative-driven RPG, but the visuals also play a key role in establishing the world and atmosphere of the game. This is especially true for the real-life locations players can visit. Edo period Japan is well-documented, so keeping the environments and villages realistic is important to our team. One location available …
The Making of a Smuggler’s Shop: Tale of Ronin’s Artistic Process Read More »
One of the main pillars of Tale of Ronin’s game design is freedom. A ronin, a masterless samurai, is free to do whatever they desire. This is in stark contrast to a samurai retainer, whose choices are often extremely limited by the wishes of their master. Many design elements are intended to simulate freedom. Players …
Usagi Yojimbo, sometimes translated as Rabbit Bodyguard, is one of the longest-running comics to be written and drawn by a single person. Miyamoto Usagi is a ronin wandering through early Edo period Japan after the death of his lord. His journey leads him across the islands, where he meets—and fights—all manner of people. But wherever …
Usagi Yojimbo: Stan Sakai’s Portrait of Life as a Ronin Read More »