Tale of Ronin

Game Backstory

The Heian Period: Japan’s Imperial Golden Era

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 …

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The Purple Robe Incident: the Shogunate vs the Imperial Court

The Imperial Court of Japan lost most of its authority during the Warring States period. When Japan was unified under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the bakufu took steps to consolidate power. One threat it sought to address was the power of Buddhist temples. In 1627, the Emperor’s historical relationship with Buddhist temples brought the Imperial Court …

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An image showing two silhouettes of daimyo, Japanese lords, flanking a field of fighting men.

Daimyo: The Feudal Lords of Japan

The Edo period in Japan was characterized by a strict feudal system in which daimyo, or regional lords, were given control over vast areas of land. Daimyo were expected to oversee their territory and keep the peace, but they had to abide by edicts issued by the shogunate. They were given the authority to create …

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Storytelling in Tale of Ronin

Tale of Ronin will immerse gamers in the world of a ronin in 1637 Japan. The Edo period has just begun and the great battles of the Warring States period are still in living memory. The Tokugawa regime is propping up specific sects of Buddhism as a political power play. Christianity is persecuted as harshly …

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The Battle of Sekigahara: How Japan’s Greatest Battle Added to the Ronin Problem

The Battle of Sekigahara was the greatest battle in Japanese history. It took place in the village of Sekigahara, which was located in a mountain valley. There, two coalition forces led by two great daimyo, Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu, clashed violently over who would have the right to rule a unified Japan. Ieyasu and …

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