Hideo Kojima Explains Scarcity of Japanese Characters in His Games

In an interview with IGN Japan, developer Hideo Kojima discussed his creative decisions regarding the absence of Japanese characters in his games due to the difficulty in making them resemble their real-life counterparts. He mentioned that it’s challenging to portray Asian characters, known for their beautiful and smooth skin, realistically through graphics. Instead, he finds it easier to emphasize details in older individuals or those with many freckles. Kojima has previously attempted to use Japanese actors but found it hard to make them resemble their real-life versions. This time, he employed new technology and expressed satisfaction with the results, citing Shioli Kutsuna (known for Deadpool 2) as Rainy in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. They recorded with other actors in a Los Angeles studio, making native English speakers a necessity. Interestingly, Kojima expressed that he would like to work with more young Japanese actors in his games but faces technical challenges when scanning them into his games compared to older or Western actors. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach was released for PS5 this week and has a predominantly Western cast, including one Japanese actor, Shioli Kutsuna. Kojima struggled to find someone who could speak both Japanese and English fluently for the game’s recording sessions in Los Angeles. Shioli, an Australian who grew up speaking English, was chosen for her personality and ability to work together despite growing up in Australia and not having a native-level understanding of Japanese.

The game’s narrative involves an inspiring mission of human connection that extends beyond the UCA, as Sam and companions embark on a new journey to save humanity from extinction while navigating a world surrounded by supernatural enemies, obstacles, and the haunting question: should we have connected more?

If you’re eager to dive deeper into the final moments leading up to the release of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, be sure to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s insightful piece from June 26th. Kojima Productions recently dropped a six-minute trailer that has critics buzzing and players anxiously awaiting this week’s launch on PS5. Packed with cinematic flair and gameplay details, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect, though it might be best suited for those already familiar with the series’ lore (read more Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Receives Final Trailer). For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes details of Death Stranding 2’s production, be sure to explore Jonathan Dubinski’s fascinating article titled “Nintendo Collaborated on Production of Death Stranding 2,” published on June 25, 2025. The piece delves into a surprising collaboration between Kojima Productions and Nintendo through their subsidiary, Nintendo Pictures. This partnership not only showcases the innovative use of visual content creation but also highlights the unique boundaries being blurred in the gaming industry. Readers can discover more about this groundbreaking venture at Nintendo Collaborated on Production of Death Stranding 2. If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and explore how Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece has captivated players around the globe, be sure to check out Sophie Laurent’s insightful piece on the game’s release. Published on June 26, 2025, this article delves into the game’s narrative journey through Australia and features exclusive insights from the live event hosted by Geoff Keighley in Los Angeles. Discover more about the game’s development and its stellar cast including Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and Shioli Kutsuna at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Now Available on PlayStation 5.