Why Kyoto Was the Perfect Setting for Onimusha: Way of the Sword

After a two-decade hiatus, Capcom’s legendary samurai series returns with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. While the franchise is synonymous with the chaotic Sengoku period, this new installment shifts the focus to the early Edo era. Although Edo—modern-day Tokyo—served as the administrative heart of the nation, protagonist Miyamoto Musashi’s journey is firmly rooted in the historic, atmospheric streets of Kyoto.

In anticipation of Game Informer’s cover feature, I sat down with the development team to uncover why Kyoto was chosen as the definitive backdrop for this long-awaited revival. Beyond its status as a frequent setting in Japanese media, Kyoto possesses a distinct historical gravity that aligns perfectly with the franchise’s creative vision.

The original quadrilogy spanned the 15th to the 17th centuries, famously even traversing time to include modern-day Paris in Demon Siege. Way of the Sword anchors itself in the dawn of the 17th century. Director Satoru Nihei confirms that this iteration of Musashi is in his twenties, placing the narrative timeline between 1603 and 1613. While the Oni Realm will feature heavily, Kyoto serves as the primary stage.

“During our research, we uncovered a wealth of unsettling folklore and dark myths native to Kyoto,” explains Nihei. “We realized this aesthetic was a natural fit for the series, allowing us to weave the Genma threat directly into the city’s most sinister historical legends.”

Capcom has exercised creative license regarding Musashi’s purpose in the city. Unlike his real-world legacy as a philosopher and master duelist, this version of Musashi arrives in Kyoto primarily to test his steel. Regarding the historical weight of the era, Nihei notes that they purposefully avoided getting bogged down in complex local politics to ensure the narrative remains approachable for a global audience.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple rendered in-game — The iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple as it appears in the game.

Lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita revealed that the character roster was heavily inspired by the synthesis of local legends and original, mysterious archetypes. To capture the city’s soul, the development team made frequent trips to Kyoto, utilizing their proximity to the city to soak in its atmosphere.

Art Director Hiroyuki Nara describes the game’s visual identity as an “eerily beautiful dark fantasy.” He notes the challenge of balancing Kyoto’s real-world reputation for vibrant, lush greenery with the game’s required ominous, supernatural tone. “We had to temper the natural beauty with a darker edge to suit the narrative,” Nara says.

Players can expect to encounter meticulously recreated landmarks, including shrines and temples that remain standing today, such as the Yasui Konpiragu and the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera.

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