If there was one announcement that surprised everyone during the Game Awards evening, it was the big return of Okami, in a sequel currently called Okami Sequel. Good news for fans of the Amateratsu wolf who no longer believed in the existence of such a sequel, since the first episode was a resounding commercial flop. And it is all the more surprising since it is Hideki Kamiya who is at the origin of this unexpected renaissance, he who left Capcom and ended the Clover Studio adventure with losses and crashes. Okami 2 is a game that is co-developed by several studios including various members of the original Ōkami team, including M-TWO Inc, Machine Head Works Inc, and CLOVERS Inc, which includes Hideki Kamiya. If we will have to wait a little longer before knowing the story that revolves around this Okami Sequel, Hideki Kamiya has decided to speak out to explain such a choice.
Message from Hideki Kamiya
Message to everyone
“See you soon…”
How much time has passed since this story ended with these words? I never imagined that the day would come when I would return to Ōkami to continue this story with my own hands. Even in this moment, I am overcome by a mixture of cautious amazement, as if it were all a dream, and indescribable joy at the idea that this miracle is indeed real.
This miracle would never have seen the light of day without all the people who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life, the friends who believed in me and joined me at CLOVERS Inc., and above all, the voices of all of you who have continued to support Ōkami over the years. For this, I send you my most sincere and profound gratitude.
Like a powerful sun rising, this project is finally underway. However, for the moment, it is still only a small bud that is starting to bloom. We are determined to fill this new chapter of Ōkami with vibrant and colorful flowers, and do our best to honor the promise of this “See You Soon.”
Wait with enthusiasm. We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming.
What we know for the moment is that this desire to take over the Okami license dates from the summer of 2023 and the discussions between Capcom and Kamiya have proven to be very conclusive. The project is still young with a little over a year of production, but one thing is certain, the artistic direction made of pastel colors and Japanese prints will always be relevant, as we could see in the teaser of the Game Awards.
Born in 1970 in Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture), Japan. Director of Resident Evil 2 (1998), Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, Ōkami, Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101. As executive director, Hideki Kamiya was responsible for elements such as supervision, initial planning and story of Bayonetta 2, Bayonetta 3, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, and Sol Cresta.
After working with Capcom, Clover Studios and PlatinumGames, Hideki Kamiya joined CLOVERS Inc. in October 2024 as Studio Director and Lead Designer. He is currently serving as director for the highly anticipated “Ōkami sequel”.
About M-TWO Inc.
The studio was involved in the development of titles such as Resident Evil 3, Ōkami HD, Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection, Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways.