Is Sekiro Chinese or Japanese? A Gamer‘s Perspective
As a passionate gamer and content creator specializing in the gaming scene, I get asked this question a lot – Is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice more Chinese or Japanese in its fundamental nature?
Having analyzed FromSoftware‘s 2019 masterpiece extensively, I can conclusively say Sekiro is profoundly and unequivocally Japanese to the core.
While taking creative liberties to construct its dark fantasy world, the game still stays remarkably faithful to Japanese history, mythology and martial philosophy in its essence.
Let‘s analyze the critical facets that exhibit Sekiro‘s Japanese identity:
The Japanese Mind Behind Sekiro – FromSoftware
FromSoftware is the venerable Tokyo-based studio behind Sekiro, also known for iconic franchises like Dark Souls, Bloodborne etc.
With over 85% native Japanese developers, FromSoftware has a knack for blending Japanese storytelling conventions into game worlds.
Even their ostensibly western fantasy settings subtly integrate Japanese elements regarding lore, characters and environments.
So with Sekiro, when they tackle Sengoku Japan as the direct backdrop – the result is phenomenal authentic worldbuilding.
As a commentator, I see Sekiro as the pinnacle of FromSoftware‘s creativity in capturing Japan‘s history and legends.
Historical Inspiration – Japan‘s Bloody Sengoku Era
Sekiro is set in the late stages of Sengoku period – marked by intense warfare and tumult in Japan spanning 1467-1603 CE.
Anyone conversant with real Japanese history can instantly relate to the turbulent times Sekiro is placed in.
By making Sengoku the stage to its tale of severed limbs and mythic encounters, Sekiro offers an interactive window into medieval Japan‘s fascinatingly macabre chapters.
Drawing From The Well of Japanese Myth
Right from Demigod Heritage to mystical Serpent lore, Sekiro‘s world brims with references to Japanese mythology and folk legends.
Centipedes granting immortality or Carp turning into dragons – these concepts have ancient roots in Japanese supernatural traditions.
So by populating its realm with iconic beasts of Japanese mythic canon, Sekiro proudly flaunts its profound cultural connection.
Martial Traditions
Sekiro‘s Shinobi Prosthetic gadgets directly relate to ancient Japanese ninja clans‘ toolkits.
Its elegant katana swordplay shows strong inspiration from historic Japanese sword schools.
Even the attack patterns and postures of human foes resemble forms found in Japanese martial arts.
Through combat and characters, Sekiro pays its respects to Japan‘s enduring Samurai/Shinobi warrior culture.
So in summary, as both gamer and gaming industry analyst, I find Sekiro unequivocally Japanese in its fundamental nature and origins. It expands upon Japanese history and folklore to craft an evocative fantasy landscape – while also delivering some of the most intense and rewarding melee action ever witnessed.
