Hideo Kojima, the renowned director behind the “Death Stranding” series, has shed light on his casting choices, specifically regarding the limited presence of Japanese actors in his games. Following the release of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” for PS5, Kojima discussed the challenges he faces, including language barriers and the technical difficulties in authentically representing Asian skin tones.
While the new game features a predominantly Western cast, including notable actors like Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, and Elle Fanning, it also includes Shioli Kutsuna, the sole Japanese actor who plays the character Rainy. In a conversation with IGN Japan, Kojima explained that his productions often record in Los Angeles, necessitating actors with native-level English skills, which complicates the process of finding suitable Japanese talent.
“I searched for someone who could speak Japanese and also native-level English, but it was difficult. Kutsuna grew up in Australia, can speak English, and when I met her, I found her to be a nice person, so we decided to work together,” Kojima stated.
He acknowledged his desire to cast more young Japanese actors, but noted the technical hurdles in accurately capturing their likenesses compared to older or Western performers. “It’s difficult to make Asians look like their real-life counterparts,” he admitted, mentioning the challenge of representing the often flawless skin associated with many young Asians.
Despite these challenges, Kojima is optimistic about future collaborations with Japanese actors, expressing hopes to possibly set a game in Japan someday. “I’ve tried to use Japanese people in the past, but it’s hard to make them look like their real-life counterparts. However, this time I used new technology, and I’m quite satisfied with the results,” he remarked.
Critically, “Death Stranding 2: On The Beach” has already received positive reviews, being hailed as “an all-time great sequel.” It is praised for its captivating story, rich character development, and stunning visuals, suggesting that Kojima’s innovative approaches—both technologically and narratively—are continuing to resonate with audiences.
Kojima’s dedication to blending storytelling, technology, and diverse casting hints at a future where Japanese talent may play a larger role in his games, ultimately enriching the gaming experience for players worldwide.