Sakura Wars 6: Creator Oji Hiroi Says He Has a Story Ready for a New Sequel

Oji Hiroi, the creator of the long-running Sakura Wars franchise, told fans he still has a story prepared for a potential numbered sequel — effectively a sixth mainline entry — and said he would be willing to lead the project if Sega greenlights it. Hiroi made the remarks during a Q&A session at the "Sega Universe Playground" event in Shibuya this August, a talk reported by Dengeki Online that marked the series' 30th anniversary celebrations. Hiroi, now 72, appeared in a lighthearted special titled "Oji Hiroi takes the stage! Sakura Wars 30th anniversary special talk show," where he reflected on the series' music, his pride in the Sakura Wars stage productions and his recent recovery from surgery. When asked about potential sequels, Hiroi said he is "thinking of a numbered title, '6'" and confirmed he "still has the plot for '6' I wrote back then." He added that he is unsure if such a project would fit in the current market but made clear that if an opportunity arises or he receives an offer, he would take on the job. Audience reaction to Hiroi's comments was enthusiastic, with applause reported by Dengeki Online. The practical road to a new mainline Sakura Wars entry is complicated by the franchise's uneven commercial performance in recent years. The most recent principal entry, Shin Sakura Taisen (marketed in English as New Sakura Wars), launched on PlayStation 4 in Japan in December 2019 and saw a wider release in 2020; it received mixed reviews and modest sales. Later in 2020, Sega released the free-to-play mobile title Sakura Kakumei: Hanasaku Otome-tachi (also referred to as Sakura Revolution: Hanasaki Maidens) on Japanese mobile platforms. Reports indicate Sega invested heavily in that project — widely cited figures estimate roughly ¥3 billion (around $30 million USD) was spent on development and promotion — but initial returns were far below expectations, and servers were shuttered roughly six months after launch. Those commercial realities frame the challenge for any prospective Sakura Wars 6: strong fan enthusiasm and a veteran creator with a ready plot exist alongside recent financial setbacks for the IP. For now, Hiroi's statement keeps the possibility alive; whether Sega will commission a follow-up or opt for remasters, collections, or other franchise activity remains a decision for the publisher. Fans hoping for a return to the Theatre of War can point to Hiroi's willingness as a positive first step, even if a funded sequel is not yet on the horizon.