Today marks the 20th anniversary of Ōkami, the critically acclaimed action-adventure that put players in control of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess in wolf form.
Developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom, the original Ōkami launched on PlayStation 2 in Japan on April 20, 2006.
Over two decades the title has become a touchstone for artful game design and genre blending, with a distinctive sumi‑e inspired visual style and the signature Celestial Brush gameplay mechanic.
Platform history and legacy
Ōkami first reached a wider, international audience with a Wii port in 2008, where the Celestial Brush benefited from the Wii Remote’s pointer controls.
An HD re-release arrived on PlayStation 3 in 2012, followed by additional ports to Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2017.
Capcom brought Ōkami to Nintendo Switch in 2018 as Ōkami HD, making the title broadly available across current-generation consoles and handheld play.
A narrative follow-up, Ōkamiden, was released for the Nintendo DS in 2010 and received positive coverage for its use of the DS touchscreen to replicate the original’s drawing mechanics.
Developer context and impact
Clover Studio—responsible for Ōkami’s original development—was later closed, a decision tied by its former director to commercial performance despite critical praise.
Hideki Kamiya, known for directing titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, has remained closely associated with Ōkami’s creative legacy.
Sequel announcement and anniversary plans
Capcom launched an Ōkami 20th anniversary website in February, indicating plans for "merchandise and events" slated for 2026.
In December 2025 Capcom confirmed a new Ōkami sequel is in development with Hideki Kamiya returning as director; the project currently has no announced release date.
Kamiya said he never expected to return to Ōkami to continue the story but described feeling a mixture of stunned disbelief and overwhelming joy at the opportunity to direct the new chapter himself.
Why it matters
Ōkami’s 20th anniversary highlights both the creative risks that defined Clover Studio and the durability of Capcom’s catalogue on platforms ranging from PlayStation 2 to Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts like the eShop.
For Nintendo fans and preservation advocates alike, the renewed developer involvement and anniversary activities underscore the title’s ongoing cultural relevance and the potential for new entries to reach modern audiences.
Developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom, the original Ōkami launched on PlayStation 2 in Japan on April 20, 2006.
Over two decades the title has become a touchstone for artful game design and genre blending, with a distinctive sumi‑e inspired visual style and the signature Celestial Brush gameplay mechanic.
Platform history and legacy
Ōkami first reached a wider, international audience with a Wii port in 2008, where the Celestial Brush benefited from the Wii Remote’s pointer controls.
An HD re-release arrived on PlayStation 3 in 2012, followed by additional ports to Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2017.
Capcom brought Ōkami to Nintendo Switch in 2018 as Ōkami HD, making the title broadly available across current-generation consoles and handheld play.
A narrative follow-up, Ōkamiden, was released for the Nintendo DS in 2010 and received positive coverage for its use of the DS touchscreen to replicate the original’s drawing mechanics.
Developer context and impact
Clover Studio—responsible for Ōkami’s original development—was later closed, a decision tied by its former director to commercial performance despite critical praise.
Hideki Kamiya, known for directing titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, has remained closely associated with Ōkami’s creative legacy.
Sequel announcement and anniversary plans
Capcom launched an Ōkami 20th anniversary website in February, indicating plans for "merchandise and events" slated for 2026.
In December 2025 Capcom confirmed a new Ōkami sequel is in development with Hideki Kamiya returning as director; the project currently has no announced release date.
Kamiya said he never expected to return to Ōkami to continue the story but described feeling a mixture of stunned disbelief and overwhelming joy at the opportunity to direct the new chapter himself.
Why it matters
Ōkami’s 20th anniversary highlights both the creative risks that defined Clover Studio and the durability of Capcom’s catalogue on platforms ranging from PlayStation 2 to Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts like the eShop.
For Nintendo fans and preservation advocates alike, the renewed developer involvement and anniversary activities underscore the title’s ongoing cultural relevance and the potential for new entries to reach modern audiences.