The debate over the term "JRPG"—an acronym for Japanese Role-Playing Game—has sparked extensive dialogue within both the gaming media and development community in recent years.
Originally coined by Western press to describe role-playing games created in Japan, the label has since carried both positive appreciation and controversial baggage.
This reflects ongoing discussions about cultural identity, marketing, and the perception of Japanese-developed games both domestically and overseas.
In an interview with GamesRadar regarding Atlus’ highly anticipated title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, the voices behind some of the most beloved Japanese RPGs—including Persona 5—shared their perspectives on the term and its wider implications.
Director Katsura Hashino, recognized for his influential work on Persona 5, offered a balanced view: he expressed that defining games by genre or region, such as “JRPG,” can be seen as positive or negative depending on individual perspectives.
Ultimately, he emphasized that their focus as developers is not on labels, but rather on crafting engaging gaming experiences.
Hashino remarked that for him and his team, the priority is to make fun and enjoyable games, regardless of what terminology is used by the audience or media. Shigenori Soejima, the acclaimed character designer for Persona 5 and now Metaphor: ReFantazio, provided further insight into how the term resonates with creators.
He highlighted that, from a designer’s standpoint, adding the “J” to RPG captures the full movement and essence of Japanese pop culture.
In Soejima’s words, being associated with the term ‘JRPG’ reflects not only participation in game creation, but also active involvement in a broader tapestry of Japanese creative arts such as anime and manga.
He described it as a point of pride, demonstrating how game developers are representing and sharing Japanese culture with the global audience. Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by Atlus for multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch, is set to continue the studio’s legacy of narrative-driven and stylistically distinct role-playing games.
Atlus has a track record of critically acclaimed releases, with Persona 5 surpassing 9 million units sold worldwide as of 2024.
The studio is known for seamlessly integrating elements of Japanese animation and storytelling, traits that have defined their titles both on Nintendo’s platforms and beyond.
Their participation in major announcements, such as during Nintendo Direct presentations, consistently generates high anticipation among fans and industry observers alike. As the conversation around JRPGs evolves, leaders like Hashino and Soejima illustrate how the label can celebrate the depth of Japanese pop culture embedded within the genre.
Their approach underscores a broader trend—embracing cultural identity while striving for universal gameplay appeal, ensuring that JRPGs remain a vibrant and influential force in today’s gaming landscape, whether on Nintendo Switch or other major platforms.
Originally coined by Western press to describe role-playing games created in Japan, the label has since carried both positive appreciation and controversial baggage.
This reflects ongoing discussions about cultural identity, marketing, and the perception of Japanese-developed games both domestically and overseas.
In an interview with GamesRadar regarding Atlus’ highly anticipated title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, the voices behind some of the most beloved Japanese RPGs—including Persona 5—shared their perspectives on the term and its wider implications.
Director Katsura Hashino, recognized for his influential work on Persona 5, offered a balanced view: he expressed that defining games by genre or region, such as “JRPG,” can be seen as positive or negative depending on individual perspectives.
Ultimately, he emphasized that their focus as developers is not on labels, but rather on crafting engaging gaming experiences.
Hashino remarked that for him and his team, the priority is to make fun and enjoyable games, regardless of what terminology is used by the audience or media. Shigenori Soejima, the acclaimed character designer for Persona 5 and now Metaphor: ReFantazio, provided further insight into how the term resonates with creators.
He highlighted that, from a designer’s standpoint, adding the “J” to RPG captures the full movement and essence of Japanese pop culture.
In Soejima’s words, being associated with the term ‘JRPG’ reflects not only participation in game creation, but also active involvement in a broader tapestry of Japanese creative arts such as anime and manga.
He described it as a point of pride, demonstrating how game developers are representing and sharing Japanese culture with the global audience. Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by Atlus for multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch, is set to continue the studio’s legacy of narrative-driven and stylistically distinct role-playing games.
Atlus has a track record of critically acclaimed releases, with Persona 5 surpassing 9 million units sold worldwide as of 2024.
The studio is known for seamlessly integrating elements of Japanese animation and storytelling, traits that have defined their titles both on Nintendo’s platforms and beyond.
Their participation in major announcements, such as during Nintendo Direct presentations, consistently generates high anticipation among fans and industry observers alike. As the conversation around JRPGs evolves, leaders like Hashino and Soejima illustrate how the label can celebrate the depth of Japanese pop culture embedded within the genre.
Their approach underscores a broader trend—embracing cultural identity while striving for universal gameplay appeal, ensuring that JRPGs remain a vibrant and influential force in today’s gaming landscape, whether on Nintendo Switch or other major platforms.
