Recently, we traveled to Osaka, Japan, where we had the unique opportunity to sit down with the creative minds behind the highly anticipated *Okami* sequel. Over the course of a two-hour conversation, we spoke in depth with Clovers Studio director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata about their vision for the project, how this collaboration came together, and what fans can expect moving forward.

We thoroughly enjoyed the interview and believe you’ll find it equally engaging whether you choose to watch or read the full version. But if you're looking for the key takeaways, we’ve summarized the most important points below—perfect for any dedicated *Okami* fan eager to learn more.

The Okami Sequel Is Being Built Using Capcom’s RE Engine

One of the most significant reveals from the interview was that the *Okami* sequel is being developed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. For those interested in the technical side, we’ve written a detailed article on this topic. In short, the RE Engine was selected because it enables the team to realize artistic and gameplay elements that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations during the original game's development. However, since many at Clovers Studio are unfamiliar with the engine, partner studio Machine Head Works plays a crucial role in bridging that gap. Speaking of which...

Machine Head Works Brings Experienced Talent, Including Some Familiar Faces

There have been persistent rumors about talent leaving PlatinumGames, including developers who worked closely with Hideki Kamiya and even some who contributed to the original *Okami*. We asked the team directly whether individuals like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura might be involved in the sequel via Machine Head Works. While no names were confirmed, Kamiya hinted that several former PlatinumGames and Capcom employees are indeed part of the project. More details will likely emerge as time goes on.

Capcom Has Been Interested in an Okami Sequel for Years

Despite the original *Okami* underperforming commercially at launch, Capcom has always seen its long-term potential. As Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explained, growing sales across multiple platform releases over the years made the publisher increasingly open to revisiting the franchise. However, he also noted that bringing the sequel to life required assembling the right team. “It took a bit of time for all of the stars to align,” he said. With Kamiya and Machine Head Works now onboard, it seems everything has finally fallen into place.

This Is a Direct Sequel to the Original Game

While the official announcement simply refers to the title as an "Okami sequel," both Kamiya and Hirabayashi confirmed it is indeed a true sequel continuing immediately after the events of the first game. Although they didn’t reveal specific story details to avoid spoilers, they assured us that the narrative leaves ample room for continuation and expansion.

Yes, That’s Amaterasu in the Trailer

You heard right—Amaterasu, the divine wolf and central protagonist of the original *Okami*, makes a return in the new game. As Kamiya put it, she is “the origin of all that is good and mother to us all.”

Okamiden Still Exists—but This Is Something New

When asked about *Okamiden*, the Nintendo DS follow-up to *Okami*, the team acknowledged its existence and the mixed reactions it received. As Hirabayashi clarified, “We know there are fans out there that like the game, of course. And we also know the feedback on the game, of how parts of the story perhaps weren't aligned with what people were expecting.” He added that this new sequel is a direct continuation of the original *Okami* story, separate from *Okamiden*’s narrative path.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya Listens to Fan Feedback

As expected, Hideki Kamiya admitted to actively reading social media posts about *Okami*. While he values understanding what fans want, he emphasized that his job isn’t to create exactly what users demand. “Our work, of course, is not to create the game that people request of us,” he stated. “But we are working hard to achieve a game that delivers the fun that people are expecting of this *Okami* sequel.”

Rei Kondoh Composed the Music for the Okami Sequel Trailer

The powerful orchestral piece performed live at The Game Awards was composed by Rei Kondoh, known for his legendary work on titles such as *Bayonetta*, *Dragon's Dogma*, *Resident Evil*, *Fire Emblem*, and notably, the original *Okami*. His composition for the trailer—a reimagined version of the iconic *Rising Sun*—suggests he may be returning to compose the full soundtrack for the sequel as well.

The Okami Sequel Is Still in Early Development

All three producers stressed that the game is still in very early development and that the announcement was made primarily to generate excitement among fans. “Faster isn’t always the best,” said Hirabayashi. “We will not give up quality for speed, but do know that we will not drag our feet for this title.” Both he and Kiyohiko Sakata concluded by asking for continued patience, noting that updates may come slowly as the passionate team works diligently to meet expectations.

For those interested in hearing the full discussion, you can watch or read our complete interview with the leads behind the *Okami* sequel [here].