Happinet Announces Publishing of 'Mononoke no Kuni' for Fall 2026 Release

Happinet's Exciting New Indie Game: 'Mononoke no Kuni'

In a thrilling announcement, Happinet Co., Ltd., headquartered in Taito, Tokyo, has revealed plans to publish the upcoming indie game, Mononoke no Kuni. This project is under the Happinet Indie Collection, a label dedicated to releasing exceptional indie games from around the globe. The game, developed by Lights Interactive, is slated for release on Steam in Fall 2026.

This much-anticipated title has garnered attention as it was chosen for the "Soufu" project, an initiative by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry aimed at supporting the next generation of creators in Japan.

Experience the Game at TGS 2025

As part of the festivities, Happinet will showcase Mononoke no Kuni at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, scheduled from September 25 to 28, 2025. Attendees can explore the main booth (Hall 7), which will feature a play area, a photo spot with characters from the game, and an exciting Omikuji (fortune-telling) campaign that allows visitors to win prizes related to the game.

Game Overview

Mononoke no Kuni dives deep into Japanese mythology and features a touching story about a lonely boy named Taiki, who unexpectedly loses his only family member, a puppy named Musashi. After praying at a shrine overcome by grief, Musashi is resurrected but is trapped within a mysterious curse. The appearance of a shrine maiden, Kushina, brings hope as she reveals that collecting sacred items in the world of Mononoke may save Musashi. However, their journey is fraught with challenges driven by a haunting 'truth' that will test their bond and purpose.

Game Mechanics

This action-adventure game invites players to traverse through a mythological world filled with yōkai. Players will collect three sacred items as they delve into the nature of destiny and relationships. The game offers intense battles, intricate puzzles, and emotional narratives that challenge players to consider: Is the path to saving Musashi truly the right one?

Meet the Talented Creators

The development team of Mononoke no Kuni includes several talented individuals:

- Seiji Nanase: Director / Producer / Scenario Writer / Art Supervisor, known for contributions to FINAL FANTASY XV and KINGDOM HEARTS III.
- Mai Nanase: Co-Creation.
- Zhu Nakayama: Chief Game Designer with experience on major titles.
- Yuta and Hiroshi Hirai: Programmers contributing to the game’s design and mechanics.
- Kana Hanazawa has been cast as a character voice, adding star power to the game.

Engage at TGS 2025 Event

Visitors to the TGS will have the opportunity to experience an early demo of Mononoke no Kuni that showcases interactions with villagers and various locations, culminating in boss battles. Players participating in the demo will receive a unique sticker featuring the main visual and the adorable Musashi.

The photo spot will present character panels and the chance to take pictures with a Musashi plushie. Additionally, the Omikuji campaign will allow visitors to draw fortunes, with prizes based on the drawn fortunes, promoting engagement and excitement among attendees.

Conclusion

Mononoke no Kuni represents a new chapter for Happinet as it pushes forward the indie game experience and narrative-driven gameplay rooted in rich cultural themes. As the launch approaches, more exciting news will unfold. Be sure to check for updates and gameplay features on the official website and social media platforms. Don’t miss the adventure at TGS 2025 and the chance to be among the first to play this groundbreaking title!

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