#Japan #Tokyo #TGS2025 #IWAKUNI QUEST #Reborn Smith

Linking Game and Reality

Reborn Smith Inc., based in Meguro, Tokyo, is set to make waves at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 (TGS2025) with their innovative approach to gaming experiences through their latest PC game, IWAKUNI QUEST. The company has collaborated closely with the city of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture to showcase how video games can entwine with real-world cultural elements.

Game and Reality Interlinking Implementation

IWAKUNI QUEST features character designs rooted in the geography, history, and events of Iwakuni, ensuring that each virtual avatar harmonizes with its real-world counterpart. The standout aspect of this project is the use of traditional textiles, specifically the local Kuga Chiku, intricately woven into the staff's polo shirts. The character Akari Kunishi, who embodies the essence of the Kuga-Shuto area, dons a costume that includes this distinctive fabric. To create a direct connection between the game and the event, a fine stripe pattern taken from Kuga Chiku decorates the cuffs of these polo shirts, bridging the digital and physical realms. Visitors will not merely observe but touch and experience the texture that speaks volumes about Iwakuni’s culture.

This year, the polo shirts' custom designs are handled by Reborn Smith's own camp brand, LUVIDWORKS. In addition to the fabric details, an NFC-enabled leather tag is incorporated. This unique tag integrates an ultra-thin chip within the leather for a seamless experience, allowing attendees to access Iwakuni's official portal simply by bringing their smartphones close to it. It’s a testament to the possibilities that arise when technology meets tradition, all while ensuring durability and water-resistance without compromising the aesthetic.

Production Team and Achievements

Last year marked an ambitious start as Reborn Smith produced character designs for Iwakuni's mascots, Iwakuni Castle-chan and Ukaima-sama. Building on this foundation, the company has accepted a new commission from ZeroDib Inc. to develop new characters—namely, Kiyoshi Yamashiro, Minami Yuu, and Akari Kunishi—set to debut in the upcoming game in 2025. The meticulous character design process involved profound research into Iwakuni's historical, industrial, and cultural resources, drawing special attention to Kuga Chiku. The insights gained from this research are directly reflected in both the character concepts and the design of the staff polo shirts.

Reborn Smith's commitment to creating impactful ties between gaming and local identity is further emphasized by the thoughtful integration of regional characteristics into these narrative structures.

Insights from Reborn Smith’s CEO

Kazuyuki Tamada, the CEO of Reborn Smith, emphasizes the value of merging virtual design with tactile, real-world experiences. He believes that connecting the aesthetics of game design with the rich texture of reality is the most effective way to convey the cultural significance of a region. By weaving a historical fabric like Kuga Chiku into the attire of attendees at TGS, he hopes that visitors will leave with a newfound appreciation for Iwakuni’s local charm. As he enthusiastically advises, “Next holiday, let's make our way to Kintaikyo Airport!”

Event Details

The Tokyo Game Show 2025 will take place from September 25 to September 28, 2025, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. It promises engaging business days and opens the doors for the general public, creating an inclusive space for all gaming enthusiasts to experience the blend of game dynamics and cultural representation.

For further details and updates, check the official TGS website. Unfortunately, IWAKUNI QUEST will not have a playable demo at the event, but the innovative presentations and the unveiled interplay between tradition and modernity will make for an unforgettable showcase.