This game charts a Japanese actor’s uncertain journey to transnational stardom. Several Japanese stars have historically paved the way: Hayakawa Sessue broke into the U.S. and European markets amidst rising Japanese national pride in the 1920s; Yamaguchi Yoshiko emerged as a symbol of ethnic harmony within Asian colonies under Japanese empire during WWII; and Takakura Ken epitomized the zenith of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations in the 1980s. In the game, the player takes on the role of an aspiring Japanese star who must navigate the path to international fame. Which roles will you accept? Which will you decline? And at what cost or benefit? How to navigate the many pressures from your talent agent, your fans, the media, and sometimes also the censorious authorities?
Which roles will you accept? Which will you decline?
As a young actress in 1930s and '40s Japan, you must navigate an ever-shifting cultural and political landscape while choosing film roles that could make—or break—your career. Will you pursue artistic integrity or commercial success? Will you challenge expectations or conform to industry demands? Under the pressures of talent agents, the media, devoted fans, and even government censors, every decision shapes your path to fame.
The friends you make along the way are your fellow stars in the sky—but how brightly will you shine?
Meet the team:
Background Research: Meredith Perry
Narrative design: Sam Kellogg
Character design: Sarah Snapp
Art design & UX/UI: Salma Del Real
Sound design: Siddharth Iyer
Programming: Justin Banh and Siddharth Iyer
Faculty advisor: Yunfei Shang
