IzanagiGames, Nippon TV, and AX-ON announce ‘full-scale live-action game’ AKIBA LOST for PS5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC

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IzanagiGames, together with Nippon Television Network Corporation and Nippon Television AX-ON, have revealed a new project titled “AKIBA LOST“. This ambitious live-action game is planned for release on PlayStation 5, the upcoming Switch 2, original Switch, and PC via Steam in the year 2026. It will offer language support in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese to cater to a global audience.

In Japan, starting on September 24th at noon (Japan Standard Time), pre-orders for both the standard physical version and the custom Special Collection Box can be placed. The game named AKIBA LOST will be exhibited at the IzanagiGames booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025, which takes place from September 25th to 28th at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Here is an overview of the game, via IzanagiGames:

■ About the Game

About

In terms of its scope, AKIBA LOST can be considered a substantial live-action video game. It requires around 20 hours of playtime to reach its conclusion, features over 100,000 images, and approximately 20 hours of filmed content. The unique aspect of this game lies in the fact that players will alternate perspectives (“zapping”) between the main character Shinjo and six female characters, aiming to uncover the mysteries hidden within the storyline in this genuine multi-angle suspense game.

IzanagiGames, famous for crafting immersive game experiences like “Death Come True,” collaborates with Nippon TV and AX-ON, top names in Japanese drama production, to embark on a unique project: a full-length live-action game. Notable actor Hiromitsu Kitayama will lead the cast.

Story

13 years past, a baffling incident occurred where six young ladies inexplicably disappeared within the district of Akihabara, leaving behind an unsolved mystery often referred to as “The Vanished Girls of Akiba.

Each year at the Game Show event, Daiki Shinjo (portrayed by Hiromitsu Kitayama), formerly known as a “brilliant inventor,” confidently reveals the creation of a novel game titled AKIBA LOST, inspired by a recent event. However, immediately following his announcement, mysterious disappearances resurface once more.

The team in this game features Aoi Shinjo, who is employed at a maid cafe; Kokone Nagato, an underground idol; Moe Kurosu, a food writer; Chihiro Jimbo, a shrine maiden; Wakana Yusa, a cosplayer; and Yukimi Kurahashi, a game streamer. Each represents the diverse and lively culture of Akihabara.

Yet, the story they were supposed to perform soon begins to bleed into reality.

It all begins with a threatening phone call—and the sudden disappearance of Aoi.

“Cancel the game’s development—or the tragedy will repeat itself.”

1. Will Shinjo complete the development of the game? Can he shield his companions? Who’s pulling the strings? And what truly transpired a dozen years back?

2. Is Shinjo able to finalize the creation of the game? Can he defend his comrades? Who is orchestrating everything? And what exactly occurred 13 years prior?

3. Can Shinjo successfully finish the game’s development? Can he safeguard his friends? Who’s been controlling things all along? And what really took place a dozen years ago?

4. Is it possible for Shinjo to bring the game to completion? Can he guard his friends? Who’s been pulling the strings behind the scenes? And what transpired 13 years in the past?

5. Can Shinjo wrap up the game development? Can he ensure the safety of his friends? Who is manipulating events from the shadows? And what took place a dozen years ago?

6. Does Shinjo have the capacity to complete the game? Can he secure the wellbeing of his companions? Who’s pulling the strings in this situation? And what truly unfolded 13 years back?

The choice that determines the ending of this story is now in your hands.

Characters

  • Daiki Shinjo (portrayed by Hiromitsu Kitayama) – Game creator.
  • More characters will be revealed in the coming months.

■ Producer Comments

Shinsuke Umeda, IzanagiGames (Games: Death Come True, Yurukill: The Calumniation Games):

In June 2020, we launched Death Come True as a “live-action game with cinematic elements.” Our subsequent goal was to develop an extensive live-action game featuring multiple characters, similar to a movie. Over a period of five years, we established the groundwork for this project, collaborating extensively with Nippon TV and AX-ON in numerous lengthy meetings from the outset. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the game known as AKIBA LOST.

Longtime professionals hailing from both theater and cinema collaborated, shooting scene after scene over a series of days. Post-production work followed the wrap-up of filming, and now, with great pleasure, we can publicly unveil this exciting project for all to see.

In the tale, the central character Shinjo works tirelessly to finish creating the game AKIBA LOST. On the other hand, Hiromitsu Kitayama, who portrays Shinjo, steered the production team and contributed significantly to turning the real-world adaptation of AKIBA LOST into a reality.

Working together with IzanagiGames, Nippon TV, AX-ON, our talented cast, and our dedicated team, we are thrilled to share the multi-perspective suspense drama AKIBA LOST. We eagerly anticipate your enjoyment of it!

Hiroki Shibata, AX-ON (Dramas: Brush Up Life, What Day Were You Born On?)

In my line of work, focused on drama production, it never crossed my mind that I’d get the chance to be part of a live-action game project.

Each day, we encounter numerous choices. Picking one alternative at a time, we advance to the next, often finding ourselves thinking, “No turning back from here.

In contemporary culture, there’s an overwhelming emphasis on swift decision-making, acting promptly, and learning from mistakes as one goes along, often summed up as “speed matters.” While there’s some validity to this perspective, it’s crucial to remember that even a simple mistake can result in significant, long-lasting repercussions. This is why I thought it would be insightful to create a narrative centered around the choices we make throughout our lives.

In this captivating game, you, as a player, journey through the lives of seven distinct characters. As you progress, you’ll encounter a series of challenging decisions that unfold the narrative. Your choices determine how the story evolves, making your experience unique every time you play.

In this production, Hiromitsu Kitayama, a versatile artist with a footing in acting, music, and various entertainment industries, takes on the lead role. Despite being new to the gaming realm, his adaptability and fervent commitment to the project left a profound impression on us.

In the vibrant district of Akihabara, Tokyo – globally known for its unique subcultures – you, as the game developer hero, are about to face various outcomes. The choices you make throughout your journey will determine the conclusions you encounter. We invite you to immerse yourself in this adventure and live it personally.

As creators of AKIBA LOST, we’re dedicated to developing a game that could be among your most cherished life decisions.

Hirokazu Umezawa, Nippon TV (Content Strategy Headquarters, Business Bureau, Music & Artist Center)

When I first heard about a live-action game, my immediate reaction was: “This sounds amazing!”

Even though I had no experience in the gaming industry, I saw this as a chance to utilize television’s knack for compelling visual direction and narrative structure.

With IzanagiGames’s game-making skills proving indispensable for the task, the fusion of TV and gaming led to the creation of AKIBA LOST.

In a novel way, filming presented distinctive hurdles common to gaming, yet Hiromitsu Kitayama demonstrated exceptional talent and wholeheartedly embraced his character, infusing realism into each scene. His on-screen presence now serves as the central essence of this production.

AKIBA LOST” is a unique narrative born primarily from television, and it was brought to fruition solely by IzanagiGames. We invite you to immerse yourself in this story, shaping its outcome with your personal decisions!

Yushi Ito, AX-ON (Films: A Place in the Kinki Region, Your World Ends with You)

Over a long period, I’ve been responsible for developing dramas and movies, capturing numerous instances of tears, smiles, and the intricacies of human existence. Now, I’m shifting that expertise into the realm of video games. The figures you see on the screen aren’t mere characters; they possess thoughts, hardships, and their paths can be altered by your decisions. Prepare for moments that might stir your emotions or cause a knot in your stomach.

In this interactive real-life game, experts from the fields of theater and movie making design it. Unlike typical narratives with a set script, each decision you make shapes fresh sequences, resulting in a one-of-a-kind tale tailored to your choices.

In a more simplified and natural phrasing, Hiromitsu Kitayama, a key figure in this project, not only showcases outstanding acting abilities but is also recognized as a multi-talented artist across multiple entertainment sectors. His unique charm and expressiveness significantly contribute to the game’s world, making him indispensable for an immersive live-action experience.

As a captivated fan, I can attest that the finished AKIBA LOST isn’t just a game; it’s a living, breathing narrative that invites you to immerse yourself in a slice of life. The deeper your feelings are involved, the more realistically the story unfolds before your eyes. Here’s hoping you’ll create your own dramatic journey within this captivating world!

Visit the official website here.

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2025-09-02 06:35