Onimusha: Way of the Sword – Capcom Took Two Years to Get the Actor’s Likeness Rights for Protagonist

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Capcom confirmed in February that the main character of their upcoming action game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, is modeled after renowned Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. However, they’ve recently disclosed that it took them two years to secure the rights to use Mifune’s likeness in the game. In an interview with Game Watch (via Automaton Media), director Satoru Nihei and producer Akihito Kadowaki also mentioned that work on

As a devoted admirer, I can share that Nihei drew inspiration for the protagonist in the upcoming game from the iconic figure of Toshiro Mifune. This decision stemmed from his desire to incorporate a charismatic samurai into the game, and Mifune was the image that came to mind when contemplating what makes samurais genuinely cool. For those unfamiliar, the late Mifune is renowned for his roles in numerous timeless Akira Kurosawa films, such as the groundbreaking works “Rashomon” and “Yojimbo,” where he often embodied a captivating samurai persona.

In his quest, Nihei delved into traditional Japanese films, searching for a character that could be aptly defined as “a raw, young samurai, often seen caked in blood and mud.” The performances of Toshiro Mifune, particularly his role in Kurosawa’s movies and his portrayal of Miyamoto in the 1954 film “Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto“, caught Nihei’s eye.

Kadowaki remarked, “There are numerous interpretations of Musashi Miyamoto’s character existing currently. To create a fresh take on our new Musashi character, we were meticulous in making him distinct. Consequently, we were resolute in utilizing Toshiro Mifune’s likeness to bring him to life. Given the level of detail we focused on, we believe he has become an exceptional leading figure for this series.

Back in February, I first caught a glimpse of my resemblance being used for the main character in the upcoming game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, when they dropped a trailer. In this sneak peek, I got a taste of the game’s intense combat and its immersive traditional Japanese setting that Onimusha is known for. The trailer hinted that we’ll be battling waves of demons in close-quarters combat.

Lately, we’ve seen another trailer for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, with a stronger emphasis on demonstrating its sword combat mechanics. In this preview, our hero Miyamoto Musashi overcomes various obstacles by masterfully countering attacks with precise parries. We also catch glimpses of the magical powers players can wield, such as what seems to be a pair of powerful maces that can shatter reality and inflict immense damage on foes.

In the trailer, it’s evident that parrying takes center stage. Not only does it seem possible to parry basic attacks, but also powerful strikes from huge adversaries wielding enormous weapons. This leaves these foes vulnerable for quick retaliation.

The trailer showcases the importance of parrying, as it appears both simple attacks and massive swings from gigantic enemies can be parried. This creates an opportunity for swift counterattacks against the stunned enemies.

In 2026, it’s expected that “Onimusha: Way of the Sword” will be available for purchase on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S gaming platforms.

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2025-06-18 16:41