Meet Key Players Shaping Makoto Daito’s Journey in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN
SEGA is thrilled to pull back the curtain on some of the pivotal figures in Makoto Daito’s 50-year saga in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, launching January 15, 2027.
From 1915 to 1965, Makoto Daito fights to survive across five cities in search of a place to call home. Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, he belongs fully to neither country. As he carves out a life in a turbulent age, he tumbles through the orbits of a cast of characters carrying their own ambitions, convictions, and pasts.
Follow Daito, his close friend Shinjo, and the many lives drawn into their gravity as fates converge.
The Story
On a late night in 1915, a ship departs from the port of San Francisco in America.
Rumors surround the vessel and even the police refuse to go near it. Aboard this vessel hides a lone young man. His name is Makoto Daito, a man born to an American father and a Japanese mother. Having suffered severe discrimination, Daito longs to travel to his mother’s homeland, Japan, and risks his life sneaking aboard the ship to get there.
Unbeknownst to him, his encounter with Orpheus, the captain of this vessel, and another stowaway, Yu Shinjo, will dramatically alter the course of his fate. What awaits Daito in the Japan he has so long admired?
This is the beginning of one man’s journey across five cities and five eras.
The Cast
Makoto Daito (Portrayed by Yu Shirota)
「So, this is Japan…」
A half-Japanese half-American man. After facing persecution in America, he sets out for Japan. On the voyage, he meets a merchant named Orpheus and Yu Shinjo, a young man who shares similar circumstances. These encounters will change his life forever.
Yu Shinjo (Portrayed by Dean Fujioka)
「This is my one chance to start over.」
A half-Japanese half-British man. Like Daito, he faces persecution in his homeland and seeks a new life in Japan. He meets Daito aboard the ship to Japan, and the two decide to stick together to survive. Cool-headed and sharp-witted, he is always one step ahead of Daito.
Orpheus (Portrayed by Snoop Dogg)
「’Taking what’s meant to be where it’s meant to be.’ That’s our motto.」
A globe-trotting merchant with an ‘open mind’ toward the legality of his wares. After discovering Daito stowed away aboard his ship, he teaches him the harsh realities of life in Japan and comes to recognize his talent for music.
Heigo Yashima (Portrayed by Akio Otsuka)
「In this business, respect is everything.」
A merchant and boss in Kokura. Built up his fortune in trade.
The People Who Cross Paths with Daito
Tae Matsumoto (Portrayed by Moeka Hoshi）
「You know, it’s always nice to be requested like this.」
A café waitress in Kokura. Also a yakuza’s mistress.
Suzy Day (Portrayed by Tori Kelly）
「Well, all right. That sounds like a challenge.」
A talented singer who dreams of making it big. After meeting Daito, she begins her rise through the world of show business.
Kiyoshi Otsuru (Portrayed by Tokuma Nishioka）
「I feel like the three of us’ll get along just fine.」
A stylish old man with an unmistakable air of authority.
Takashi (Portrayed by Satoshi Fujihara）
「Aniki! How’s it goin’!?」
Daito’s sworn brother, a man who lives for the moment. Also a gifted pianist. Daito’s discovery of his gift rekindles his passion for music.
The Veiled Stranger (Portrayed by Cordell Broadus）
「I been lookin’ forever.And, shit, here you are!」
A man stationed in postwar Japan.
Keiko Shirai (Portrayed by Ado）
「When it comes down to it, those are kinda all I’ve got.」
The diva of wartime Osaka.
Genzo Iwaki (Portrayed by Bunta Sugawara/Voiced by Takashi Ukaji）
「Idiot…Not even sake’s enough to stomach him.」
The big boss of Kure, with unmatched influence.
In STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd. – which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity – RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time.
The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara.
Tadashi Hataoka (Portrayed by Takashi Ukaji）
「You don’t know who I am? Some Yashima man you are.」
A swaggering, violent yakuza from Kokura.
Takeo Godai (Portrayed by Takaya Kuroda）
「That’s wishful thinkin’ if I’ve ever heard it.」
A skilled craftsman, and a man of few words.
Suekichi (Portrayed by Kouhei Tsuji）
「What, the whorehouse again? You’re puttin’ those girls to work.」
Daito’s sworn brother. Carefree, but dependable when it counts.
Tetsuya Hama (Portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya）
「Stop your whinin’, dumbass!」
A young yakuza from Kure. Iwaki’s right-hand man.
Amaru (Portrayed by Tupac）
「No one can really know what goes on in another man’s heart.」
A man in hiding in Japan.
Tupac’s portrayal of the character Amaru in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN is made possible with the permission and ongoing supervision of his estate, Amaru Entertainment. RGG Studio is treating this integration with the utmost respect for his legacy, crafting every aspect in close collaboration and without the use of AI, including his character design based on archival footage and photographs. More details regarding his role will be shared at a later date.
Kimura (Portrayed by Daisuke Shiba）
「Tell you what. Let’s at least get something to eat!」
An easygoing nightclub worker in Kamurocho.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN launches January 15, 2027, on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, and XBOX Cloud. It will be an XBOX Play Anywhere title and available with XBOX Game Pass.
