Shenmue has a diverse and huge cast of characters. Hundreds of unique personalities, each with their own story, each going about their own lives in the world of Shenmue. Giving these people shape and breathing life into them was artist and designer Kenji Miyawaki. His work with the character concepts and character design helped populate Shenmue with many of the colorful and unforgettable characters that made the story so inviting.

In today’s interview, Miyawaki-san gets into how he had come to work for Sega, what it was like being involved in the production of Shenmue, and elaborates on how a certain character came about. Please welcome, Kenji Miyawaki!

Thank you very much Miyawaki-san! Your art has ignited the imaginations of all us Shenmue fans. We all look forward to what you have in store for us next! His artwork will most certainly be included in the printed artbook reward, as well as with the grab bag rewards.

Kenji Miyawaki’s artwork from Shenmue: