Sega and RGG Studio have shared new Stranger Than Heaven details covering its large cast, Makoto Daito’s involvement in show business, and the bonus available to players who pre-order ahead of the game’s January 15, 2027 release.
The action-adventure saga follows Daito from 1915 through 1965 as he fights to survive across five cities alongside longtime friend Yu Shinjo and the many people who enter their lives.
Makoto Daito and Yu Shinjo Search for a New Life
Makoto Daito, portrayed by Yu Shirota, was born to an American father and Japanese mother. After facing persecution in America, he leaves for Japan and meets merchant Orpheus and fellow traveler Yu Shinjo during the voyage.
Yu Shinjo, portrayed by Dean Fujioka, is half Japanese and half British and faces similar treatment in his homeland. After meeting aboard the ship, the two decide to stay together, with Shinjo serving as the cooler, more calculating member of the pair.
Snoop Dogg portrays Orpheus, a traveling merchant whose business does not always concern itself with legality. After finding Daito stowed away on his ship, Orpheus teaches him about life in Japan and recognizes his musical ability.
A Large Cast Spans Five Decades
Additional characters revealed by Sega include:
- Heigo Yashima, portrayed by Akio Otsuka, a successful merchant and boss in Kokura.
- Tae Matsumoto, portrayed by Moeka Hoshi, a café waitress and the mistress of a yakuza member.
- Suzy Day, portrayed by Tori Kelly, an aspiring singer whose career begins to rise after meeting Daito.
- Kiyoshi Otsuru, portrayed by Tokuma Nishioka, an older man carrying considerable authority.
- Takashi, portrayed by Official Hige Dandism’s Satoshi Fujihara, Daito’s sworn brother and a gifted pianist.
- The Veiled Stranger, portrayed by Cordell Broadus, a man stationed in postwar Japan.
- Keiko Shirai, portrayed by Ado, a prominent singer in wartime Osaka.
- Takeo Godai, portrayed by Takaya Kuroda, a quiet and skilled craftsman.
- Suekichi, portrayed by Nippon no Shachou’s Kouhei Tsuji, another of Daito’s sworn brothers.
- Tetsuya Hama, portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya, a young yakuza member serving under Genzo Iwaki.
- Kimura, portrayed by Mogurider’s Daisuke Shiba, an easygoing nightclub employee in Kamurocho.
Takashi Ukaji also portrays the violent Kokura yakuza Tadashi Hataoka while voicing another major character.
Bunta Sugawara Appears as Genzo Iwaki
The late actor Bunta Sugawara appears as Genzo Iwaki, the powerful boss of Kure.
Sega says the character was created with formal permission from Sugawara’s family and materials supplied by Toei Company. RGG Studio based the CG representation on archival photographs and footage, while Takashi Ukaji voices Iwaki.
Sugawara starred in films including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series, which has already been used in Stranger Than Heaven’s promotional material.
Tupac Portrays Amaru
Tupac appears as Amaru, a man hiding in Japan.
Amaru Entertainment, Tupac’s estate, approved the portrayal and oversaw its creation. RGG Studio says the character design is based on archival photographs and footage and was created without AI.
Amaru has not yet announced a voice actor, and Sega says more information about his role will come later.
Show Business Plays a Major Role
Show business will serve as one of Stranger Than Heaven’s central themes.
A new in-depth video shows how Daito gains musical inspiration, creates songs, promotes performances, and becomes involved in the entertainment industry across the game’s decades-spanning story.
Music also connects several characters directly to Daito, including pianist Takashi and singer Suzy Day.
Pre-Orders Include the Dosu: Kagekiri
Pre-orders are now open.
Players who pre-order either the physical or digital version will receive Dosu: Kagekiri, an exclusive DLC weapon.
Stranger Than Heaven launches January 15, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Steam. It will also be available through Xbox Game Pass at launch.
