Sega Corporation unveiled footage of the opening scene from " STRANGER THAN HEAVEN "—scheduled for release on Friday, January 15, 2027—at the "STRANGER THAN HEAVEN" TGS 2026 Special Opening Night Live event.
In addition, the company showcased “Fukuoka/Kokura,” “Hiroshima/Kure,” and “Osaka/Minami”—three of the five cities serving as the game’s settings—along with a glimpse of the activities available in each city and the latest information on the in-game “Show Business” feature.
The opening sequence of "STRANGER THAN HEAVEN" has been revealed!
"STRANGER THAN HEAVEN" is exhibiting at the "Tokyo Game Show 2026," which has been underway since Thursday, September 17, 2026.
During the “STRANGER THAN HEAVEN Tokyo Game Show 2026 Special Opening Night Live” streamed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the demo available at the “Tokyo Game Show 2026” was showcased alongside gameplay footage.
How did the protagonist, Makoto Daito, in his younger days, come to leave the United States and set his sights on Japan?
Be sure to check out the moment when Daito’s destiny begins to unfold.
A variety of gameplay experiences available in the three cities of Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Osaka
1915, Kokura, Fukuoka
A city that has preserved its historic streetscape while developing primarily around the steel industry, a symbol of modernization.
It is characterized by a vibrant, eclectic, and lively streetscape that blends traditional tile-roofed architecture with modern elements such as steel mill smokestacks, locomotives, and streetcars.
You can see people —including steel mill workers, as well as others wearing traditional Japanese attire or hats that symbolize the era and its culture—going about their daily lives in the streets.
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There is also an abundance of shops and facilities, including restaurants, and you can enjoy various traditional games such as “arm wrestling, ” “menko, ” and “begoma.”
It’s also a great idea to take your time exploring every corner of the town—from exploring the many private homes scattered throughout the streets to fishing in the river or riding the streetcars as they travel along the roads.
1929, Hiroshima and Kure
Kure, a military port city, is characterized by a three-dimensional streetscape of intertwining slopes and waterways.
Having developed primarily around the shipbuilding industry, the city saw the spread of both naval culture and entertainment culture, creating a unique atmosphere where the vibrancy and tension of the era coexist.
As Western-style clothing became more common among people walking the streets—with women in particular sporting modern attire —it was an era where one could sense the changes brought about by the spread of foreign culture.
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In addition to being able to continue playing most of the traditional games that were once enjoyed in Kokura—such as “begoma”—visitors can also enjoy new experiences like “sento” (public baths) and “tehonbiki” (lottery).
1943, Minami, Osaka
Osaka’s Minami district is a place where the tension unique to that era coexists with the vibrant energy of one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts.
While the area boasts a glamorous landscape lined with modern architecture and theaters, it also hints at the darker side of the times, with a sense of stagnation—caused by shortages of goods and various restrictions—pervading the entire district.
While the main streets are bustling, the back alleys are home to dim tenement houses, wooden shops, and areas resembling black markets—a stark interplay of light and shadow.
People reflecting the everyday life of the time—such as residents in monpe and working children —are seen moving through the streets.
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In this town, where theaters abounded and a culture of performing arts was deeply rooted, Daito grew into an even more prominent figure as a show promoter.
"Show business"—the content presented by show promoters
PR TIMESDaito set foot on Japanese soil, a dream he had long cherished.
However, what awaited him there was unwarranted discrimination and persecution.
Feeling lost in a world where the language and culture were different, Daito was at a loss—but Orpheus recognized a particular talent within him.
That talent was music.
Eventually, Daito went beyond being just a performer and began to thrive as a “promoter” who discovered diverse talents and brought them to the audience.
“Show Business” is one of the main features of this game, where Daito produces performances as a showman.
You’ll increase your audience through promotional activities, prepare songs and singers to put on spectacular shows, and aim to reach your sales targets.
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You can play across all eras, from Kokura to Shinjuku, with songs, performance staging, and storylines tailored to each era.
You can enjoy developing and producing more than 10 singers, including Keiko Shirai (Ado ( @ado1024imokenp )) and Suzy (Tori Kelly ( @torikelly )).
Songs are produced based on “inspiration” that Daito gathers around town.
In each era, there’s a composer who teams up with Daito, and by sharing your inspiration with them, new songs and arrangements are created.
There’s also an “ Arrangement ” mode that lets you freely rearrange finished songs.
You can make detailed adjustments to the instruments and sounds used, or even completely transform the mood of a song.
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Once you’ve decided on the singer, song, performers, and stage effects—such as confetti and smoke—on the concert production screen, it’s finally time for the show to begin!
During the performance, give precise instructions for lighting changes and the timing of stage effects to further energize the audience.
If you achieve your sales target, you’ll earn a generous reward, and both the singer and Daito will grow, unfolding a human drama set in the world of show business.
You can even choose the difficulty level! Even action game beginners can enjoy it
In this game, you can select a difficulty level that suits your playstyle.
Choose the difficulty that’s right for you— Easy, Normal, Hard, and more.
Additionally, for those new to action games, the developers plan to distribute the " RGG Special Suit," an in-game costume that boosts Daito's power.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at action games, enjoy playing in your own style!
You can try out a demo version of this game at the Sega/Atlus booth at the “Tokyo Game Show 2026,” which runs through Monday, September 21, 2026 (a national holiday).
Why not experience the rich story before the game’s release?
For more details, please visit the "STRANGER THAN HEAVEN" official website or follow the official X account ( @STH_JP ).