Japanese developer Nihon Falcom has recently revealed their upcoming action RPG, Kyoto Xanadu – the Blooming Phantom –, set to release on July 16, 2026, across PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5. This title serves as an official follow-up to the studio’s 2015 action RPG, Tokyo Xanadu, shifting the narrative to Japan’s historic capital, Kyoto. In anticipation of its launch, Nihon Falcom has shared several new features players can look forward to, including unique character bonding events.
Please be aware that Kyoto Xanadu will not include English language support at launch, so the translations of Japanese in-game terms mentioned in this article are unofficial.
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Kyoto Xanadu will also incorporate special character interaction events. This time, players will encounter two distinct bonding systems, both designed with distinctly “Japanese-sounding” names to complement the game’s traditional aesthetic. These events will be triggered during exploration of Kyoto’s cityscape and the Hirasaka Academy. By accumulating enough interaction points, players can uncover deeper insights into their friends and other characters featured in the game.
Among these systems, Tankasho, which roughly translates to Ballad Excerpts, allows players to interact with characters central to the main story. Meanwhile, Kien Kobanashi, meaning Anecdotes of Strange Coincidences, offers glimpses into the lives of numerous side characters.
Another Kyoto-inspired feature is the fictional Oniwaka Tenjin Shrine, situated on the city’s renowned Shijo Street. Here, players can purchase charms to remove curses from “cursed armors,” items acquired while navigating the labyrinths of Xanadu.
Nihon Falcom has also introduced two new characters integral to the main storyline. Wyatt Warren is a sharp-minded third-year student who serves as the receptionist at the Hirasaka Academy research building. He harbors a passion for dubious scientific experiments, occasionally inviting the protagonist, Rei, to participate. In contrast, Marina Yuino is a 15-year-old, clumsy yet sincere individual working at the Hirasaka Academy’s praying grounds. She deeply respects her superior, Luana, and is diligently working toward her aspiration of becoming a full-fledged nun.
The cast of characters appearing in the Kien Kobanashi scenarios includes Mitsutaka Kino, an admirer of heroes, Sayuri Shinozuka, a refined young woman, and Komachi Takigawa, an enthusiastic foodie. Additionally, Nihon Falcom has unveiled Soshi Akizome, a solitary boy wielding a demon-hand artifact, Rikiya Nito, an unexpectedly composed gym enthusiast, and Tomoe Furube, a timid bookworm.
Kyoto Xanadu – the Blooming Phantom – is scheduled to launch in Japan on July 16, 2026, for PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.