The mind behind Sakura Wars, Oji Hiroi, took the stage at the “Sega Universe Playground” gathering in Tokyo, Japan, on August 8. According to Dengeki Online, Hiroi participated in a special talk celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sakura Wars franchise. Fans were thrilled to hear his positive outlook on the possibility of leading a new chapter in the series.
When questioned about ideas for a follow-up title, Hiroi revealed he still has the original plot for “Sakura Wars 6” as he envisioned it years ago. “I’m not sure if it would still resonate today, or if I’d be the one to bring it to life, but should the opportunity arise, I’ll tackle it with care,” he stated, adding that he would gladly accept such a project if offered.
It’s important to note that these are merely Hiroi’s personal thoughts, not an official announcement. Whether his vision for Sakura Wars 6 will come to fruition remains uncertain.
What stood out during his remarks was the deep connection Hiroi has with the Sakura Wars universe. He recalled how the characters occupied his thoughts constantly while developing the games, even during personal moments like dinners with his wife. He described the characters as feeling “like his lovers,” explaining that he felt compelled to stay close to them in his daily life.
While this intense focus sometimes left him feeling isolated and caused friction with those around him, Hiroi expressed deep gratitude to the Sakura Wars team for their support and for being the only ones who truly understood him. He shared his creative philosophy with a mix of sincerity and self-deprecating wit: “This is where I exist. To carve out a space for myself, I must generate ideas. I’m always crafting images and characters in my mind, and when I bring them into the world, a space for me is created, and the team gathers around. That’s why I have absolutely no friends (laughs).”
Given these revelations, it’s no surprise that Hiroi remains eager to craft a new Sakura Wars installment decades after the series began.