Danganronpa and The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy creator Kazutaka Kodaka recently engaged in a joint interview with Motoki Ohmori, the lead vocalist of J-pop band Mrs. Green Apple, as featured on Famitsu. Though their professional worlds are vastly different, the pair came together to discuss their creative processes and each other’s work.
During the conversation, Kodaka revealed his approach to crafting some of the most emotionally charged scenes in his projects. A key factor in determining whether a tear-inducing scene is complete is if it resonates deeply with him, the creator.
“I keep working on a project until I’m moved to tears. Those scenes that audiences find deeply affecting – I intentionally design them to evoke that emotional response,” Kodaka explains, referencing the Shinigami scene in Rain Code, the conclusion of Danganronpa 2, and the endings of The Hundred Line as notable instances. “I personally choose the music and character expressions for these moments, and I fine-tune the script myself. When I test the game and a tear rolls down my cheek, I know it’s ready. This is non-negotiable for me.”
Kodaka humorously notes that he doesn’t focus on the technical aspects during playtesting, preferring instead to immerse himself in the experience. He describes this as “shifting from creator to user.” By adopting the player’s perspective, he assesses whether the game elicits an emotional response and ultimately brings him to tears. “If I can’t be moved, I switch back to creator mode to figure out what’s missing. I’m always mindful of making this transition.”
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is available on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch.