Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

The birth of Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin began at BitSummit, when Edelweiss showcased their previous project.

Marvelous USA noticed the potential and approached the team to collaborate on a new game.

Initially conceived as a sequel to Edelweiss's earlier game "Fairy Bloom Freesia," the idea evolved into its rice-growing action RPG form around 2015.

For the first three years, just two core developers (Nal and Koichi) carried the project before expanding during final development push, reaching over ten contributors.

The development team built most of the engine in-house, but used the Ragnarok Engine (first created for Cruel World Sigma) for parts of its graphic rendering.

The main pillars of development were a deep respect for ancient rice farming and inspiration from the Super Famicom title ActRaiser, which combined action and simulation.

The story unfolds in Yanato, a fantastical land split between "The Realm of the Lofty"—home to gods—and "The Lower Realm," where humans dwell.

At the center is the bustling divine capital, Mihashira Capital, inhabited by countless gods.

Island settings, ancient Japanese motifs, and a blend of myth and reality form the essence of the world.

The lore introduces divine hierarchies, ghostly Oni, and the intricate rhythms of the natural world, all tied to the fate of rice.

Deities like Kamihitsuki lead the Yanato pantheon, while the ever-changing seasons and farming cycles drive both the plot and game mechanics.

Sakuna-hime, the spoiled and slothful daughter of the war god Takeribi and harvest goddess Toyohana, finds herself banished from the celestial capital after causing havoc with a group of human intruders led by Tauemon.

Her punishment is to investigate Hinoe Island, an 'Oni island' plagued by demons.

She’s accompanied by Tauemon and his ragtag group: Myrthe the kind-hearted missionary, talented but wild Kinta, calm and secretive Yui, childlike Kaimaru, and the wise old Ashigumo.

Reluctant at first, Sakuna soon bonds with her companions and learns the value of hard work through rice farming and fighting.

With guidance from her guardian Tama Jii, and the support of inventions and wisdom from her childhood friend Kokorowa-hime, Sakuna matures.

They uncover that the island's blight is caused by Oomizuchi, an ancient dragon born from collective human malice.

In an epic climax, Sakuna sacrifices herself in battle, but her parents' spirits intervene, ensuring her revival and leading to the land's salvation.

Her rice, cultivated with care, brings prosperity to both the divine and human worlds, restoring the balance between heaven and earth.

The story ends on a high note with the return of peace, stronger friendships, and Sakuna-hime's growth as a true goddess.

• Yanato: The country where gods and humans reside.
• The Realm of the Lofty / The Lower Realm: Distinct worlds for gods and humans.
• Kamihitsuki: Chief deity of the gods, head of the pantheon.
• Hinoe Island: The demon (Oni) island where much of the plot takes place.
• Tama Jii: The ancient sword-turned guardian who supports Sakuna-hime.
• Oomizuchi: The catastrophic dragon and embodiment of malice behind the crisis.
• Rice Farming: Detailed simulation and a central motif, influencing character growth.
• Ashigumo: The original native race of Hinoe Island, with the last survivor aiding the party.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin’s world expanded into multiple adaptations:

• Novel:

"Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin - Kokorowa’s Rice Diary" (published by Shueisha).

Set after the events of the game, exploring daily life and new challenges.

• Manga:

"Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin – Gods of Tatara War" (serialized in Comic Play/Monthly Heroes).

Follows a comedic and heartfelt retelling of the game’s events and side stories.

"Reiwa’s Sakuna-hime! The Lazy Girl’s Struggle with Rice Farming" (serialized in Japan Agricultural News), focusing on farm life with a humorous modern twist.

• Anime:

A 13-episode TV anime by P.A. Works aired from July to September 2024 on TV Tokyo and other networks.

Key staff includes director Masayuki Yoshihara, writer Jukki Hanada, and composer Yoshimasa Fujisawa.

The anime features character voices by the original game cast and memorable theme songs.

• Radio:

"Rice FM: Cultivate! Rice is Power Radio," a companion program tied to the anime and hosted by Sakuna-hime’s voice actress, Naomi Ozora.

Each week brings guests from the cast, production staff, and real-life experts in agriculture.

• Soundtrack:

Robust original scores and arrangement albums have been released, mixing traditional Japanese instruments and modern melodies for an authentic feel.

Development started as a small project, evolving from a sequel to a previous Edelweiss game into a unique rice farming/action hybrid.

The production team studied real rice farming, consulting agricultural experts and referencing real resources from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Engine development was primarily in-house, with creative collaboration from several indie groups.

As excitement for release grew, the project saw substantial support from Marvelous and exposure at events like E3.

Major theme songs include:

• Yanato Rice Planting Song — Kamimagi

Performed by Saya Asakura, composed by Yoshiyuki Oshima, celebrating the beauty of rice farming.

• Harebare! (Sunny Days!)

Anime opening by Ikimono Gakari, exuding lively energy.

• Origami

Anime ending song performed by Little Glee Monster, highlighting the story’s hopeful spirit.

Initial sales targets were modest—only about 30,000 units—but demand far exceeded expectations.

With real-life pandemic lockdowns boosting interest, copies quickly sold out and players coined the phrase "the Rice Riots of Reiwa."

Detailed portrayal of rice farming drew widespread acclaim, with players referencing official Japanese agricultural websites as actual “walkthroughs.”

The game earned positive coverage in Japanese agricultural newspapers, including interviews with real farmers and agriculture ministry officials.

By 2024, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin had shipped 1.5 million copies worldwide, and the franchise continues to inspire agricultural education collaborations, cross-media events, and co-promotions with food and beverage brands.

The game’s legacy celebrates the intersection of tradition, fantasy, and heartfelt community.

Various collaborations have occurred with famous Japanese food producers, agricultural cooperatives, sake breweries, confectionery companies, hot springs, and theme cafes.

Special agricultural education campaigns, events, and real-life rice planting activities were organized, reflecting the game's deep cultural impact.

The anime featured extensive cooperation from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture and was featured in their official magazines and public outreach.

Spin-off games and further anime adaptations have also been announced, signaling the continued growth and popularity of the Sakuna-hime universe.