Yanako RPGs, the independent studio behind monster-taming RPG Dokimon Quest and Yami Kids, is relocating its operations from Tokyo to Seoul, South Korea, following nearly two years of difficulties maintaining its business in Japan. Despite the move, the developer has no plans to abandon its Japanese projects, with two upcoming games continuing to draw inspiration from the country.
In a November 9 announcement, head developer Yano confirmed that the studio has closed its Tokyo offices and is rebuilding its operations in Seoul. The relocation follows an October 1 statement in which Yano explained that, after an extended struggle to keep the business operating in Japan, it had become apparent that remaining in the country was no longer practical.
“Countless recent changes in the country and government have made it completely unpractical and unwelcome for our business,” Yano previously explained, while emphasizing that the decision was strictly a matter of business operations.
The developer hopes that establishing a new base in South Korea will allow the studio to redirect its resources toward game development after spending much of the past two years dealing with the difficulties surrounding its operations. Yanako RPGs also confirmed that development on its upcoming projects is continuing, with no delays currently expected as a result of the relocation.
Interestingly, both of the studio’s next games will take players back to Japan, albeit in very different ways. Dokimon Quest II, a direct sequel to the original monster-taming RPG, will take place in 1855 during the Edo period. Players will travel between the modern world and the past as they attempt to rescue Maiko, with the sequel introducing new Dokimon, an expanded battle system, additional exploration mechanics, and other improvements.
Meanwhile, Dokimon: The Living Soil takes a considerably different direction, trading the traditional monster-taming adventure for a cozy farming experience. Set in the Haruna region of Gunma, Japan, the game follows a former Dokimon Ranger looking to settle into a quieter life in the countryside alongside their monster companions. Players will be able to build and decorate a home, cultivate crops, explore caves, and learn about real-world farming and soil management through optional educational features.
Although Yanako RPGs is establishing its new home in South Korea, Yano has also expressed the studio’s continued affection for Japan. The developer intends to maintain Japanese language support in its games and continue attending events in the country whenever possible.
The studio is currently preparing a Kickstarter campaign covering both Dokimon Quest II and Dokimon: The Living Soil, with a pre-launch page already available. Both games can also be added to wishlists on Steam: Dokimon Quest II and Dokimon: The Living Soil.
For a developer that has spent years building games inspired by Japanese role-playing adventures, the move represents a significant change in direction for the business itself. However, its upcoming projects suggest that relocating to South Korea won’t mean leaving those creative influences behind.