The next Resident Evil game is likely a few years away at this point, but there is a good chance that a future entry could take place in Japan. Although the Resident Evil franchise has mostly revolved around stories based in America, the series has ventured to other locales, but it has yet to visit Capcom’s home country.
Resident Evil has now been going strong for 30 years, and in that time, the franchise has looked beyond the outbreak of Raccoon City and has explored other places like Louisiana in RE7, rural Spain in RE4, and Eastern Europe in RE Village. Every Resident Evil game has used its location as a terrifying backdrop to help tie each story together, and Resident Evil Requiem producer Masato Kumazawa claims that the franchise could be eyeing Japan for a future setting.
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Capcom’s Resident Evil is the definitive horror franchise, but the games are not equally scary. RE7, Village, RE4, and Requiem are top contenders.
Resident Evil Might Be Headed to Japan in a Future Game
Kumazawa recently discussed the future of the Resident Evil franchise, and he had some fascinating things to say about the series potentially coming to Japan. There have been a lot of questions and theories about what the next Resident Evil game will have in store, and while it may not be the Japan-based one that Kumazawa is teasing, it seems likely that the country will eventually get the spotlight.
I think a Japanese setting is something every Japanese Resident Evil fan has thought about, and I’ve also considered it myself. Since the development team is primarily based in Japan, I think every member has given it some thought. While Japan hasn’t appeared as a game setting so far, it might make an appearance at some point in the future.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Kumazawa noted that since the Resident Evil dev team is based in Japan, it only makes sense to consider setting a new chapter somewhere in the area. Even though his words aren’t official confirmation that a Japan Resident Evil game is happening, it’s still intriguing that devs have been thinking about it. After the dev team’s bold risks with the series led to Resident Evil Requiem‘s success, going to Japan would be another exciting shake-up that could prove to be a worthwhile experiment for Capcom.
A new story set in Japan would be fascinating enough, but what’s even more intriguing to think about is what that could mean for the hypothetical game’s characters. It’s always possible that longtime favorite Resident Evil characters like Leon, Jill, Claire, Ada, and Chris could find themselves on a mission in Japan, but it also presents the chance for brand-new names to be added into the mix. The past few Resident Evil games have done well with introducing fresh main characters like Ethan Winters and his daughter Rosemary. Leon Kennedy returned in Resident Evil Requiem, but it also added newcomer Grace Ashcroft for a fun dual protagonist twist. A Japan-based game would present a lot of interesting roads for the series to venture down when it comes to the cast.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Another major horror franchise recently made its way to Japan. Resident Evil and Silent Hill have been two of the most popular horror franchises in gaming, and the latter finally left America with Silent Hill f‘s Japan setting. Konami is continuing to explore new locations, too. Silent Hill: Townfall is set in Scotland, marking another big departure. Resident Evil may still have explored more countries than Silent Hill overall, but Silent Hill f has showcased just how creepy a setting Japan can be. A Resident Evil game set in the country only feels like a matter of time, but this remains to be seen.
- Released
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February 27, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases
Source: Futaman
