Tanuki Game Designer Explains Shrine Research and Emoji-only Communication

Game designer Liam Edwards said the team researched shrines and festivals extensively, and the tanuki's emoji-only communication mirrors his own early years in rural Japan. The game, inspired by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and SSX, features activities like sumo and pulling pints, with physics support from Rollerdrome developer Jacob Mills. Even Japanese people ask why it's a tanuki, Edwards said.