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Full disclosure: This product was sent to us for an honest and objective review. No promises were made of financial remuneration, free gifts or holidays in the sunny Bahamas in exchange for our review…….sadly.
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Once in a while a publication will come along in the world of Table Top Gaming that immediately captures the collective imagination in terms of its subject matter, scope and detail. It is even rarer that one knows without hesitation that a particular product is going to be a humongous success even before looking at one single page or seeing one single image – the vibe just feels right, the tone seems perfect and the theme seems to resonate with genuine delight. It also helps when it is associated with mine and many people’s RPG obsession, Call of Cthulhu.
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So in my time-honoured need to hang on to the coat-tails of more talented and successful individuals than myself, I immediately put together a short press release on our website detailing the publication’s availability at DriveThruRPG. To say that the interest in the article was immediate and intense would not be hyperbole (I know, unusual for me), in fact the piece immediately became our most visited this month and just keeps on breaking records. Yes, it is safe to say that Call of Cthulhu: Japan – Empire of Shadows: A sourcebook for 1920s Imperial Japan was proving rather popular with the TTRPG community.
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So what is Japan – Empire of Shadows?
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Japan – Empire of Shadows (日本 – 影の帝国) is a sourcebook for the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game set in Imperial Japan during the late Taisho and early Showa eras (1920-1932). It can be run with foreign or Japanese Investigators using the provided single-session story-hooks or multi-session narrative threads. The 400 page sourcebook includes 334 unique locations, 35 full color maps, over 70 NPCs, 20 player handouts, six pre-generated characters, new spells, new Mythos tomes, new monsters, a concise history of the land, people and nation of Japan and much more. (Japan – Empire of Shadows © 2023 by David Trotti & Amy Kate Connolly; published by Chaosium Inc. on DriveThruRPG’s Miskatonic Repository.)
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In truth, it’s surprising that that this cultural exploration of the Cthulhu mythos hasn’t been done in this way before now. For quite some time, Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game has unquestionably reigned supreme in the Japanese RPG market. Its seamless fusion of cosmic horror and user-friendly mechanics has captivated Japanese gamers, leading to a surge in nightmarish gaming sessions shared across social media platforms. As a result, Call of Cthulhu has evolved into a true social media phenomenon. Presently, it not only surpasses all other RPGs in sales within Japan but also Japan and Korea together contribute more to Call of Cthulhu sales than the rest of the world combined.
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So, let’s be clear, Japan – Empire of Shadows is not any run-of-the-mill basic addition to the Cthulhu mythos. It is 400 pages of the kind of attention to detail that is rarely seen in a community produced sourcebook – believe me, the level of detail and information in this book is incredible. For example, the sourcebook shines when it comes to 1920’s Japan historical detail and cultural representation, so much so that it puts by the whole of the first chapter (amounting to 43 pages) exploring the various facets of Japanese culture, accommodation, technology, food and lifestyle.
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It’s evident that the authors conducted thorough research to provide an authentic and respectful portrayal of Japan’s history, folklore, and mythology. The integration of real-world events and locations into the Lovecraftian narrative is seamless, offering players a rich and immersive experience. Japan – Empire of Shadows masterfully captures the essence of Japan’s unique ambiance. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene shrines in Kyoto and the mist-covered mountains of the countryside, the sourcebook transports players to the various landscapes, technology, lifestyle and moods that define 1920’s Japan. The blend of traditional Japanese horror with Lovecraftian themes adds a fresh and engaging dimension to the Call of Cthulhu universe.
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One potential drawback is that the sourcebook’s depth may feel overwhelming for newcomers to the Call of Cthulhu system or those unfamiliar with Japanese history and culture. While it serves as an excellent resource for experienced players, beginners might find it challenging to grasp the intricacies of the setting without feeling slightly overwhelmed. I for one love the level of detail afforded to the cultural background of Japan.
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Scenarios
One of the most Innovative aspects of this book is the method it uses to portray the fours main adventure scenarios. The writers told me that they were curious to hear what I would think of the three narrative threads that weave throughout the book. In essence, As a Keeper, they wanted to try something different than the “scenarios in the back” structure, and put the playable content where the Keeper needs it most, at the actual location in the book. The intention, to focus on providing a broad selection of cities, locations, maps and NPCs for Keepers to draw on, with plans to add scenarios later.
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Each narrative thread commences in Tokyo, assuming the characters either reside there or are visiting the city. However, Keepers have the liberty to seamlessly adapt this setup to suit ongoing investigations and changing circumstances. Similarly, while every thread introduces key story elements at specific locations, Keepers possess the flexibility to transplant these elements to other places as required to maintain the story’s progression.
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The narrative threads are thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that even if the Investigators overlook a crucial clue or early handout, alternative pathways exist for them to acquire any essential elements before reaching the climactic finale. It is important to note that this doesn’t imply Investigators should be granted an easy passage; rather, it acknowledges the dynamic nature of a sandbox environment. Investigators who recklessly rush towards the climax without conducting proper research must face whatever perilous and mind-altering fate awaits them.
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Encounters for each thread are scattered throughout the locations in chapters 3, 4 and 5 and colour coded for easy reference. They are;
Upon a Stone Altar – This thread takes the Investigators to the Japanese South Seas Mandate and the mysterious island of Ponape where they must survive Deep Ones, giant eels and a harrowing journey to the gates of the lost continent of Mu in an experimental submarine to thwart the dark god Ghatanothoa.
Color from the West – This thread takes the Investigators west into Korea in search of the source of a mysterious coal that glows an unidentified color and is mutating and killing those who come into contact with its tainting essence.
Kamuy of the Northern Sky – This thread takes the Investigators north into the forests of Hokkaido in search of an ancient pyramid where they encounter the native Ainu and a group of Russian mystics intent on resurrecting a dead god.
Bonus Occult Knowledge. Kaidan: Mysterious Stories – In addition to the Narrative Threads some of Japan’s most famous ghosts, monsters and mysteries are collected together in the Kaidan: Mysterious Stories. Look for the purple Kaidan kanji to learn more about these true tales of terror.
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The Threads provide an assortment of well-crafted adventure seeds and scenarios that cater to various play-styles. Whether players prefer investigations in urban settings, occult mysteries in remote villages, or treacherous journeys into ancient ruins, the sourcebook offers something for everyone. The scenarios are meticulously designed, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the overarching narrative while allowing enough flexibility for customisation and improvisation.
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Whether this method works, of structuring the narrative threads throughout the book rather than having a standard stand-alone scenario section at the back of the book, may divide some. I for one loved it. I will admit it that it took me a short while to find the rhythm of the style, however I quickly found the use of the thread maps, signposting and layout pretty intuitive in its structure.
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Presentation and Artwork
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One of the standout features of Japan – Empire of Shadows is its captivating presentation and stunning artwork. The sourcebook is beautifully illustrated, showcasing traditional Japanese elements combined with the cosmic horrors typical of the Call of Cthulhu universe. The artwork throughout is quite simply divine and some of the best I’ve seen in a Call of Cthulhu sourcebook. The illustrations are evocative and atmospheric, and they do a great job of capturing the dark and mysterious spirit of 1920s Japan.
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The artwork is also cleverly diverse, with a wide range of styles represented. There are traditional Japanese paintings, prints, modern illustrations and photographs. This diversity helps to create a more immersive experience for players, as they can see the world of Japan through a variety of perspectives. The layout is easy to follow, and the book’s organisation allows for quick reference and easy navigation, making it accessible to both players and Keepers.
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The Cthulhu Mythos in Japan
Chapter 8 of the sourcebook introduces a plethora of new Mythos entities and horrors inspired by Japanese folklore. In the 1920s, Japan becomes a hotbed of intrigue and dark activities. The forces of the Mythos find ample opportunities to weave their sinister influence into everyday occurrences. This fascinating country straddles a delicate balance between spiritual mysticism and scientific rationalism, creating a unique environment where technology and magic can clash.
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Moreover, Japanese folklore offers a rich tapestry of traditions from which the Keeper can draw inspiration. Even established Mythos creatures can take on distinctively Japanese forms, giving a fresh and exciting twist to familiar adversaries. These entities are rooted in folktales and ancient lore, with a hint of truth behind their legends. Should investigators delve too deep into the mysteries, they may uncover mind-shattering revelations hidden beneath Japan’s seemingly serene exterior.
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These new creatures are both suitably imaginative and nightmarish, staying true to the core tenets of the Cthulhu Mythos while incorporating genuine elements of Japanese mythology. Players and Keepers will find themselves facing unimaginable terrors unique to this setting such as;
Yokai: Yokai are a class of supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore. They can be benevolent or malevolent, and they often take on animal or human forms.
Oni: Oni are ogre-like creatures that are often depicted as being red-skinned and having horns. They are said to be violent and dangerous, and they are often associated with death and destruction.
Jukai: Jukai are a type of forest that is said to be inhabited by spirits. They are often described as being dark and eerie, and they are said to be dangerous to enter.
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Some concluding thoughts
In terms of the book’s subject matter, the writers have been genuinely sympathetic in their portrayal of this fascinating, but often miss-understood culture. This could easily have become a cliched and offensive portrayal – happily something that has been avoided….and how. In fact, as the writers told me ”The release also sent shockwaves rippling through the Japanese gaming community, where it is a hot topic in the same social media circles that built Cthulhu into a monstrous hit. As one Japanese user on Twitter put it “I wish we had something like this here!”
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Japan – Empire of Shadows is an exceptional sourcebook for the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game that takes players on a chilling and atmospheric journey into the dark and mysterious corners of Japan’s history and folklore. With its beautiful presentation, respectful cultural representation, and inventive mythos content, it offers an unforgettable gaming experience in a captivating and haunting Japanese setting. Whether you’re a seasoned Call of Cthulhu player or a fan of Japanese folklore, this sourcebook is a must-have addition to your collection. It promises to be an intriguing addition to any Call of Cthulhu campaign set in Japan or those looking to explore the eldritch horrors lurking in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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As the writers told me; ”It’s always so hard to tell with a passion project if it’s going to resonate or even be noticed. I kept my expectations low and realistic going in (I figured maybe we’d sell 50 copies), but we decided if there was ever going to be only ONE Call of Cthulhu Sourcebook for 1920s Japan, this was going to be the most definitive sourcebook any Keeper could ever want.”
I think they my have succeed in that – but don’t just take my word for it, because Japan – Empire of Shadows remains one of the bestselling titles exclusively on DriveThruRPG.
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So, once again quoting the writers ….. “When it comes to Japan and Cthulhu, it seems the stars are always right.”
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Japan – Empire of Shadows (日本 – 影の帝国) is available now at DriveThruRPG
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