Japanese History in Chronological Order
A list of games set in historical Japanese periods, organized by chronological order, from the Jōmon to the Shōwa period.
Some games don't have a specific date they take place. In that case, their time periods will be listed as "Unknown", but I'll try to estimate their placement in history and justify that placement in the "Personal notes". Feel free to suggest games or correct any inaccurate information.
The games included on this list focus on their historical setting to elevate the experience or address certain themes in the story.
Some games don't have a specific date they take place. In that case, their time periods will be listed as "Unknown", but I'll try to estimate their placement in history and justify that placement in the "Personal notes". Feel free to suggest games or correct any inaccurate information.
The games included on this list focus on their historical setting to elevate the experience or address certain themes in the story.
19 Games
Unknown/No specific period
Okami takes place in a fictional version of Japan and has elements of many historical periods, such as the Heian and Yayoi. Many characters and stories in the game are also based on the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
[Personal note: If I had to guess, Okami would take place in the "Kami-yo" (Age of the Gods) due to the many references to Japanese myths and kami, hence its placement preceding most games in the list]
Okami takes place in a fictional version of Japan and has elements of many historical periods, such as the Heian and Yayoi. Many characters and stories in the game are also based on the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
[Personal note: If I had to guess, Okami would take place in the "Kami-yo" (Age of the Gods) due to the many references to Japanese myths and kami, hence its placement preceding most games in the list]
Unknown/No specific period
The story takes place nine months after the ending of Okami. For more information, read Okami's notes.
The story takes place nine months after the ending of Okami. For more information, read Okami's notes.
Heian period (Early 10th century)
The opening of the game states it's the "900's dawn".
The opening of the game states it's the "900's dawn".
Heian period (c. 10th-11th century)
Some historical figures present in the story lived during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Some historical figures present in the story lived during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Kamakura period (1274)
The game takes place during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, on the island of Tsushima.
The game takes place during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, on the island of Tsushima.
Unknown/No specific period
For more information on this game's placement in history, read Pocky & Rocky Reshrined's notes.
For more information on this game's placement in history, read Pocky & Rocky Reshrined's notes.
Unknown/Multiple periods
Pocky & Rocky Reshrined takes place in a few different and unknown time periods, with anachronistic technology that makes it difficult to pinpoint the story's placement in history.
It's important to note that, while being a remake of the first game, Reshrined is set in a different timeline. They start the same, but then go on branching paths.
[Personal note: Many sources say the story takes place in Feudal Japan, which means it must be set between the Kamakura and Azuchi–Momoyama periods. Based on a certain level, I would say Pocky lives in a time after the Sengoku/Muromachi period, which would mean the Azuchi–Momoyama]
Pocky & Rocky Reshrined takes place in a few different and unknown time periods, with anachronistic technology that makes it difficult to pinpoint the story's placement in history.
It's important to note that, while being a remake of the first game, Reshrined is set in a different timeline. They start the same, but then go on branching paths.
[Personal note: Many sources say the story takes place in Feudal Japan, which means it must be set between the Kamakura and Azuchi–Momoyama periods. Based on a certain level, I would say Pocky lives in a time after the Sengoku/Muromachi period, which would mean the Azuchi–Momoyama]
Unknown/No specific period
This game is a direct sequel to the first Pocky & Rocky on the SNES. For more information, read Pocky & Rocky Reshrined's notes.
This game is a direct sequel to the first Pocky & Rocky on the SNES. For more information, read Pocky & Rocky Reshrined's notes.
Edo period (1860s/Bakumatsu)
The game takes place during the end of the Edo period, known as the Bakumatsu era.
The game takes place during the end of the Edo period, known as the Bakumatsu era.
Meiji period (1901/Meiji 34)
One item in the first case of the game is dated of Meiji 34, which means the story starts in the year of 1901.
One item in the first case of the game is dated of Meiji 34, which means the story starts in the year of 1901.
Meiji period (1902/Meiji 35)
A direct sequel to the first Great Ace Attorney.
A direct sequel to the first Great Ace Attorney.
Shōwa period (1986)
Shōwa period (1986-1987)
The story starts on November 29, 1986, and can last until 1987.
The story starts on November 29, 1986, and can last until 1987.
Shōwa period (1987)
The story starts on February 23, 1987.
The story starts on February 23, 1987.
Shōwa period (1987)
The story starts on March 21, 1987.
The story starts on March 21, 1987.
Shōwa period (1988)
Shōwa period (c. 1988)
[Personal note: Unlike the first two games, Fatal Frame 3 isn't that clear about which year it takes place, but based on recurring characters' ages, it's safe to assume it takes place in 1988, a few months after the second game]
[Personal note: Unlike the first two games, Fatal Frame 3 isn't that clear about which year it takes place, but based on recurring characters' ages, it's safe to assume it takes place in 1988, a few months after the second game]
Shōwa period (1988-1989)
The story starts in December 1988. It is unknown if the story ends before or after the end of the Shōwa period on January 7, 1989.
The story starts in December 1988. It is unknown if the story ends before or after the end of the Shōwa period on January 7, 1989.
Shōwa period (c. 1989)
This entry in the Fatal Frame series isn't that clear about which year the story takes place.
In the opening of the original version of the game, in Japanese, it's stated that the story happens in the 80s. Based on details found in the remastered version of the game, related to the visit of a certain character to Rogetsu Isle in 1909, it was possible to calculate that the main story takes place in 1989.
Credits to the Zero Wiki for this information.
This entry in the Fatal Frame series isn't that clear about which year the story takes place.
In the opening of the original version of the game, in Japanese, it's stated that the story happens in the 80s. Based on details found in the remastered version of the game, related to the visit of a certain character to Rogetsu Isle in 1909, it was possible to calculate that the main story takes place in 1989.
Credits to the Zero Wiki for this information.
RoyalFury
1 month ago