In December 2015, Hideo Kojima began his own company with Yoji Shinakawa and Kenichiro Imaizumi, aptly named Kojima Productions. This year is their 10th year and, in celebration, Kojima decided to host an event. Kojima Productions’ 10th Anniversary event, Beyond the Strand, opened with a look at the accomplishments of Kojima Productions, starting with its launch with Death Stranding, and culminating in the recent release of Death Stranding 2: In the Beach.

The first guest was Norihiko Sumita, MUFG Bank’s President. He was Director at the time of Kojima Productions’ inception and took a chance with Kojima and his company, feeling trust in him from his past works (such as Metal Gear Solid). Together, they announced a collaboration between Kojima Productions and MUFG Bank coming in the second half of 2026. The digital card on smart phones will feature different characters and athletes, but the collaboration card with Kojima Productions will be the first released.

Kojima then goes on to discuss the twenty-year project that started with Kojima Productions, likening it to the process of exploring space. Phase one (2015 – 2019) was formulating ideas, building the crew, and starting the journey. This first phase ended with the release of Death Stranding. Phase two (2019 – 2030), is traveling further beyond. This encompasses expanding existing IPs, such as Death Stranding 2, and connecting with fans through merchandise, concerts, and lives. The third phase, projected to start in 2030, will be creating more IP, both original and from other forms of media, such as anime and comics.

Individuals involved with the Death Stranding franchise were then invited to stage. They all shared their experiences working on the IP and praised working with Kojima. They were:

• Kikuko Inoue, the Japanese voice actress for Amelie from Death Stranding and Lucy from Death Stranding 2;
• well-known horror mangaka Junji Ito who contributed concept art to Death Stranding 2;
• Shiori Kutsuna, the model and voice of Rainy;
• musician Daichi Miura, the model and voice for the character named Musician in both Death Stranding games and the individual behind some of the Death Stranding 2 music (music tune by Musician in Death Standing 2 is by Gen Hoshino);
• Kenjiro Tsuda, the Japanese voice for Sam Porter Bridges.

After the kind words from the members of the Death Standing 2 team, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer joined Kojima on stage as the topic rolled to phase two, which includes the upcoming horror game OD, teased by Kojima and collaborator Jordan Peele at The Game Awards 2023. Attendees and viewers were then given a glimpse of the upcoming game. The full (working) title was revealed at the end of the teaser: OD: KNOCK. Kojima goes on to say that the horror will be intense, is different between him and Peele, and that KNOCK is his horror. 

Sam Hanson, co-head of A24 productions then joined Kojima on stage. After an introduction and debrief about their time working together, filmmaker Michael Sarnoski (Pig, The Death of Robin Hood) joined them on stage. Sarnoski was chosen by Kojima to write and direct Death Standing’s film adaptation. The film will feature a story involving characters who exist within the Death Stranding universe, allowing both fans of the game and those who know nothing about it to enjoy it.

Additionally, screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners, Raised by Wolves) worked with Kojima Productions to write the scenario script for the upcoming Death Stranding animated film. The film will be directed by ABC Animation Studios’ Hiroshi Miyamoto (Hugtto! Precure Futari wa Precure All Stars Memories). Footage of the animated film was teased during the livestream as well, revealing the working title of Death Stranding Mosquito. The teaser was followed by images sharing the creative process. Background artwork shown was worked on in collaboration with Studio Easter, who works on the anime Dan Da Dan’s background. Miyamoto and Kojima hint at the working title, Mosquito being a reference to the character’s power.

PHYSINT was the next IP to be discussed. Hermen Hulst, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s CEO, offered kind words and excitement regarding working with Kojima for so many years. Kojima apologized for not having much to show, as it’s farther down the line than OD, and shared a piece of concept art for the upcoming tactical espionage game. Three cast members for the upcoming game were also revealed: Charlee Fraser (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Don Lee/Ma Dong-seok (Train to Busan, Eternals), and Minami Hamabe (Godzilla Minus One, Shin Kamen Rider). Finally, some screenshots of Hamabe’s face in the game engine were shared.

A collaboration with Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten, a storied sake brewing company dating back to 1869, was also revealed, called Zaku Ludens. Kojima Productions’ Yoji Shinkawa (Art Director) as well as Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten’s Tomohiro Uchiyama (Toji, master brewer) and Shinichiro Shimizu (President) were brought on stage to discuss the collaboration. The sake is available starting today. Additionally, a special exhibition will be held to celebrate Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary. More information will follow in the future.

Despite not having much to show for phase three, Kojima invited several individuals up to the stage in order to talk about how entertainment and media will change by the time phase three is reached. Invited to stage was: Geoff Keighley (creator, The Game Awards), George Miller (filmmaker, Mad Max franchise), Guillermo Del Toro (filmmarker, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), and Mamoru Oshii (director, Ghost in the Shell, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence). The panel offered insightful discussions about the future of entertainment and reflected on their long careers.

Following the panel, Kojima Productions revealed their next project. Kojima and Niantic Spatial’s Founder and CEO, John Hanke, stood on stage together to announce their collaboration. Niantic Spatial deals in geospatial AI and may be familiar through their game Ingress Prime. The slogan for the collaboration is “Move beyond the screen.” Despite not having much to share regarding what’s in store, it’s undoubtedly exciting to know that Kojima Productions and Niantic Spatial will be working together to potentially work on more AR games.

With that, Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary livestream, Beyond the Strand, came to a close. What a wonderful experience, showcasing the connections and impact made by Kojima through his career. It’s clear that there’s much to look forward to from Kojima Productions and Kojima himself in the future.