Some have questioned why Hideo Kojima does not generally use Japanese actors in the production of his blockbuster games. In an interview with IGN Japan, explained here via Video Game Chronicle, the issues are technical.
Kojima Productions shoots its game footage in Los Angeles, where he said he has had difficulty finding actors with native-level English skills. For Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, he was fortunate enough to find Shioli Kutsuna to portray Rainy.
"I searched for someone who could speak Japanese and also native-level English, but it was difficult," he said. "Kutsuna grew up in Australia, can speak English, and when I met her, I found her to be a nice person, so we decided to work together. "
Kojima also said the current facial scanning technology often makes Japanese people look as if they are CGI even when they're real people.
"It’s difficult to make Asians look like their real-life counterparts," he said. "Women and young people in particular have such beautiful, smooth skin. Asians, and not just Japanese people, are known for their beautiful, smooth skin, so it ends up looking like CG."
Older people, or people with lots of freckles, he said, look more realistic. He did say that for Death Stranding 2, he had access to some new technology and is pleased with the results. Kojima didn't rule setting one of his games in Japan one day.
In any case, Death Stranding 2 is another certified banger from Kojima. The action-adventure game starring Norman Reedus is playing to rave reviews and will certainly be part of Game of The Year conversations.