Kojima Productions 10th Anniversary Event Draws George Miller, Guillermo Del Toro, and Mamoru Oshii
Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias
Legendary directors George Miller, Guillermo Del Toro, and Mamoru Oshii join Hideo Kojima on stage in Tokyo
Star-studded event celebrates Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary with actors, musicians, and artists
Panel discussion explores technology, entertainment, and the future of storytelling
A Decade of Kojima Productions Celebrated in Tokyo
Kojima Productions marked its 10th anniversary on September 23 with a special event titled Beyond The Strand at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills. The night featured founder Hideo Kojima alongside close friends and collaborators, including Mad Max director George Miller, Academy Award winner Guillermo Del Toro, and anime master Mamoru Oshii. Actor Kenjiro Tsuda, actress Shioli Kutsuna, singer Daichi Miura, and horror manga creator Junji Ito also appeared to honor the studio.
Greeted with thunderous applause, Kojima reflected on his journey since leaving Konami in 2015. “When I became independent ten years ago, I lost everything. There was nothing left, except for connections. The only thing I had was my ties to people and the support of fans. By following those connections, I stand here today, and Kojima Productions exists because of that. I am truly grateful,” he said.
Collaborators Return to Celebrate the Legacy
The anniversary brought back stars from Kojima’s hit game Death Stranding. Tsuda, Kutsuna, Kikuko Inoue, Junji Ito, and Daichi Miura all joined Kojima on stage. Kojima praised their commitment, saying, “When you work with people you can trust, you create something better. But it is not just about the work. After it is over, you can go have dinner together. It is like family. That is why I want to keep working with them again.” Smiling, he added, “If you work with people you love, your power grows. If negative people come in, the tone drops. With trusted people, you can take two or three steps higher. Sometimes you can rise ten steps together. I will never let go of these bonds.”
Global Directors Share the Stage for Panel
The highlight of the evening came when Kojima’s self-proclaimed “god,” George Miller, stepped onto the stage with Guillermo Del Toro and Mamoru Oshii. Joined by journalist Geoff Keighley as moderator, the four directors discussed the future of entertainment in a 40-minute panel session. Miller said he views technology’s rise as “both terrifying and exciting.” Del Toro emphasized that innovation must be guided by humanity, stating, “In this age of technological change, it is important to focus on the human spirit. We must always stay close to fundamental emotions.”
Oshii Warns of Technology Divide
Mamoru Oshii added a darker perspective, warning of a future shaped by inequality. “If there is a dark future ahead, it will come from a technology gap that creates decisive division,” he said. He went further, predicting that philosophy itself may need new forms. “It will become harder to convey ideas and philosophy through works. Our job may become spreading memes. When I look at Kojima, I feel that is what he is doing. Through his works, he transmits his ideas, his philosophy, his worldview, even his religious perspective. His style spreads across the world through games and the internet. So I think more and more Kojima memes will emerge in the future.”
Looking Ahead to the Next 20 Years
As the program closed, Kojima addressed the audience with a powerful message. “In this world where division and isolation are increasing, I believe entertainment and art connect us. They make the world more comfortable. It is up to us, creators and fans, to create those connections. Over the next ten or twenty years, I want to keep working toward that. Let us treasure this bond and live together for the next twenty or thirty years.” His words were met with a standing ovation.