Hisashi Hayashi, a luminary in the world of board game design, is a true visionary when it comes to combining creativity and historical references. His influence extends far beyond tabletops and his impressive catalog of nearly 70 games has left an indelible mark on the gaming community as a whole. Founder of OKAZU Brand, Hayashi has become synonymous with the creation of innovative game mechanics and an unwavering commitment to rich and detailed themes.
In the eye of the beholder
Residing in Yokohama, a city that serves not only as his home but also as a fountain of inspiration, Hayashi’s dedication to his craft is remarkable. His connection to the city’s history and his love for trains are, when added to his game designs, proof of the deeply personal touch he adds to his releases.
Living with his wife, an accomplished painter, and their robot dog further emphasizes the charming narrative of a game designer deeply rooted in his surroundings.
YOKOHAMA original release – 2016
“Yokohama is one of my masterpieces, and I am very grateful that so many people have enjoyed it over the years since it was first published.”
However, YOKOHAMA’s creation was no simple task. A veritable labor of love, the game’s evolution from the tiniest of ideas to a fully realized experience is proof of Hayashi’s commitment to perfection. “It took six years to conceive and two years to develop,” he notes, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship that went into bringing YOKOHAMA to life.
To his credit, he is very thankful for the widespread enjoyment the game has garnered since its inception. The well-deserved popularity of YOKOHAMA echoes the passion and dedication poured into its conception.
During the development process, YOKOHAMA’s rich and detailed setting demanded meticulous historical research. Hayashi’s penchant for accuracy led him to dive into history books, explore local museums, and visit key locations within Yokohama. Here, he sheds some light on the lengths he went to infuse the game with authenticity.
“I live in Yokohama, and I have bought and read history books, been to nearby museums, and visited customs offices, banks, and other local sites.”
Hayashi was faced with many challenges as he melded history with gameplay. The delicate balance between preserving historical accuracy and ensuring his players would receive an engaging gaming experience required him to make difficult decisions. “The more you look at history, the more facets of it you will discover,” he muses, as he reflects on how challenging it is to distill the rich tapestry of history into a cohesive gaming experience.
The story goes on
YOKOHAMA’s success paved the way for the creation of two standalone versions, each a testament to Hayashi’s creative versatility.
YOKOHAMA Duel Deluxe edition by TMG – 2020YOKOHAMA Roll & Write Okazu Brand – 2021
YOKOHAMA Duel, born from the desire to create a two-player worker placement game, introduces a unique mechanic to the series that adds a layer of strategic depth.
“Duel is a well-designed two‑player worker game that includes ideas that were not included in the main YOKOHAMA game.”
YOKOHAMA Roll & Write, a compact yet engaging game, captures the essence of Yokohama within the constraints of a smaller format. Hayashi is satisfied with this version’s accessibility and ability to be played solo:
“I am very happy that we were able to create YOKOHAMA Roll & Write, a game that can be enjoyed by one person.”
DID YOU KNOW? Synapses Games is the first publisher that will release both an English and French version of Yokohama Roll & Write.
With YOKOHAMA, YOKOHAMA Duel, and YOKOHAMA Roll & Write set to be republished, eagerness from franchise fans is at its peak.
YOKOHAMA new edition — Releasing in 2024 New illustrations, high quality components, rules clarifications and all the mechanics and depth of the original hit game!
“I am very happy. Especially for Duel, there is no way to get it overseas except through the TMG Kickstarter version, and for Roll & Write, this will be the first version available overseas.”
In the realm of board game design, Hisashi Hayashi is a craftsman, sculpting experiences that transcend the tabletop and transport players through time and space. As YOKOHAMA and its standalone counterparts continue to enchant gamers worldwide, the legacy of a designer deeply connected to his roots and unyielding in his pursuit of excellence remains firmly intact.
