SEGA unveils new info for key characters in Stranger Than Heaven

Learn about Show Business mechanics too!

Kieran Singh September 25, 2026

SEGA and RGG Studio recently pulled back the curtain on some of the pivotal cast of characters starring in the upcoming action-adventure saga Stranger Than Heaven.

From 1915 to 1965, Makoto Daito fights to survive across five cities in search of a place to call home. Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, he doesn’t belong fully to either country. As he carves out a life during a turbulent age, he tumbles into the orbits of characters carrying their own ambitions, convictions and pasts. Players will follow Daito, his close friend Shinjo and the many lives drawn into their gravity as fates converge.

Learn more about some of the key characters:

Makoto Daito (Portrayed by Yu Shirota) – A half-Japanese, half-American man. After facing persecution in America, he sets out for Japan. On the voyage, he meets a merchant named Orpheus and Yu Shinjo, a young man who shares similar circumstances. These encounters will change his life forever.
Yu Shinjo (Portrayed by Dean Fujioka) – A half-Japanese, half-British man and Daito’s lifelong friend. Like Daito, he faces persecution in his homeland and seeks a new life in Japan. He meets Daito aboard the ship to Japan, and the two decide to stick together to survive. Cool-headed and sharp-witted, he is always one step ahead of Daito.
The Merchant Who Alters Daito’s Destiny, Orpheus (Portrayed by Snoop Dogg) – A globe-trotting merchant with an ‘open mind’ toward the legality of his wares. After discovering Daito stowed away aboard his ship, he teaches him the harsh realities of life in Japan and comes to recognize his talent for music.
The Mentor Who Helps Daito Navigate Life in Japan, Heigo Yashima (Portrayed by Akio Otsuka) – A merchant and boss in Kokura who built up his fortune in trade.
Tae Matsumoto (Portrayed by Moeka Hoshi) – A café waitress in Kokura. Also a yakuza member’s mistress.
Suzy Day (Portrayed by Tori Kelly) – A talented singer who dreams of making it big. After meeting Daito, she begins her rise through the world of show business.
Kiyoshi Otsuru (Portrayed by Tokuma Nishioka) – A stylish old man with an unmistakable air of authority.
Takashi (Portrayed by Satoshi Fujihara from OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM) – Daito’s sworn brother, a man who lives for the moment. Also a gifted pianist. Daito’s discovery of his gift rekindles his passion for music.
The Veiled Stranger (Portrayed by Cordell Broadus) – A man stationed in postwar Japan.
Keiko Shirai (Portrayed by Ado) – The diva of wartime Osaka.
Genzo Iwaki (Portrayed by Bunta Sugawara, Voiced by Takashi Ukaji) – The big boss of Kure, with unmatched influence.
- In Stranger Than Heaven, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd.—which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity— RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time. The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara.
Tadashi Hataoka (Portrayed by Takashi Ukaji) – A swaggering, violent yakuza from Kokura.
Takeo Godai (Portrayed by Takaya Kuroda) – A skilled craftsman and a man of few words.
Suekichi (Portrayed by Kouhei Tsuji from Nippon no Shachou) – Daito’s sworn brother. Carefree, but dependable when it counts.
Tetsuya Hama (Portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya) – A young yakuza from Kure. Iwaki’s right-hand man.
Amaru (Portrayed by Tupac, Voice Actor – TBA) – A man in hiding in Japan.
- Tupac’s portrayal of the character Amaru in Stranger Than Heaven is made possible with the permission and ongoing supervision of his estate, Amaru Entertainment. RGG Studio is treating this integration with the utmost respect for his legacy, crafting every aspect in close collaboration and without the use of AI, including his character design based on archival footage and photographs. More details regarding his role will be shared at a later date.
Kimura (Portrayed by Daisuke Shiba from Mogurider) – An easygoing nightclub worker in Kamurocho.

It’s Show Business Time!

Show Business is one of the major themes at the heart of Stranger Than Heaven. Learn more about how Makoto Daito finds musical inspiration, creates songs, promotes shows, and more in this new In-Depth Look: