Thick Thighs Thrive in Tough Times, Says Atelier Yumia Producer

You know the saying, “thick thighs save lives”? Well, it turns out that, according to Junzo Hosoi, one of the producers of the Atelier series, they might also be a hit during economic downturns. When the conversation turns to fan-favorite character Reisalin “Ryza” Stout, it’s more than just her adventures that have resonated with audiences.

Japan’s economy, having endured a “lost decade” in the 90s followed by persistent signs of financial struggle, provided a fertile ground for Ryza’s popularity—and not just because her storylines were compelling. In a chat with 4Gamer, Hosoi shared his perspective on the character’s success in these tough times.

“It’s just my take,” Hosoi began, “but I believe the economy can shape what character designs gain traction. In challenging times, certain character traits become sought after, while others thrive only in more prosperous periods.” His theory suggests that during financial slumps, people might gravitate towards characters with more substantial physiques.

While this notion might catch you off guard, a quick online search backs it up with academic research. Consider this 2005 study by Leif Nelson and Evan Morrison titled “The Symptoms of Resource Scarcity: Judgments of Food and Finances Influence Preferences for Potential Partners.” Simply put, when times are tough, folks might find signs of well-fed comfort more appealing.

Returning to Hosoi’s interview, he touched on Yumia, the new protagonist of Atelier. Yumia, unlike Ryza, embodies a more slender look found commonly in other games, crafted with an eye on global appeal.

Interestingly, economics factors into this decision too. Japan’s economic issues have nudged Japanese game developers to broaden their horizons and target a global audience. Consider Sony’s recent steps to bring games to the PC market—while it might not dramatically affect local sales, it’s an essential strategy for markets in the U.S. and Europe.

Gust, the brains behind the Atelier series, has seen remarkable success with the Ryza trilogy, not just domestically, but internationally. This broader audience, ready to invest, makes a difference. Think about it—Poland’s GDP is set to surpass Japan’s next year, and that’s just one country.

So, there you have it. A bit of rationale behind the captivating appeal of thicker thighs in the Atelier Ryza series, coupled with insights on why trends are shifting back toward the sleeker designs. Who knew that my career would involve diving into economic reports and early 2000s studies only to link their insights with anime character trends?