The developer of Beast of Reincarnation explained why Japan was chosen as the setting.

Beast of Reincarnation Developer Explains Why Japan Was Chosen as the Setting

The action of the game Beast of Reincarnation takes place in post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026, and it is more realistic than Game Freak's previous works on the Pokémon franchise. In an interview with Famitsu, the game director Kota Furushima explains why he chose Japan as the setting.

According to the director, the country's harsh landscape helped convey the difficulties faced by the main character Emma and her dog Ku. The choice of setting was motivated by a desire to make Emma and Ku's journey tough. They will travel not only on well-maintained roads but also through chaotic places: narrow, wide, or surrounded by mountains with elevation changes. When I thought about a place with such a diverse landscape, I thought, "Isn't that Japan?"

He adds that Emma and Ku's journey will take them from the countryside to the game’s capital, and this trip is intended to recreate a real mountain trek from the Kanto region to Kyoto.

While Beast of Reincarnation is primarily a linear game, it features several expansive "zones" that provide enough space for exploration, whether it's regular movement (walking and climbing) or using Emma's plant-based abilities. Various elements that convey a distinct Japanese atmosphere will also be present.

Nevertheless, the devastated Japan, set in 4026, also intensifies Furushima's desire to make the protagonists' journey challenging. In addition to the unpredictable terrain, Emma and Ku must battle golems—robots created to contain human souls. Only by overcoming these hardships can they achieve their goal—defeating the Beast of Reincarnation.