The original Atlas Studio was founded by a group of former employees from Tecmo and other companies. These individuals often gathered to chat and joke around, occasionally sharing their ideas. Eventually, they left their respective companies to pool their resources and establish Atlas.
Seven people were involved in the founding of Atlas: Naoya Harano, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Koji Okada, Kazutoshi Ueda, Kazuma Kaneko, and Tsukasa Masuko—six whose names are known. The seventh founder's name remains unknown. Together, these seven formed Atlas Studio.
Founded in 1986, Atlas Studio initially developed a few simpler games. However, through Koji Okada's personal connections, they reached out to Fumi Nishitani, an author signed by Tokuma Shoten. This collaboration led to the development of the first game in the Megami Tensei series for the Nintendo FC.
Megami Tensei was based on Fumi Nishitani's original novel.
Because Atlas and Nishitani signed an comprehensive agreement, the Megami Tensei series became Atlas's flagship franchise, with subsequent titles bearing the same name.
In the past, Atlas worked under Namco due to financial constraints. The Megami Tensei series from that era was known as the Old Testament.
Later, Atlas became independent and started developing its own games, rebranding the series as Shin Megami Tensei, also referred to as the New Testament 0.
The Persona series, in fact, is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei series. As the main Megami Tensei line began to stagnate, Persona was developed as a spin-off. The Persona title was originally intended as a subtitle, but due to a translation error, it became the official title.
Subsequently, the spin-off Persona series became even more popular than the main Megami Tensei series, leading to its status as one of the new era's most influential JRPG franchises.
At this moment, Koji Okada and several others were waiting for Kobayashi Tetsu to arrive at the Old Dixie Restaurant.
The restaurant was sparsely populated. A waitress with medium-length brown hair was working in the distance, her movements pleasing to the eye.
Kazuma Kaneko, wearing brown sunglasses, occasionally lowered his head to sketch and write.
He was an illustrator and character designer who later served as art director for the first two Megami Tensei and Persona games.
Kazuma Kaneko's art style was relatively heavy and dark, making the lighter tone of the Persona 3 and later games ill-suited for him. Consequently, he only handled the foundational world-building, character design, and demon concept art, refraining from interfering with other aspects of the projects.
Koji Okada glanced at his wristwatch.
The meeting time was approaching, but Kobayashi Tetsu still hadn't appeared.
Tsukasa Masuko tried to soothe him. "The President wouldn't lie to us. If he said he'd come, he'll definitely come. After all, as the president of Atlas, he's incredibly busy—"
Masuko stole a glance at a waiter standing a short distance away and silently corrected himself.
Incredibly busy? Maybe not. But incredibly busy with J (K)? That's more likely.
Okada Okada shook his head. "He should have arrived at least five minutes early. Isn't that basic courtesy? If he's going to be late or arrive exactly on time, doesn't that show he's looking down on us? It's just so inconsiderate."
The others remained silent, hesitant to interrupt Okada's complaints. After all, Kobayashi Tetsu really hadn't arrived.
Masuko was startled and quickly waved his hands. "Don't say that!"
Insults are not universal across cultures and time periods. For example, the genital-based attacks common in China are not particularly effective in Japan.
The Yakuza's supposed mastery of insults translates to little more than harsh tones, not vulgar language.
The highest-level Japanese insult: "You're such a nuisance!"
Tsukasa Masuko glanced at the busy waitress nearby and reassured Koji Okada: "Okada-kun, please don't say that! Think about it—no matter what impressive achievements you had before, or which major companies you worked for—Namco, Konami, or others—now that you've decided to leave and start your own business, you're just unknown newcomers. Why should anyone respect you?"
Koji Okada fell silent, muttering a few times before settling into silence.
He knew it was true, of course. But no one likes being ignored; everyone prefers to feel valued.
The waitress in the distance seemed to have finished her tasks and walked out.
Tsukasa Masuko took a deep breath and silently drew a cross over his heart.
He was actually religious.
Only when the door was pushed open from the outside, and the wind chime rang, did Tsukasa Masuko rise first.
Seeing his action, the others understood and rose one by one.
A young man with dyed hair walked into the restaurant.
"Oh, you've all arrived quite early. Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Kobayashi Tetsu, currently the President of Atlus Studio."
Koji Okada glanced at his watch; it was still five minutes before the scheduled time.
He quickly straightened up, a faint sense of nervousness creeping into his heart.
Even though he had just voiced some complaints, Okada couldn't help but feel intimidated by the disparity in their accomplishments.
Kobayashi Tetsu approached the group, his gaze sweeping over them before lingering momentarily on Okada's face.
"Tsukasa has told me about you all. Let me guess who's who. This must be Koji Okada, Okada-kun."
"Naoya Harano, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Kazutoshi Ueda, Kazuma Kaneko."
Kobayashi Tetsu called out each name, and the individuals addressed showed varying degrees of surprise. He had correctly identified them all, each name matching its owner.
Tsukasa Masuko had undoubtedly briefed him, but to be so accurately identified right away gave Okada a distinct impression.
Kobayashi Tetsu sat down at the other end of the booth, with Tsukasa Masuko beside him. The remaining five men arranged themselves in a semi-circle on the other side.
Naoya Harano, looking somewhat hesitant, began, "Well, President Kobayashi, we wanted to—"
He wanted to see if he could attract some investment or join Atlus Studio, as they were planning to develop their own games.
Kobayashi Tetsu raised his hand. "No rush. Let's eat first."
He casually picked up the menu. "I really like the food here. We've been ordering from here regularly since Atlas was still operating out of a garage. Feel free to order whatever you like. After all, I can still say this today: the entire meal is on me, Kobayashi-sama."
Naoya Harano, suppressing his impatience, began ordering.
Kobayashi Tetsu observed the group, noting their different dish choices and dining habits.
No one deliberately ordered expensive items—basic social etiquette was still understood. But their choices still revealed their culinary preferences.
After the meal, Kobayashi Tetsu felt he understood them better.
Kazuma Kaneko, the illustrator and concept artist, was quiet and somewhat gloomy. Koji Okada was a bit impatient. Naoya Harano and Hideyuki Yokoyama seemed to carry a leadership air.
When the meal was over, Kobayashi Tetsu wiped his mouth and said casually, "I'm currently preparing for the SF Convention."
Seeing their expressions, he added, "I'd like you to help me with it. We can discuss anything else after the convention."
The group exchanged glances. Hideyuki Yokoyama reacted first, immediately bowing. "Yes, we will do our utmost to assist you."
Please Support me by becoming my patreon member and get 15+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon