Would I be interested in traveling to Osaka to photograph Hideaki Itsuno for The New York Times? A slight chuckle escaped me as I reread the the email. Typically, I let photography assignments linger in my inbox for a couple of hours before responding (It's important to ensure I'm the right fit for the task before communicating with an editor or commissioning director). Yet, as a portrait photographer based in Japan, this was an opportunity to photograph a legend. This request warranted an immediate reply; as a gamer myself, it was a unique opportunity I couldn't pass.
Hideaki Itsuno, a distinguished Japanese video game director and designer, has left an indelible mark on Capcom. Renowned for his contributions to action games, his career boasts numerous iconic titles that showcase his distinct style and profound grasp of game mechanics. Throughout his journey, Itsuno has been celebrated for his innovative approach to established genres, crafting games that seamlessly blend challenging gameplay, compelling narratives, and unforgettable characters.
Itsuno's directorial prowess first gained attention with Street Fighter Alpha in 1995, where he made significant strides in the fighting game genre. However, it was with the Devil May Cry series that Itsuno garnered global recognition for his contributions. This series, characterized by its distinct, dark, stylish aesthetic and intricate combat mechanics, established him as an icon within Capcom. Key entries like Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (2005) set new standards in gameplay and storytelling for action games, influencing the genre for years to come.
However, Itsuno's tenure at Capcom isn’t solely defined by the Devil May Cry series. He also directed "Dragon's Dogma," showcasing his talent for expansive worlds and engaging gameplay systems. It was the impending release of the Dragon’s Dogma sequel that brought me to Osaka for The New York Times. With Dragon’s Dogma 2 on the horizon, I was granted the opportunity to spend an hour with the legendary game maker, capturing portraits and gaining firsthand insights into what awaited me as both a gamer at Hideaki Itsuno fan. Even if it was only a single day of work as a photographer in Japan, it was a dream assignment—a perfect intersection of my passions.
Read the full piece directly from The New York Times.
