Nippon Ichi Software, the Japanese studio behind Disgaea, Phantom Brave, and other cult favourites, is stepping into new territory this Fall with Village in the Shade (known in Japan as Honogurashi no Niwa). The hand‑painted farming sim is coming to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC, blending peaceful rural life with a creeping sense of mystery.
Players arrive in Kagatsu, a quiet mountain village tucked away in the Japanese countryside. On the surface, it’s idyllic: cherry blossoms drifting in the wind, neighbours chatting by the brook, and a small community eager to welcome you in. You’ll plant crops, customise your homestead, and slowly get to know the villagers who call Kagatsu home.
But the village has rules, and they’re not the kind you can ignore.
Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t leave the village.
And whatever you do… don’t go out at night
It’s a cozy farming sim with a shadow lurking just beneath the surface, inviting players to decide how deeply they want to dig into Kagatsu’s secrets.
Village in the Shade features:
Unsettle Down
Make your new home feel like your own. Buy furniture in town, decorate your house, and craft fences and tools using resources gathered around your farm.
Festivals and Fun
Take part in traditional Japanese celebrations, from summer festivals to cherry‑blossom viewing. Spend time with your neighbours and enjoy the slow, gentle rhythm of village life.
Secrets Aren’t Meant to Be Shared
Follow the rules and enjoy a peaceful life… or start asking questions. The truth about Kagatsu is yours to uncover….at your own risk.
Limited Edition
A Limited Edition of Village in the Shade is now available for preorder at $89.99, including:
- A copy of the game
- Collector’s box
- Art book
- Original soundtrack
- Acrylic block
- Set of metal pins
You can watch the trailer for the game here.
