Kodansha Game Creators' Lab announces that the neo-nostalgic horror adventure game "1999 TOKOYO Building" is officially available on Steam starting today.
This is a horror adventure game. Players assume the role of Akira, a young man trapped in a dilapidated indoor amusement park. By sneaking into colleagues' rooms to search for "secrets" and uncovering the weaknesses of these dangerous eccentrics, he attempts to escape the park. Developed by the three-person team "Tokoyo Real Estate," this marks their debut title.
To celebrate the launch, the game is offering a limited-time introductory discount from now until Monday, November 23 (a public holiday in Japan). Originally priced at 35 CNY, it is currently available at a 20% discount.
The latest PV was released alongside the game's launch. The PV uses narration steeped in 90s nostalgia to present the game's unique charm. Additionally, the "Original Soundtrack" featuring the game's music is now available on Steam, along with bundle discounts. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase!
※ This game contains some violent and shocking imagery, as well as depictions related to suicide.
■ Second Concept PV for the Tokoyo Building Theme Park Advertisement Released Simultaneously!
All screenshots are from actual gameplay footage.
In the latest PV released today, unique narration and animated effects evoke the atmosphere of the 1990s, showcasing the game's distinctive charm. With eerie and dangerous characters, mysterious attractions, and what appears at the end of the PV... Interested players are encouraged to play through Chapter 1 in the demo version (currently holding a 100% positive rating*). If you're short on time, you can watch a full playthrough of Chapter 1 on YouTube. For an even quicker experience, we've prepared a "Condensed Demo" playable directly in your browser.
*As of November 6, 2026
The browser-based demo extracts and re-edits the opening content of the full version, condensing its essence into approximately 10 minutes.
■ The "In-Game Ads" crucial to the story were produced by video creator Katsushika Shusshin.
The in-game advertisements and soundtrack were produced by video creator Katsushika Shusshin.
Give your brain a break—Norac
Have you been under a lot of stress lately? As 1999 comes to an end, if you find yourself sighing often... try "Norac." No water needed, just one tablet. Please purchase at your nearest pharmacy.
■ Featuring all 25 tracks composed by Yasuhiro Nakajima specifically for the story.
Original Soundtrack released simultaneously
Does this feel familiar to anyone?
The unsettling yet nostalgic soundtrack for "1999 TOKOYO Building" was composed by Yasuhiro Nakajima, who previously handled music production for "Orihon." Music in certain scenes changes in real-time based on character dialogue, allowing players to immerse themselves further in the story through context-aware musical performances. The Original Soundtrack includes all 25 tracks, carefully crafted to recreate the atmosphere of the late 20th century.
【"1999 TOKOYO Building" Original Soundtrack】
Price: 15 CNY (tax included) *As of Monday, November 23 (a public holiday in Japan), an 20% launch discount is available.
■ Official social media channels run by part-time employees of Tokoyo Building will share behind-the-scenes stories of the game's production!
In addition to the official X account of Game Creators' Lab, the official account for Tokoyo Building also plans to share behind-the-scenes stories from development starting on the game's release date.
A slight spoiler of upcoming materials to help you dive deeper into the world of Tokoyo Building.
Tokoyo Building
At that time, we will reveal unpublished character sketches, stage setting materials, storyboard drafts for cutscenes, and more. Whether you already love Tokoyo Building or are just beginning to, fans shouldn't miss out on this exciting information!
■ Interview video with the three development team members coming soon
Filmed and edited by Yasuhiro Nakajima, who composed the game's music.
To help players understand the game more deeply, an interview video with the three members of the development team "Tokoyo Real Estate"—scenario writer Mitsuki Nagase, illustrator/Live2D modeler Shingetsu Ogino, and game designer/programmer Aoi Minato—is scheduled for release on YouTube on November 30.
How was "1999 TOKOYO Building" born? From the seemingly fated meeting of its three creators, through the game's development process, to the dedication each member poured into their respective areas of responsibility... Please look forward to these exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that can only be heard here.
【Game Introduction】
■ Navigating taboo explorations and life-or-death dialogue confrontations
Left: Burglary is a crime. If caught, it could lead to fatal consequences.
Right: Everyone has one or two things they don't want others to know about, right?
The game alternates between two types of gameplay: exploration via point-and-click investigation in low-poly 360° backgrounds (burglary), and option-driven visual novel-style dialogues with Live2D characters.
The story is set in December 1999 at "Tokoyo Building," a dilapidated indoor amusement park rumored to be where people vanish without a trace. The protagonist, Akira, who lost his memory and stumbled into Tokoyo Building, is caught by the owner, Yano, while attempting a burglary. Forced to stay, he becomes an employee living within the park. However, his colleagues are all dangerous individuals. Angering them could have dire consequences. Moreover, escaping this building seems far from easy...
Use your skilled lockpicking abilities to sneak into their private rooms, uncover their "secrets," and find clues that might help you survive.
Left: The employees don't seem to get along very well either...
Right: Without knowing someone, you can't tell what might anger them. However, knowing too much might also raise their suspicion...
During dialogue sequences, other characters' reactions change based on the player's choices. Even slightly offending someone can lead to instant death. Powered by Live2D technology, characters seamlessly switch between various expressions during conversations. When multiple characters are present, pay attention to the reactions of those who aren't speaking. These subtle, unspoken emotions allow players to delve deeper into the story's progression.
Understanding your colleagues' secrets means touching upon their individual worries and pains. Beyond Chapter 1 included in the demo, there are more secrets of residents yet to appear waiting to be uncovered. In this strange interaction where death lurks nearby, will Akira manage to escape Tokoyo Building? Even after the game ends, these colleagues will remain in your heart for a long time. We hope this work provides a unique sense of companionship during your solitary nights.
【Residents of Tokoyo Building】
Akira Hirugi | Protagonist. An amnesiac young man.
Forced to work off his debt at Tokoyo Building after being caught burglarizing. Possesses exceptional lockpicking skills.
"I don't want to pretend to be friendly with a bunch of weirdos in such a cramped space."
Camellia | The perpetually scowling fortune teller
Works at the fortune-telling shop and enjoys making dolls. Short-tempered and highly guarded. Does not eat staff meals.
"Honestly, sending someone so incompetent? They really underestimate me."
Samejima | The Insecure Aquarium Keeper
Solely responsible for managing the massive aquarium tank inside The Facilty, harboring an unusually strong obsession with it. Has a huge appetite.
"If I kill the person I truly love... maybe I can go back, right?"
Count | Self-proclaimed popular charismatic villain
Always dressed as Count Dracula, yet frequently skips performances. His eyes never hold any warmth.
"Oh no, this is terrible. It's proof that I'm a beast."
Tokoyo Hero | Hot-blooded Stunt Performer
The "Tokoyo Hero" who battles the Count in hero shows. Among the residents of Tokoyo Building, he is surprisingly one of the more normal individuals.
"People will become harmonious... they will become happy..."
Iwai Noroi | Neurotic Employee
Together with boss Yano, he supports the operational tasks of Tokoyo Building. Serious and responsible.
"Can you imagine how dangerous a world without heroes would be?"
Hitorino Yano | Workaholic Manager
The owner of Tokoyo Building. He orders his employees around without hesitation and maintains a tough attitude, but he diligently prepares staff meals for everyone.
"You just need to let my night dominate you."
■ Creator Profiles
Tokoyo Real Estate
A three-person game development team consisting of scenario writer Mitsuki Nagase, illustrator and Live2D modeler Shingetsu Ogino, and game designer/engineer Aoi Minato. In June 2024, after becoming GCLA Fellows, they were selected for Kodansha's Game Creators' Lab. This title is their debut work.
Yasuhiro Nakajima
Composer. While studying in the Film Department at Osaka University of Arts, he taught himself composition for film and television. After working at a TV production company, he went independent in 2014. He has composed, arranged, and created sound effects for TV commercials, animations, and musicals. In the gaming field, he composed the original soundtrack for "Orihon."
Katsushika Shusshin
Born in Kagawa Prefecture. Since around 2018, he has been posting short video diaries titled "Today's Diary" on Twitter, featuring fonts he designed himself. He has also produced numerous video works, primarily music videos. Notable works include the MV for Tatsuya Kitani's "Next Episode Preview" and the MV for TOP4 (Kiyo, Retort, Ushizawa, Gatchman)'s "Instant Journey." He enjoys admiring uniquely shaped guitars.
■ Product Information
Game Title: 1999 TOKOYO Building
Platform: Steam
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese
Game Genre: Neo-Nostalgic × Horror Adventure
Release Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Price: 35 CNY *As of Monday, November 23 (a public holiday in Japan), an 20% launch discount is available.
Number of Players: 1
Developer: Tokoyo Real Estate
Music: Yasuhiro Nakajima
In-game Ads: Katsushika Shusshin
Publisher: Kodansha Ltd.
Copyright Notice: © Tokoyo Real Estate / Kodansha
■ Related Products
"1999 TOKOYO Building" Original Soundtrack: 15 CNY
■ About Kodansha Creators' Lab
Kodansha Creators' Lab is an R&D department established in June 2021 under Kodansha Ltd.'s Fourth Business Division.
With the concept of "redefining editing," it connects with creators of various types, producing products that are not limited to books or magazines.
・The "Kodansha Game Creators' Lab," which supports independent game creators and plans new game developments.
・The "User-Generated Content Media Lab," which operates services such as the matching-type manga submission site DAYS NEO.
・The "Kodansha Film Lab," which supports independent video creators and develops new video projects.
・The "Creator Support Lab," which broadly supports the growth and advancement of creators across all fields.
・The "Content Design Lab," which proposes solutions leveraging content power to address problems faced by companies and local governments.
・Creators' Lab consists of departments such as the "IP Planning Lab," which creates new content with a producer's mindset. While helping creators realize their dreams, it also leverages the power of "editing" to solve various challenges for companies and local governments.