Silent Hill f Inspired by Japan’s Kanayama Town

Imagine a town where time stands still and the air is thick with an eerie silence. This is Kanayama, a rural town in Japan’s Gifu prefecture, and the real-life inspiration for the fictional town of Ebisugaoka in Konami’s upcoming survival horror game, Silent Hill f.

The game’s story takes place in the 1960s, and its creators drew inspiration from Kanayama’s unique blend of old and new. Ryukishi07, the game’s writer and creator of the horror series “Higurashi,” chose Kanayama for its distinctive character, which reflects the passage of time and the way its infrastructure has adapted to the changing needs of its residents.

Locals have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions to the game’s setting, with one resident revealing that Kanayama is their grandmother’s hometown. They claimed to have recognized the town immediately after watching the game’s trailer. Fans have also been sharing photos of the real-life Kanayama, which bears an unsettling resemblance to the game’s environment – dark, gloomy, and isolated.

What makes Kanayama so unsettling is its lack of entertainment options and its harsh, cold climate. The town’s population is also dwindling, giving the impression that people are slowly disappearing. This eerie atmosphere has drawn comparisons to the Silent Hill series, known for its haunting and suspenseful gameplay.

Silent Hill f is currently in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, although a release date has not been announced. As fans eagerly await the game’s launch, they can explore the real-life Kanayama and experience its unique, haunting charm for themselves.

Sources:

• automaton