Silent Hill f was initially intended to be set in the actual Silent Hill location, but the prominence of Mt. Fuji presented a challenge. Discover how the developers settled on the final setting and meet the new characters essential to the game's narrative.
Silent Hill f Setting and Character Details
Mt. Fuji’s Dominance Overshadowed Silent Hill f
Originally, Silent Hill f was planned to take place in the real-world Silent Hill town, but Mt. Fuji's overwhelming presence altered that plan. In a July 26 Famitsu interview, the developers shared deeper insights into the highly anticipated revival of this iconic horror series.
Although the game's setting in the real town of Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere the team envisioned, they disclosed that another location was initially considered.
Writer Ryukishi07 mentioned that Shizuoka Prefecture was a candidate, humorously calling it "Quiet Hill," but the awe-inspiring view of Mt. Fuji made it unsuitable.
He explained, "However, when I visited Shizuoka, I realized that Mt. Fuji's commanding presence clashed with Silent Hill's intended stage. The sacred mountain looms over everything, diminishing the foggy, mysterious world we wanted to create."
This prompted the team to search elsewhere, eventually discovering the maze-like lanes of Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture. Ryukishi07 noted, "After exploring several towns, Kanayama's grid-like layout stood out as uniquely compelling, so I recommended it."
As he mentioned during the Silent Hill Transmission in March, the development team visited Kanayama to record ambient sounds and combined them with archival references to authentically recreate the 1960s vibe.
Connections to ‘Higurashi: When They Cry’
About a week prior, Silent Hill’s official Twitter account began introducing the game's characters, starting with the protagonist, Shimizu Hinako. Given the setting's resemblance to Ryukishi07's renowned work, "Higurashi: When They Cry," fans questioned if there was a direct link.
Ryukishi07 clarified, "This scenario was not written with ‘Higurashi’ in mind at all. It is a story born entirely within the ‘Silent Hill’ universe." However, Producer Motoi Okamoto shared that Ryukishi07’s previous works inspired them to invite him to craft a haunting new Silent Hill experience.
Okamoto elaborated, "After reading his tales of characters trapped in fog-shrouded villages, I knew he could create a remarkable ‘Silent Hill,’ so I reached out to him."
Character Roles and Introductions
Beyond the setting, players are intrigued by the roles of Hinako’s friends, especially Igarashi Sakuko, who appears frequently in recent trailers. Her profile describes her as "Hinako's friend—gentle, laid-back, and attuned to nature, with an ability to see fairies. As the daughter of a shrine priest, she assists in miko robes during festivals."
Okamoto noted that Sakuko represents "the student fascinated by the occult," a common archetype in Japanese school life. But in Silent Hill, this trait receives a sinister twist. He stated, "The real question is whether her visions are playful imagination or something genuine. This ambiguity gives her character depth."
In addition to Sakuko, character profiles were shared for Iwai Shu—Hinako's childhood friend—and Nishida Rinko, another close friend of both. Ebisuoka Junior High School was also introduced, described as a stately institution that feels "somewhat out of place in the town."
As the release date nears, KONAMI continues to unveil more about this new chapter in the classic horror series. With the developers pledging "100% authentic Japanese horror," fans can expect a terrifying experience crafted by one of Japan's premier horror writers.
Silent Hill f launches on September 25 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will get early access starting September 23. For the latest updates on Silent Hill f, check out our article below!
