Thick Thighs: A Lifesaver in Recession Times, Says Atelier Yumia Producer

You’ve probably heard the phrase “thick thighs save lives,” but Junzo Hosoi, a producer for the Atelier series, suggests that for the beloved character Reisalin “Ryza” Stout, they also hold a certain charm even during economic downturns.

Japan, with its infamous “lost decade” in the 90s and persistent recession signals since, seemed ripe for a character like Ryza, who has not only captured fans’ hearts with her looks but also shone through with her own trilogy that stands out in its own right. In a chat with 4Gamer, Hosoi shared his thoughts on this intriguing connection.

“This is just my take,” Hosoi began, “but I feel the economy plays a role in determining which character designs gain traction. There are certain character types that resonate during tough economic times, and others that flourish only when the financial outlook is brighter.” He speculated further that during economic slumps, fuller-bodied characters might become more appealing.

Now, you might find this theory a tad unusual, but a quick online search reveals academic backing. Take, for instance, a 2005 study by Leif Nelson and Evan Morrison, titled “The Symptoms of Resource Scarcity: Judgments of Food and Finances Influence Preferences for Potential Partners.” In simpler words, when times are tough, people might find those who appear well-nourished more attractive.

Returning to Hosoi’s interview, he touched on Atelier’s upcoming protagonist, Yumia. Unlike Ryza, Yumia doesn’t have the same build, skewing instead toward a slimmer frame common in many games. Her design, however, aims to appeal to a wider, more international audience.

Interestingly, this shift is also linked to economic considerations. Japan’s persistent financial woes have prompted Japanese game makers to broaden their horizons and attract gamers globally. For instance, Sony has strategically moved to release games for the PC audience—a move that might not drastically shift domestic sales, but certainly resonates well in markets like the U.S. and Europe.

Gust, the creative minds behind the Atelier series, have enjoyed significant success with Ryza’s adventures, finding fans not just in Japan but abroad too. With new global audiences eager and ready to spend, their preferences can’t be ignored. Notably, even Poland’s GDP is on track to surpass Japan’s—imagine that!

So there we are, a bit of insight into why Ryza’s fuller figure found its moment, and why future designs might lean toward slender silhouettes. It’s fascinating how, in this line of work, I’ve wound up poring over economic papers and findings from 2005, piecing together the links between these scholarly insights and the world of anime characters.