Miki Takahashi

As an illustrator & designer with a background in horror, Miki Takahashi has created some of gaming's most haunting designs. Full of evocative visuals and disturbing concepts, Takahashi’s work is often dreamlike and surreal. Her art often explores the darker reaches of our imagination, allowing us to embrace the shadows in our mind. There is a beauty and elegance within her work.

She joined Keiichiro Toyama and his team to develop Forbidden Siren (2003) & Forbidden Siren 2 (2006), where she designed the Shibito and Yamibito enemies, terrifying creatures that are immediately recognizable and distinct. Most recently, Takahashi has teamed up with Toyama once again for Slitterhead (2024), the debut title from Bokeh Game Studio. This time, she was in charge of designing the pupil and worm forms of the Slitterheads. I had the opportunity to ask Takahashi some questions.

01.

Your art has always been dark, even as a child. What is it about horror that you find so comfortable and appealing?

I don't know why, but ever since I was a kid, I’ve always felt more comfortable in dimly lit places… and I liked imagining all sorts of things in those places. Horror often has a dark place or night as its motif, which gives me more possibilities to imagine all types of scenarios. I like bright and colorful worlds as well, but horror stimulates my creative desire.

02.

Horror is something most people try to avoid. What would you say to these people?

I don't think horror is a form of entertainment that appeals to everyone. For example, like roller coasters and haunted houses, you dare to challenge situations that should be avoided as an animal instinct, and release the fear inside you. I think that sometimes we may feel pleasure in walking the tightrope between instinct and reason, and other times we may feel comfortable immersing ourselves in the dark side.

03.

You also create videos. Do you have a different mindset when creating computer graphics as opposed to drawing or designing?

CG is suited to collaboration among multiple people, and I feel a sense of accomplishment when many people's ideas come together in one form (a game software). When designing with computer graphics, I search for something that will resonate with many people. Also, since you can undo, you can draw freely as you please. Drawing pictures with analogues is a more personal act. It creates a unique sense of tension and a prayer-like sensation. Strangely, the picture changes depending on my feelings.

04.

Filmmaker David Lynch recently passed away. I understand you're a fan of his work. What is it about his characters and worlds that resonated with you the most?

I like his worldview. There is a mixture of sadness and humor in the darkness. His works, created following his inspiration, give the viewer a premonition of their imagination. I also believe that my works are completed within the viewer, so I avoid descriptive expressions.

05.

Are there any books, films, or games you would recommend?

My recent fav games are: INDIKA, Mouthwashing, and Elden Ring. My favorite movies are: David Lynch's "The Art of Living", "The Exorcist", "Hereditary", "Mad Max: Fury Road", "Year of the Dragon", "The Shining", and "Street of Crocodiles". My favorite books are: Max Ernst's "The Hundred-Headed Woman".

Links:

https://x.com/mikit_horror

https://www.instagram.com/mikit0625/