Hideo Kojima's Podcast "Brain Structure"

Brain Structure hosted by Hideo Kojima unravels the thoughtful and creative process behind Hideo Kojima’s work. In it, he discusses a range of his favorite topics such as video games, movies, books, art, philosophy, and the social landscape and offers listeners a unique perspective on Kojima’s influences and inspirations. It dives into compelling themes discussing storytelling, innovation, the intersection of media, and more. The podcast is offered in Japanese and English, as Kojima invites local guests from Japan, international leaders, and top creators from various backgrounds such as business, technology and entertainment. Brain Structure is a reflection of Kojima’s commitment to pushing boundaries in interactive storytelling, which makes it a notable addition to the landscape of gaming podcasts.

Hideo Kojima

Background

Hideo Kojima is a renowned Japanese video game designer, director, and writer most known for his titles, Metal Gear, and Death Stranding. Born in 1963 in Setagaya, Tokyo, Kojima developed his early interest in storytelling and film which naturally influenced his video game design. In 1986, Kojima joined the company Konami where he climbed to the top with the release of Metal Gear in 1987, pioneering stealth gameplay and narrative depth in video games.

On August 22, Kojima launched his Brain Structure, a podcast offering a deeper look into his creative perspectives on the entertainment industry. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between cultural mediums like gaming, film, literature, and more reflecting Kojima’s diverse influences and intellectual curiosity. Kojima describes the podcast as a platform where he can share his thoughts on the modern day connection between storytelling and technology, as well as an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Brain Structure mirrors Kojima’s fascination with the human mind and creativity. The podcast is produced in collaboration with Spotify, making it available to a global audience with episodes in both Japanese and English.

Production

Brain Structure follows a conversational, “talk-show-style” format flipping between solo commentary from Hideo Kojima and interviews and discussions featuring a variety of guests. Each episode typically ranges thirty to sixty minutes. The podcast is available in both Japanese and English.

Recurring segments often include commentary on recent developments in the entertainment such as Kojima’s recommendations of films, books, or games, and reflections on his projects in the past. The format gives listeners an opportunity to hear Kojima’s behind-the-scenes stories and creative advice.

Important Episodes

Episode	Overview and Themes
Episode 1: “Dive into the Brain of Hideo Kojima”	This episode acts as an introduction to the series and its themes. In this episode Kojima discusses his creative process through the idea of his game “Metal Gear Solid,” and where it comes from. It sets the tone for future episodes, emphasizing the intersection of art, technology, and the human experience.
Episode 3: “Hideo Kojima x Mamoru Oshii: Part 1”	A deep dive into the principles of game design and player engaging narrative techniques that are used. This episode features Mamoru Oshii, a Japanese TV director and filmmaker. They analyze their creative processes and discuss how storytelling and visual artistry play crucial roles in both their mediums (Anime and Gaming).
Episode 6: “Hideo Kojima x Jordan Peele: Part 2”	This episode features Jordan Peele, American filmmaker, comedian, and actor as they both discuss their creative processes and their influences. As a second part of their discussion, they expand and focus on Peele’s unique approach to the pairing of horror and social commentary. They examine how their mediums can convey complex narratives and evoke powerful emotional responses.
Episode 8: “Hideo Kojima x Books: new findings, recommendations, and more!”	He delves into themes such as storytelling techniques, character development, and the emotional resonance of literature. The conversation also touches on the ways in which books have shaped his approach to game design and narrative.
Episode 10: “Hideo Kojima x TGA Special: The truths behind internet rumors!?”	Kojima reflects on his legacy, specifically examining his contributions to the gaming world and how his work has influenced other people in the industry.

Reception

Brain Structure has received mixed reactions from listeners and critics, reflecting the unique content of the podcast. While it aims to present clever and engaging discussions—true to Kojima’s signature style—some listeners have expressed disappointment regarding certain production choices. Notably, a review from Kotaku describes the premiere episode, “Dive into the Brain of Hideo Kojima,” as lacking the expected polish, pointing out the “messy English version.” This has been a letdown for those anticipating a deep dive into the trivia and history of Kojima’s ideas.

Despite these critiques, Brain Structure has the potential to make meaningful contributions to discussions about gaming and storytelling. A review from Game Rant noted that the podcast serves as a valuable opportunity for fans to grasp the complexities of Kojima's work, particularly in light of his upcoming projects like Overdose and collaborations with companies like Microsoft.

Overall, Kojima positions the podcast as a vital resource for fans and newcomers alike, aiming to bridge the gap between complex narratives and accessible commentary by exploring not only his past works but also the broader context of video game development.

External links

• Spotify
• Brain Structure on Spotify
• Kojima Productions Official Website
• Hideo Kojima on Twitter
• Kotaku Coverage of Brain Structure
• GameRant Review of Hideo Kojima's Brain Structure