Pyramid Review
Secrets of Japan: A Guide To Roleplaying In Present Day Japan (for Call of Cthulhu)
Published by Chaosium, Inc.
Written by Michael Dziesinki
Cover by Nottsuo
Illustrated by Paul Carrick, Jason Chan, Michael Dziesinki, Katsuhika Hokusai, Drashi Khendup, Andy Lee, Nottsuo, E.J. Su, Jason Thompson, Sigmund Torre, & Melissa Uran
Cartography by Michael Dziesinki & Drashi Khendup
360-page b&w softcover; $34.95
With Secrets of Japan: A Guide To Roleplaying In Present Day Japan, Chaosium journeys to the far east to offer an exploration of the modern nation of Japan and its singular culture, placing it under the lens of the Lovecraftian Mythos for Cthulhu Now, the contemporary incarnation of Call of Cthulhu. Clearly penned by a knowledgeable and dedicated Japan-o-phile, the weighty tome serves up a rich cultural feast detailing the peoples, places, faiths, beliefs, and organizations of Japan. It is designed to introduce both the occidental reader and the occidental player character to the country, as well as enabling the creation and roleplaying of Japanese characters within their own country. Naturally it delves into the occult, in particular approaching the Mythos from a non-Western standpoint. Finally, it is intended to work as the start of a series of supplements detailing "Cthulhu Japan," yet neither of the hinted at Secrets of Japan: Investigator's Companion and Japanese Dreamlands supplements have appeared.
For a contemporary Chaosium release, this is a surprisingly good-looking . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: September 22, 2006
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