Lina Irawan
Tokyo, Japan – September 20, 2026 – The resurgence of the beloved Onimusha franchise has taken the Japanese gaming market by storm. Capcom’s highly anticipated PlayStation 5 title, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, has surged to the second position on the national sales charts in its debut week, showcasing a potent blend of nostalgic appeal and modern gaming prowess. This impressive performance, detailed in the latest rankings from industry authority Famitsu, signals a strong return for the samurai action-adventure series.
The game, released on September 4th, quickly captured the attention of players, moving an impressive 19,654 units on the PlayStation 5 platform during the week of September 7th to September 13th. This places it squarely behind the perennial favorite Rhythm Heaven Groove on the Nintendo Switch, which sold 24,756 units. However, Onimusha: Way of the Sword‘s debut is a significant achievement, especially considering the competitive landscape and the platform’s current market share.
A Fierce Debut: Onimusha’s Ascendance
The Onimusha series, known for its historical fantasy setting, intricate combat, and compelling narratives, has been absent from the forefront of gaming for over a decade. The announcement of a new installment, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, generated considerable excitement among long-time fans and piqued the interest of a new generation of gamers. The game’s success in its opening week is a testament to Capcom’s ability to revive a cherished intellectual property while modernizing its gameplay and presentation for contemporary audiences.
The detailed data from Famitsu reveals a broader picture of the Japanese gaming market during this period. While Nintendo Switch titles continue to dominate the overall charts, the strong performance of Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the PlayStation 5 highlights the console’s enduring appeal and the continued demand for high-quality, single-player experiences.
Japan’s Game Ranking: September 7-13, 2026
| Rank | System | Title | Publisher | Release Date | Weekly Copies | Total Copies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NSw | Rhythm Heaven Groove | Nintendo | July 2 | 24,756 | 1,000,045 |
| 2 | PS5 | Onimusha: Way of the Sword | CAPCOM | September 4 | 19,654 | 96,184 |
| 3 | NSw 2 | Splatoon Raiders | Nintendo | July 23 | 8,163 | 656,692 |
| 4 | NSw | Tomodachi Life | Nintendo | April 16 | 7,607 | 1,603,143 |
| 5 | NSw 2 | Onimusha: Way of the Sword | CAPCOM | September 4 | 7,070 | 26,569 |
| 6 | NSw | Gakkō de Atta Kowai Hanashi to Tsukikomori | D3 Publisher | September 10 | 3,683 | 3,683 |
| 7 | NSw | Minecraft | Nippon Microsoft | June 21, 2018 | 3,324 | 4,277,487 |
| 8 | NSw 2 | Mario Kart World | Nintendo | June 5, 2025 | 3,141 | 3,031,357 |
| 9 | NSw 2 | Village in the Shade | Nippon Ichi Software | July 30 | 2,837 | 35,901 |
| 10 | NSw | Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV with Power-Up Kit Complete Edition | Koei Tecmo Games | September 10 | 2,797 | 2,797 |
| 11 | NSw 2 | Pokémon Pokopia | Nintendo | March 5 | 2,705 | 1,124,718 |
| 12 | NSw | It Takes Two | Electronic Arts | December 8, 2022 | 2,578 | 194,437 |
| 13 | NSw | Powerful Pro Baseball 2026-2027 | Konami | June 11 | 2,494 | 215,479 |
| 14 | PS5 | Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV with Power-Up Kit Complete Edition | Koei Tecmo Games | September 10 | 2,448 | 2,448 |
| 15 | NSw | Seifuku Kanojo 3 | Entergram | September 10 | 2,093 | 2,093 |
| 16 | NSw | Splatoon 3 | Nintendo | September 9, 2022 | 1,720 | 4,578,028 |
| 17 | NSw | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Nintendo | December 7, 2018 | 1,663 | 5,949,443 |
| 18 | NSw 2 | ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition | FromSoftware | August 28 | 1,617 | 35,780 |
| 19 | NSw | Black Wolves Saga: Weiße und Schwarz | Idea Factory | September 10 | 1,535 | 1,535 |
| 20 | NSw | Village in the Shade | Nippon Ichi Software | July 30 | 1,505 | 20,830 |
Source: Famitsu
A Glimpse into the Past, a Vision for the Future
The success of Onimusha: Way of the Sword can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the game meticulously recreates the signature aesthetic and gameplay loop that fans have come to cherish. Players are transported to feudal Japan, a realm brimming with supernatural threats and intricate political intrigue. The core mechanics, which often involve strategic combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management, have been refined and updated with modern graphics and responsive controls.
Secondly, the narrative depth and thematic resonance of the Onimusha series have always been a strong draw. Way of the Sword appears to continue this tradition, offering a compelling story that explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The introduction of new characters and the expansion of the established lore likely contribute to its broad appeal.
The presence of Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the PlayStation 5 also signifies a strategic move by Capcom. While the Nintendo Switch remains the dominant platform in Japan, the PlayStation 5 has cultivated a dedicated player base that appreciates high-fidelity graphics and immersive experiences. The game’s strong performance on this platform suggests that it has successfully bridged the gap between retro enthusiasm and contemporary gaming demands.
The Shadow of Onimusha: A Deeper Look at the Rankings
While Onimusha: Way of the Sword rightfully garners attention for its impressive debut, the Famitsu rankings offer a comprehensive view of the market’s dynamics. The continued dominance of Nintendo Switch titles, particularly family-friendly and long-established franchises like Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders, and Tomodachi Life, underscores the platform’s broad reach and its appeal across various demographics.
Notably, Onimusha: Way of the Sword also appears on the rankings for a different, albeit less prominent, platform (indicated by "NSw 2" which likely refers to a variant or a related version of the game or its presence on another console). This dual listing, with 7,070 copies sold on this secondary platform, further emphasizes the game’s broad appeal and Capcom’s strategy to maximize its reach. The total combined sales from both platforms in its first week would be even more substantial, indicating a widespread reception.
The presence of enduring titles like Minecraft, Mario Kart World, and Splatoon 3 in the top 20 highlights the loyalty of Japanese gamers to established franchises. These games have cultivated massive player bases over years, demonstrating the sustained demand for high-quality, evergreen content.
The inclusion of ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition at number 18, despite its earlier release date, suggests that FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed title continues to find new players, reinforcing the appeal of challenging, open-world RPGs.
Official Responses and Future Implications
While official statements from Capcom regarding the specific sales figures of Onimusha: Way of the Sword have not yet been released, the company has consistently expressed its commitment to reviving and expanding its classic franchises. The strong debut of Way of the Sword is undoubtedly a positive indicator for the future of the Onimusha IP and for Capcom’s broader strategy of leveraging its extensive catalog.
Industry analysts view this success as a significant development, suggesting a growing appetite for narrative-driven, single-player games with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and combat. The Onimusha series, with its unique historical and supernatural blend, occupies a niche that is clearly resonating with players.
The performance of Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the PlayStation 5 also provides valuable data for console manufacturers. It demonstrates that there is a significant market for AAA titles on Sony’s latest console, even in a market often dominated by Nintendo. This could encourage further investment in similar titles for the platform.
Looking ahead, the continued sales trajectory of Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be closely watched. Its ability to maintain momentum in its subsequent weeks will be crucial in solidifying its status as a successful revival. Furthermore, this success may pave the way for future installments or even the re-release of other classic Onimusha titles, potentially reigniting interest in a franchise that has long been a fan favorite.
The gaming landscape in Japan is dynamic and diverse, with a strong preference for certain genres and platforms. The impressive debut of Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a clear indication that well-crafted, nostalgic experiences can still carve out a significant space and achieve remarkable commercial success. Capcom’s strategic gamble on reviving this beloved series appears to have paid off handsomely, ushering in a new era for the samurai warrior and promising exciting times for fans of the Onimusha universe.
Nana Muazin
Pevita Pearce
