Kodansha Co., Ltd. will release a demo of Hamukoi: Sweet Days After I Was Reincarnated as a Hamster With Three Sisters, a live-action romance simulation game born from a collaboration between Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab and the editorial department of the weekly photo magazine FRIDAY, on Steam on May 28, 2026. The game will also participate in Steam Next Fest, to be held June 16 through 23, 2026 (Japan time). The full version is scheduled for release in July 2026.
Update
Hamukoi Live-Action Romance Simulation Demo Launches on Steam May 28; Wishlist Registration Campaign Begins
Become the pet hamster of three sisters played by Sayaka Tomaru, Momoha Takatsuru, and Shiori Ikemoto, and be pampered in this one-of-a-kind adventure. Who will you ham-ham with?
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A demo of a new kind of live-action romance simulation, where three sisters dote on you from a hamster’s perspective
This game has the novel concept of a protagonist who has been reincarnated as a hamster, kept by three beautiful sisters who are childhood friends, and doted on with the immersive feel of live action. The three sisters are played by the gravure idols Sayaka Tomaru, Momoha Takatsuru, and Shiori Ikemoto. From inside a cage or from the palms of their hands, players can get an early taste of an exciting cohabitation with the three sisters from a hamster’s perspective.
From right: Shiori Ikemoto, Sayaka Tomaru, Momoha Takatsuru
Wishlist registration campaign to be held alongside the demo release
To celebrate the demo’s distribution, a wishlist registration campaign will run through 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2026. Winners selected by lottery will receive signed instant photos of the three cast members and Amazon gift cards available only through this campaign. See the campaign details and enter.
Steam page’s return draws major attention from overseas media
Although the game’s Steam page was removed in an accident last year, it returned in April after revisions. Its unusual concept and beautiful visuals attracted attention in Japan and abroad. It was covered in articles in various languages by outlets including AUTOMATON WEST, and the return of a “crazy Japanese live-action game” became a topic of conversation. In Japan, it was also featured on NodaKuri no Yabou: Game Tenka Toitsu e no Michi (Tokyo MX).
https://x.com/AUTOMATON_ENG/status/2048016674977361975
Cast members’ advance-play video also released
A video closely following Tomaru, Takatsuru, and Ikemoto as they tried Hamukoi in advance at last autumn’s Tokyo Game Show has been released. It can be enjoyed even more after playing the demo.
About the development team
The weekly photo magazine FRIDAY and Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab make an unusual team. Two Kodansha departments crossed boundaries as they pursued a new form of game. Stepping beyond print magazines, players can enjoy FRIDAY’s beautiful and sexy world in stunning 4K video.
The lead writer is Ken Shimomura, who has worked on hit titles including Chain Chronicle and Onmyoji. The game has an authentic story that also incorporates puzzle-solving elements.
About the cast
Sayaka Tomaru: Born in 1996 in Gunma Prefecture. One of Japan’s leading gravure idols, who marked the 10th anniversary of her debut in 2024. She is also active in dramas, films, and variety shows. Her hobby is saunas.
X: https://x.com/tmr_syk_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrsyk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tmrsyk
Momoha Takatsuru: Born in 2003 in Hokkaido. She began ballet at age two and studied abroad in Switzerland and Belgium. In 2022, she made her entertainment debut after appearing on a romance reality show. She is also active as a member of the idol group Kimi to Miru Sora. Her hobby is violin.
X: https://x.com/sweets_suki3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momoha2003523
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweets_suki3
Shiori Ikemoto: Born in 2002 in Hyogo Prefecture. A finalist in Seikore ‘20, a gateway competition for actors and talents. She is also active as a member of the idol group Teratera. Her hobby is saxophone.
X: https://x.com/teratera_shiori
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiori_ikemoto/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teratera_shiori
Product information
Title: Hamukoi: Sweet Days After I Was Reincarnated as a Hamster With Three Sisters
Platforms: Steam / Epic Games Store
Steam store page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4390720/
Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Genre: Live-action romance simulation game
Release date: July 2026
Price: To be announced
Players: One
Developer and publisher: Kodansha Co., Ltd.
Production cooperation: Tales & Co., Ltd. / Qualia Writers Co., Ltd. / Production Exabilities Co., Ltd.
Copyright: ©Kodansha Ltd.
About Kodansha Creators’ Lab
Kodansha Creators’ Lab (https://creatorslab.kodansha.co.jp/) is an R&D department founded in June 2021 within Kodansha’s Fourth Business Headquarters. With “redefining editing” as its banner, it connects with creators in every genre and brings a wide variety of content into the world beyond books and magazines.
- Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab, supporting independent game creators and planning new game development
- UGC Media Lab, operating the matching-based manga submission site DAYS NEO and more
- Kodansha Cinema Lab, supporting independent video creators and developing new video projects
- Creator Boost Lab, supporting creators’ advancement regardless of genre
- Content Design Lab, proposing content-based solutions to corporate and local-government challenges
- IP Produce Lab, creating new content through producership
Together, these units solve the challenges of companies and local governments through “editing,” as well as helping creators realize their dreams. For the latest information on Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab, see its X account: https://x.com/kodanshaGCL
Source: PR TIMES
