Lightspeed Japan has inaugurated a new studio in Osaka, marking its second in the city

Osaka is now home to a second Lightspeed Japan Studio office, signaling significant growth initiatives for the studio. This expansion includes recruiting three esteemed veterans from Capcom, marking "a series of strategic milestones."

VGC reports that on August 26, 2025, Hideaki Itsuno, the head of the Tencent-backed studio and former Capcom director, shared news of this expansion.

Among the new recruits are three renowned Capcom veterans.

Toshihiro Nakagawa, also known as Bingo Morihashi, joins as a narrative designer. Nakagawa has been a key writer for several Devil May Cry titles and the Dragon’s Dogma series alongside Itsuno.

Additionally, artist Daigo Ikeno, known for his character design and art direction in the Street Fighter and Devil May Cry franchises, has been appointed as art director.

The third expert, known as Gouda Cheese or Bengus, renowned for his illustrative work in the Street Fighter series, comes on board as an art designer.

Itsuno disclosed to VGC that approximately one-third of their 40-member team comprised former Capcom professionals. He regards both the new office and the esteemed team members as "a significant step forward" for their operations.

Originally established in November 2024, shortly after Itsuno departed Capcom in September following a three-decade-long career, the studio is focusing on developing major standalone action games as part of a broader global growth strategy and is currently working on an undisclosed AAA title.

Itsuno highlighted the studio's ambitious efforts stating, "Very few studios in Japan are taking on the challenge of building original AAA IP from scratch. That’s exactly what we’re doing."

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with trusted colleagues, mentioning, "It’s good to be able to work with people who I trust like Mr. Nakagawa." Nakagawa's connection with Itsuno stretches back to their collaboration on Devil May Cry 2.

Further, Itsuno noted Ikeno’s role as an art director and Bengus's unique contributions to the team, praising both for their notable understanding and creative prowess.