When Ghost of Tsushima first released in 2020, Jin Sakai became one of the most memorable new PlayStation heroes of the generation. Now, with Ghost of Yōtei, fans are meeting a new protagonist who carries that legacy forward in her own way: Atsu, the Onryō. We sat down with actress Erika Ishii, who provides both the voice and performance capture for Atsu, to talk about stepping into such a storied franchise, the challenges of portraying vengeance and vulnerability, and why she considers Atsu one of the most personal roles of her career.

Stepping Into a Legacy In Ghost of Yōtei

For Ishii, joining the world of Ghost of Yōtei wasn’t just another role—it was a daunting challenge. “I was terrified,” she admits with a laugh. “I was a huge fan of Ghost of Tsushima and of Daisuke (Tsuji)’s performance as Jin. It was really daunting at first, but working so closely with the writers from the beginning helped. Atsu is so different from Jin—she’s not poetic, she’s not honorable, and in some ways she’s a lot less mature. The more different we made her, the better I felt about stepping into that legacy.”

That difference is what makes Atsu stand out. Where Jin was defined by honor and restraint, Atsu embraces chaos, pain, and growth.

From Vengeance to Humanity

Known early in the game as “the Onryō,” Atsu begins as a vengeful spirit but gradually evolves into someone with new purpose. Ishii credits the game’s creative team for making that transformation possible. “They gave me a map of her journey right away,” she explains. “We didn’t record chronologically—I might do a scene from the end one day, then the beginning the next—but knowing exactly where she was in her journey kept me grounded.”

It was, she says, a chance to explore the full spectrum of human emotion. “As an actor, you live for those big dramatic moments—crying, raging, breaking down. But what I loved is that between takes, the whole team would laugh and cheer. It was such a joyful process, even when the scenes themselves were devastating.”

Finding Balance in Atsu 

Atsu’s story isn’t just about revenge—it’s also about connection. Her bonds with allies like Wolf and Huci show a softer side beneath her hardened exterior. “It’s a real gift to play a character who isn’t one-dimensional,” Ishii says. “At her heart, Atsu is still that child who’s afraid. Holding onto the happiness of her early memories, her openness, helped me keep her humanity alive, even when she’s consumed by rage.”

That humanity is what Ishii hopes players will discover as they explore the game’s world. “The landscape of Ezo feels like its own character. I want people to take their time, to really explore. The team created something beautiful, and it’s worth slowing down for.”

Inspiration from Samurai Cinema

To prepare for the role, Ishii immersed herself in the genre’s roots. “I’m a huge fan of Kurosawa films, jidaigeki, even anime like Samurai Champloo,” she says. “I grew up with that whole samurai-western tradition. Honestly, homework was a joy because it meant rewatching my favorite films. I think that love came through in my performance, and maybe even helped me land the audition.”

Her favorite weapon choice? No hesitation: “Dual katanas. Musashi, of course. I love the romance of the two-sword style. It’s unorthodox, it’s bold—and that’s Atsu.”

A Role Close to the Heart

What makes Atsu stand out from the many game roles Ishii has played over the years is how personal the process has been. “I’ve never played a character that has my face and moves like me,” she reflects. “Usually in games, you don’t even know what you’re working on—you come in, read disconnected lines, and you’re done. But with Atsu, I was there for the whole journey. She’s close to my heart in a way no other role has been.”

And while Ishii doesn’t carry Atsu’s vengeful energy into her daily life, she admits she’ll miss her. “I tend to switch on and off quickly as an actor, but Atsu feels like a very good friend now. We’re very different people, but I loved living with her for so long.”

Taking Up the Mantle of the Ghost In Ghost of Yōtei

Stepping into the role of “the Ghost” was never going to be easy, given how deeply Jin Sakai resonated with players. But for Ishii, it was an honor worth the pressure. “I love anthology stories—the idea of a legend growing into something bigger than one person. Being part of that legacy is an honor, and a little scary, but incredibly rewarding.”

That first day of motion capture captured that mix of nerves and excitement. “I’m a huge fan of Sony games, so stepping onto the Sony sound stage felt like a dream come true. It was daunting, but so quickly it became fun. The crew made me feel at home.”

Looking Ahead For Ghost of Yōtei

While Ishii hasn’t had the chance to fully explore all of Atsu’s armor sets in-game yet, she’s excited for fans to discover the breadth of customization. “I love a fashion show, and the designs are gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what players gravitate toward.”

As for what she hopes fans will take away from Atsu’s journey? “That sense of discovery. Take your time. Explore the world. Let Atsu’s story unfold at your pace. There’s rage, there’s sorrow, but there’s also hope and joy. That’s what makes her story—and this game—so special.”

The New Face of the Ghost

With Ghost of Yōtei, Erika Ishii doesn’t just bring Atsu to life—she redefines what it means to carry the title of the Ghost. By blending vengeance, vulnerability, and a deep sense of humanity, she ensures Atsu isn’t just a successor to Jin Sakai, but a legend in her own right.

Read our full thought on Ghost of Yōtei, by checking our review article here.