I know everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of Idea Factory International’s Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei. I am excited to report that the official website for the visual novel otome game Birushana™: Rising Flower of Genpei is now updated with the following:
- Character Profiles: Shanao, Yoritomo Minamoto, Noritsune Taira, Tomomori Taira, Benkei Musashibo, Shungen
- System: About the Game, Protagonist Name Change, Love Catch, Information Screen, Dictionary, Flowchart
Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei will be arriving physically and digitally for the Nintendo Switch on June 28 in North America and July 1 in Europe. So, let’s check out the details on the game!
About Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei
Fifteen years after the Heiji Rebellion, the Heike clan has reached the height of its power, while the Genji clan remains devastated by defeat. Hidden deep within the mountains of Kurama lives Shanao, the youngest surviving male heir to the Genji name. However, Shanao harbors a deep secret known by very few.
The youngest heir to the Genji name is no man.
Torn between her duty to live up to the Genji family name and her desire to live a peaceful life, Shanao sets off in hopes to take down the Heike stronghold and finally bring peace in the country. Her adventure leads her to find new cherished relationships, as well as something deeper than the feud between the rivaling clans.
Official Synopsis
Key Features
- The Object of My Affection – Five potential routes will reveal different elements of Shanao’s story and relationships. Once you’ve decided on your route, maintain your Affection Level to get up close and personal with someone…
- Testing My Abilities – The Love Catch system allows players to gauge how their choices affect a character’s Affection Level and Shanao’s three Character Abilities of Strength, Knowledge, and Kindness in real time. Keep a close tab on Affection and Character Ability levels to reach a true ending!
- Catch My Love – The Love Catch system allows players to gauge how their choices affect a character’s Affection Level and Shanao’s three Character Abilities of Strength, Knowledge, and Kindness in real time. Keep a close tab on Affection and Character Ability levels to reach a true ending!
- Take Another Stab – After completing a chapter, players can revisit it and manipulate the Affection Levels and Character Abilities. If you feel Shanao is headed down the wrong path, replay the chapter and get back on track!



Characters of Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei
Shanao/ Yoritomo Minamoto
“I’ve made my decision; I’m going to forge my own path!”
Born the youngest daughter of Yoshitomo Minamoto, Shanao was brought to Kurama Temple upon the death of her father in the Heiji Rebellion. There, the monks were instructed to raise her as a boy who could one day grow strong enough to overthrow the Heike.
Trained and raised by Kakunichi, Shanao exceled in matters of military strategy and in combat.
Despite the expectations of those around her, Shanao has always dreamed of a quiet, peaceful life. Having been torn away from her family at a very young age, she yearns for the love of a family.
Yoritomo Minamoto
“Never Forget, your fate is tied to me.“
VA: Makoto Furukawa
Born the youngest son of Yoshitomo Minamoto, Yoritomo’s father and older brothers were all killed by the Heike in the Heiji Rebellion. Just fourteen at the time, Yoritomo’s life was spared from execution by Kiyomori Taira’s step-mother, Lady Ikenozeni.
Instead, Yoritomo was forced to live the hard life of an exile in the land of Izu. After many lonely years, Yoritomo’s heart became cold and isolated. Now he lives with only a single mission, a mission for which he will risk his life: to restore the Genji Clan with himself as its leader.
Tomomori Taira
“You cannot resist fate; give yourself to me here and now.“
VA: Jun Fukuyama
Fourth son of Kiyomori Taira, and graceful in both words and appearances. From the outside he would appear to have little use for war, however, he has time and time again demonstrated himself to be a fierce warrior, a superb general, and a trusted advisor to Kiyomori.
Though the Heike appear to be at the height of their power, Tomomori senses a change in the wind, and knows that all things in this world are one day bound to perish.
Noritsune Taira
“I’ll meet you in battle anytime, anywhere!“
VA: Kengo Kawanishi
Nephew of Kiyomori Taira, and son of Norimori Taira, Noritsune holds nothing but contempt for the soft, decadent clan the Heike has become. Though he may not like the present aristocratic nature of his clan, he takes deep pride in his role as a samurai and is said to be one of the clan’s finest warriors. Unlike Tomomori, Noritsune does not see the gathering storm on the horizon for the Heike.
Being the same age as Shanao, he feels a deep sense of competition with her.
Benkei Musashibo
“Do not fear. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.“
VA: Yuichiro Umehara
Previously a monk at Mount Hiei, Benkei was expelled from that temple after an incident with the Heike. Since then, he has been stealing the swords of Heike officials in response. After being defeated by Shanao, he pledged to become Shanao’s vassal.
Kind, gentle, and good-natured, Benkei and Shanao both share a history of growing up in temples and a dissatisfaction with the brutal rule of the Heike.
Shungen
“Shanao, without you, there’s no reason for me to live.“
VA: Soma Saito
Born a child of Shigenari Minamoto, a vassal of Shanao’s father, Yoshitomo Minamoto, Shungen was brought to Kurama Temple upon the death of his father at the same time as Shanao. Because the two have been together since they were very young, Shungen is aware that Shanao is a woman.
Like Shanao, Shungen was raised at Kurama Temple by Kakunichi. While not as skilled with a sword as Shanao, Shungen is extremely bright and well-read. Despite his small stature and kind appearances, Shungen is extremely brave and protective of Shanao.
System Details
About the Game
In the game, the player takes on the role of Shanao / Yoshitsune Minamoto.
Depending on the dialogue choices and actions taken by the player, the story will advance down one of the five main routes resulting in a Happy or Tragic Ending. After completing a given route, an If ending may become available, presenting a new route with a sub-character.
Protagonist Name Change
Players can change the name of the main character at the beginning of the game by inputting up to ten alphabetic characters for their character.
- The character’s last name of Minamoto, cannot be changed.
- The childhood name “Shanao” can be changed in some cases.
If the player selects the default name, the name of the main character will be fully voice acted by the other characters.
Love Catch
The Love Catch system helps guide the player by immediately showing them how their choice has impacted the story.
After a choice is made, five flowers, each corresponding to one of the lead male characters, will appear on screen. Open flowers indicate the player’s choice has deepened their relationship with that character. The color on the edge of the frame indicates which character ability has increased as a result of the player’s decision.
*This system can be turned off in the settings menu.
Information Screen
The information screen allows players to check their relationship compatibility with each character, as well as view the main character’s abilities. Remember, both relationship compatibility and character abilities will impact the story!
Dictionary
Flowchart
Here players can view their progress throughout the various storylines and replay previously viewed chapters of the story.
Don’t miss out on the Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Limited Edition!
Fans can wishlist the Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Limited Edition on the NA IFI Online Store and check out the coming soon page on the European IFI Online Store today! The Limited Edition versions for both North America and Europe include an exclusive, surprise trading card that Birushana fans don’t want to miss!
The Limited Edition includes:
- Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Game (Switch)
- Collector’s Box
- Steel Game Case
- Official Hardcover Art Book
- Ballad of the Rising Flower (2-Disc Set)
- 2 Audio Dramas (with link to digital translation)
- Official Soundtrack
- 5 Card Double-Sided Bromide Set
- Reversible Cover Sleeve
- Exclusive Trading Card
Want more Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei?
- Official English Website
- Nintendo eShop
- Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Coming to Nintendo Switch Summer 2022!
- Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Launches June 28/July 1 (NA/Europe) on Switch!
Don’t Miss Out–Follow the Official IFI Socials!
Sources: Idea Factory International press release.