Kokoro (video game)

Kokoro
Publisher(s)	Aaru
Platform(s)	Windows 95/98
Release date(s)	1998
Genre(s)	bishōjo game
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	N/A
Media/distribution	1 CD-ROM

Kokoro (コ・コ・ロ…) is an adult bishōjo game released on December 4, 1998 in Japan by Aaru. The title is pronounced "ko ko ro," with a break between each syllable. "Kokoro" is Japanese for "heart," and the title represents both the literal breaking of the katakana expression for "heart" and the figurative breaking of the protagonist's heart. The game deals with incest, sexual abuse, homosexuality and murder.

The game was once banned from sale and was later re-released in a modified version (the characters' relationships were changed from blood relatives to in-laws) without consent of the Ethics Organization of Computer Software (EOCS) on January 29, 1999. During this time, the game commanded record prices in the secondhand market. A novel adapted by Kakeru Sawano was published in June 1999.

The first part and the latter part of the game's original video animation (OVA) adaptation were released by Alice Japan on December 21, 2001 and on June 21, 2002 respectively.

There are two sequels to the game. The second volume, Kokoro II, drawn by Yuna Kagesaki, was released on August 25, 2000. The final volume, Kokoro 0, was released on May 28, 2004. At the 2006 summer Comiket, Yuna Kagesaki sold a manga that centered around events from Kokoro II.

Story

When he was younger, Sōji Kuonji was raped by his father and mother. He later had sexual intercourse with both of his sisters and still engages in sex with his younger sister, Asuka, at her urging. When his older sister, Kasumi, murders their parents, Sōji murders her in return and dismembers her body to dispose of it. Sōji remains sexually active, but takes no pleasure in his encounters with assorted classmates and his teacher. Worse yet, repressed memories of being molested continue to torment him.

Characters

Sōji Kuonji (久遠寺 宗治, Kuonji Sōji)

He is the story's protagonist. Having been sexually abused by both his parents and commited incest with both of his sisters, he no longer seems to enjoy sex. He murdered his sister Kasumi after she killed their parents. Later on, he marries his teacher, Mizuki, after which he becomes kindhearted and takes the reins as president of the family business.

Asuka Kuonji (久遠寺 明日香, Kuonji Asuka)

She is Sōji's younger sister. She helps him to dismember Kasumi's body for disposal. Asuka is the one who usually initiates the incestuous encounters between Sōji and herself. She is extremely possessive of Sōji and is clearly jealous when he seems to be developing feelings for Miyuki. She later changes her name to Asuka Yūki and becomes the vice-president of the family business.

Kasumi Kuonji (久遠寺 華澄, Kuonji Kasumi)

She is Sōji's older sister. She murders her parents and is subsequently murdered by her brother. One of the possible endings of the prequel, Kokoro 0, bears the shocking revelation that Kasumi was actually the one who gave birth to Sōji, making her his mother, and not his sister, as previously believed.

Ruri Kuonji (久遠寺 瑠璃, Kuonji Ruri)

Sōji's mother. Her maiden name is Ruri Yūki.

Genzaburō Kuonji (久遠寺 源三郎, Kuonji Genzaburō)

Sōji's father. He was the president of a company.

Makoto Sena (瀬名 真琴, Sena Makoto)

She is a senior classmate of Sōji's. Remaining unmarried, she becomes an office worker and later trains Subaru Kuonji.

Akira Sena (瀬名 晶, Sena Akira)

He is Makoto's brother. He loves Sōji and his sister.

Mayumi Akiba (秋葉 真結美, Akiba Mayumi)

She loves Sōji.

Christine Russell

She is an exchange student from overseas.

Mizuki Sakakibara (榊原 瑞紀, Sakakibara Mizuki)

She is Sōji's teacher. She marries him in Kokoro II.

Subaru Kuonji (久遠寺 昴, Kuonji Subaru)

He is the son of Sōji and Mizuki.

Chizuru Yūki (結城 千鶴, Yūki Chizuru)

She is Asuka's daughter. Her father is unknown.

Sayaka Saotome (早乙女 沙弥香, Saotome Sayaka)

Kasumi's spirit possesses her.

External links

• (Japanese) Author's site