The allure of the “real thing” discovered through reprinted T-shirts【20th　UT ARCHIVE vol.6　 Street Fighter】

Countless alluring graphics have adorned UT items to date. As we mark UT’s 20th anniversary this year, an archive project has started to reprint some of our past offerings. What kinds of feelings and emotions rest in the motifs that have transcended time and are loved by people all over the world? Let’s explore this through the words of the creators and those involved. This time we are focusing on the video game Street Fighter, which appeared on UT in 2009. We spoke with Shoei Okano, a member of the Capcom artwork team, who has worked on numerous illustrations and logos for the Street Fighter series.

Street Fighter II as an outstanding communication tool.

Q. On this T-shirt, the command for main character Ryu’s special move, the Hadoken (fireball attack) in Street Fighter II, is printed. What is the story behind the development of this killer technique?

A. As a matter of fact, the Hadoken also appeared in the previous work, Street Fighter. It was playable if you used a hidden command that was not openly disclosed. Even if you remembered how to summon it, it wasn’t easy to perform. However, if you had practiced, you could turn the match around with one shot. It was a move that could bring a player back from a hopeless situation. In Street Fighter II, we reduced the power of the move and made it easier for anyone to use. Combined with other techniques, it deepened tactical gameplay. This command is sometimes used in other games as well, and it became so well known that it earned the status of a proper noun, the Hadoken Command.

Q. As a game, what innovation did Street Fighter II bring to the industry?

A. As it is necessary to have an opponent and be able to read their tactics, the game is an excellent communication tool. And, it is exciting not only for the players but for others watching as well. In fact, during the Street Fighter II boom, competitions full of enthusiasts were held all over the world. I believe that has been carried over as e-sports today.

Q. What do you think is the reason for the game continuing to grab the attention of people regardless of their age, gender, or nationality?

A. Win or lose, it’s a fun game. I believe that is an appealing aspect of the game that never fades away. Over the past few years, the generation that grew up with Street Fighter II has become active in society. Thus, there are more and more opportunities to feature Street Fighter II and the series in various fields. I feel that the current generation has accepted the series as a cultural item that transcends fads.

Q. The latest edition in the series, Street Fighter 6, is scheduled for release; what has evolved in the game?

A. Street Fighter 6 is packed with a variety of features, such as the most powerful and overwhelmingly beautiful graphics and rich motion to date. It also incorporates a world tour mode, a first for the series. The highlight is the intense battles between Ryu and Guile, who have grown more refined and mature with age, and the youthful new characters. Additionally, the passion of the production team, who grew up with the titles of the past, is also inherent. I believe people will be able to sense both the newness and the enduring appeal of the series in Street Fighter 6.

Q. Please share your feelings about having the T-Shirt graphic that was sold in 2009 reprinted for this collection.

A. I am super happy that it was reprinted because I could not buy it the first time in 2009! The character and logo are not overemphasized, so the T-shirt can be worn as a daily item. I also like the design that will make people who know about the character say, “Wow, that’s cool!” This time, I quickly purchased a number of them so I could have some for daily use, one for just looking at, and one for preserving!