Introduction
Independent Creative Works "Sakura ARC" is a creative unit founded by creator Haru Minamo to spin "stories" across diverse genres, including indie games, novels, and music.
The Trigger: Waking Up to the Joy of Inference
Originally, I was merely a fan enjoying classic mystery franchises—Chunsoft's sound novels like Banshee's Last Cry, Machi, and 428: Shibuya Scramble, as well as masterpieces like Ace Attorney, The Great Ace Attorney, Paranormasight, and Detective Saburo Jinguji.
The turning point came when I fell deep into Gnosia, a game based on the social deduction game Werewolf. It reawakened in me the pure joy of constructing inferences with my own mind to arrive at the truth.
Later, while playing acclaimed hits like Return to Shironagasu Island and Disco Elysium, I was deeply impressed by their overwhelming world-building. Yet, as a mystery devotee, I felt a powerful urge: "I want to create a work purely specialized in logical puzzle-solving. I can present a mystery that feels far more satisfying." Driven by this impulse, I started developing “Kamiya Detective Agency: High School Girl Vanished in The Summer”.
The choice of a "live-action visual novel" format pays respect to the unique tension and immersion that only live-action can yield, as demonstrated by past classics. However, it also serves a strategic purpose: on a massive platform like Steam crowded with endless indie titles, the distinct atmosphere of live-action becomes a powerful "hook" in a mystery genre dominated by anime-style visuals.
Furthermore, live-action production—which once demanded massive costs and labor—can now be achieved at high quality by a single individual or a tiny team utilizing modern generative AI tech (such as ComfyUI). This technical breakthrough is what made this project possible.
Pursuing a "Fair Logical Puzzle"
I don't hold a pretentious, high-minded obsession with the mystery genre. However, as a mystery fan, I strongly feel that it must remain a fair logical puzzle for the reader or player.
Deducing the logical solution strictly from the provided information.
Experiencing that intellectual thrill within the overwhelming realism of live-action.
This "honest puzzle-solving" is what Sakura ARC strives to deliver.
Why Use AI?
The primary reason Sakura ARC utilizes AI is, of course, overwhelming efficiency. Yet, that is not all. There is a far more personal, urgent reason.
First, the creator is terribly inept at interpersonal negotiation and team management. Second, is the stark reality of being a lone creator operating without an abundant budget.
In order to produce live-action works, one would normally need a massive cast and crew, alongside the organizational capability to lead them. AI has allowed me to leap over those hurdles with ease. By viewing AI as an "extension" of oneself, a single person can materialize their ideals without belonging to any organization or spending massive capital. AI is the ultimate, irreplaceable weapon for the "socially clumsy individual" to fight on equal footing with the world.
Conclusion: An Endless Experiment
To be honest, I have no grandiose visions or pretentious reasons. I am simply and purely enjoying the "experiment" itself—developing a game alone with AI as my partner and constructing this very website.
By the way, mentioning Gnosia and Ace Attorney in the first half was actually just a facade written by AI to include classic games for SEO purposes.
...But, well, the fact that I enjoyed those masterpieces like an absolute madman is undeniably true.
Today (May 13, 2026), I successfully submitted the Steam store page for our game Kamiya Detective Agency: High School Girl Vanished in The Summer for review. With a relaxed stance—"if it hits on Steam, awesome"—I want to continue materializing what I want to make at my own pace.
Related Links (Gnosia) (Updated: 2026/5/20)
Here is the official link collection for Gnosia—the absolute masterpiece blending social deduction and science fiction that heavily inspired this project.
(*Note: Please keep in mind that our game, "Kamiya Detective Agency," is a purely linear real-life mystery visual novel without complex branching paths or loop systems. Please do not expect gameplay systems like Gnosia.)
Gnosia Game Stores & Platforms
Steam Version
Nintendo Switch Version
PlayStation 5 Version
PlayStation 4 Version
Xbox Version
iOS Version (App Store)
Android Version (Google Play)
Gnosia Official Sites & Media
Petit Depotto (Developer Blog)
Mebius Official Page (Nintendo Switch)
PLAYISM Official Game Page (Original)
Gnosia Official X (@gnosia_off)
Aniplex Official Page (TV Anime)
TV Anime Official Website
Stage Play "Gnosia The Live Playing Theater"