Retro tech stores, cat-run hotels, and haunted subway stations await in Obojima: Tales from Yatamon
An RPG setting inspired by Studio Ghibli films and The Legend of Zelda series
Explore a bustling city filled to the brim with spirits, witches, and the best damn ramen you’ll ever taste in Obojima: Tales from Yatamon.
Tales from Yatamon is the latest release in the Obojima series of tabletop RPG books, published by 1985 Games and designed to be used with the popular DnD 5E system. Following on from the release of the core book - Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass - and after a successful crowdfunding campaign last year, which collected over $900,000, a D&D Beyond version of Tales from Yatamon is set to be launched later this month.
As an original setting, Obojima combines the whimsy of Studio Ghibli with the sense of wondrous discovery in The Legend of Zelda series - alongside elements of ‘80s and ‘90s retro anachronism - to make a truly unique world for players to explore.
In Obojima, stories move at a slower, more relaxed pace when compared to the more intensive campaigns that most DnD 5E players might be used to. This is what makes it perfect for roleplayers who are tired of their TTRPG sessions being dominated by countless dungeons and never-ending combat. In this world, problems are more often solved by creative ideas or doing a kind deed than by slaying a bunch of monsters. Though danger certainly does exist in Obojima, for those eager enough - and stupid enough - to seek it out.
The ancient island of Obojima is populated by a tapestry of strange, but kind people; with human; elf; spirit; Nakudama (frog folk); and Dara (magic beings) all living side-by-side. From the crystalline waters resting off the coast of Sky Kite Valley, to the delicious brews found in Chisuay’s Teahouse, there’s always something fantastical and unforgettable waiting for anyone willing to explore the world of Obojima with an open mind and heart.
In one settlement lies Yatamon, the largest city on the island. Yatamon is a sprawling magical metropolis home to secrets and spirits, and is the focus of the latest book in the Obojima series. Tales from Yatamon features a detailed overview of the city; covering its storied history; diverse districts; many inhabitants (both corporeal and not); various factions; available adventures; and dozens upon dozens of fascinating shops, restaurants, markets, tea houses, hotels, izakayas, shrines, and museums to visit.
An entire hotel run by awakened cats; a multi-level market filled with possessed artifacts; the headquarters for Obojima’s postal knights; a delicatessen run by a cheerful Nakudama - in Yatamon, you never know what you’ll find down the next side-street or through the next doorway. Of course, there are a few neighbourhoods you might want to steer clear of, namely the abandoned subway that’s home to lurking demons and Howler gangs. But whether you want to buy film for your instant camera, train to be a master swordswielder, or learn how to ride a broomstick: there’s so much to do in Yatamon.
Despite its large size and busy populace, Yatamon isn’t missing the warmth and kindness that characterises the entire island of Obojima. There are still plenty of friendly faces to meet across the city - like the talented bicycle engineer, Dappa, or Matsu, the owner of the Green Glass Inn, or Hika the librarian who works at the AHA Research Academy, or Amishka the weaver at the Hyousou warehouse.
Most of all, Yatamon is a city strewn with fascinating magical oddities that are just aching to be investigated - phone booths filled with swimming koi fish, a hot air balloon powered by a giant candle, a trolley depot run by a team of spirits, and much, much more. Yatamon is definitely the epitome of the Obojima series’ own brand of highly unique whimsical anachronism.
Obojima: Tales from Yatamon and Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass were both co-written by Adam Lee, Ari Levitch, and Jeremiah Crofton, and published by 1985 Games - with rules development from Jeremiah Crofton and Tony Casper.
The hardback version of Obojima: Tales from Yatamon can be pre-ordered from the Obojima online store, with the digital PDF version of the book available to download right now. The D&D Beyond version of Tales from Yatamon will be released on October 27th 2026.
