Atelier Ryza producer explains why the main character has such thick thighs

Atelier series producer Junzo Hosoi shared that Ryza's design in Atelier Ryza was partly inspired by Japan's economic downturn. According to him, during times of crisis, people tend to gravitate toward designs with softer, maternal features, which was reflected in the protagonist.

Ryza’s design, created by artist Toridamono, differed significantly from previous heroines in the series, who were predominantly petite. Her thick thighs became a hallmark of the trilogy, and fans noticed their size seemingly increased with each installment.

In the new entry in the series, Atelier Yumia, the studio decided to move away from this trend. According to Hosoi, repeating Ryza’s design would have made Yumia look too similar. Instead, designer Benitama crafted a more contemporary look, drawing inspiration from global trends. The heroine received more form-fitting attire and cleaner silhouettes, in contrast to the “fluffy” style of previous games.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land will be released on March 21, 2025, on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

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Cover author: Gust. Cover source: Automaton Media