New Beginnings in Japan is a Ren'Py visual novel by Shikharsfree, presented with animated 3DCG scenes. You follow Kiara, a strong-willed woman who loses her memory after an unexplained incident and moves to Japan for a fresh start. Everyone around her remembers what happened, while she must rebuild her life through branching choices. The story centers on corruption and cheating, as her decisions and those of supporting characters shape consequences across multiple perspectives.
The current build is Chapter 2 version 0.8.5, released on September 1, 2026, and development is ongoing. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac in English, without censorship. The latest update provided revised content and completed proofreading. Earlier notes mention job updates, gallery changes, animation fixes, and adjusted corruption and money values, showing continued refinement of the visual novel's systems and presentation.
Developer's description
New beginnings in japan revolves around a girl's life who's lost her memories due to an unknown event in her life where everyone but her knows the past , how will her life unfold? How do the others around her handle it?
It ultimately is upto you and your decisions throughout the game!
Spoiler
Kiara, the strong-willed main protagonist, sets off on a new journey as she moves to Japan to start a new chapter in her life. But her story is not just hers to tell, as you, the player, will play a crucial role in shaping her path in life through the choices you make.
Throughout the game, Kiara and others will encounter a series of events that will test their character and morality, and it is up to you to guide her down the path of either goodness or corruption.
With an array of captivating characters around her, each with their own motives and personalities, Kiara must navigate through the challenges and make decisions that will impact her fate and overall dignity, this of course also applies to other characters in the game as well!
The game will be designed to give you complete control over Kiara's journey, and every choice you make will have consequences that will affect the outcome of the story. This visual novel offers an immersive and interactive experience, with a dynamic storyline that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Will she succumb to corruption, or will she rise to greatness? The choice is yours.
Ch. 2 v.0.8.5
- Updated content
- Proofread done
Ch. 2 v.0.8.4
- Updated content ( All Jobs )
Ch. 2 v.0.8.2
- Updated content ( All Jobs )
Ch. 2 v.0.8.2
- Updated content
Ch. 2 v.0.8.1
- Updated content
- Sound fix for day four.
Ch. 2 v.0.7.0
- Updated Content
- Gallery updated
Ch. 2 v.0.6.9B
- Updated Content
- Gallery updated
- FIXED BUGS FOR ANIMATION PLAYBACKS
Ch. 2 v.0.6.9
- Updated Content
- Gallery updated
- Fixed animation errors for valentina's scene
- Variables updated
- Game size reduced
Ch. 2 v.0.6.8
- Updated Content
- Fixed animation errors.
- Variables updated
Ch. 2 v.0.6.7
- Updated Content
- Adjusted some corruption and money values.
- Fixed animation errors.
Ch. 2 v.0.6.6
- Updated Content
- Adjusted some corruption and money values.
- Fixed Natsuko Loop bug
Ch. 2 v.0.6.5
- Updated Content
- Adjusted some corruption values in both gain and reduction.
Ch. 2 v.0.6.4
- Updated Content
- Added alteration for scene modifier.
- Adjusted some corruption values in both gain and reduction.
Ch. 2 v.0.6.3
- Updated Content
- Updated Gallery
- Fixed going shelly route to enable Vince choices
Ch. 2 v.0.6.2.F
- Updated Content (Scene Extensions of canon)
- Fixed last choice to pick neither if subway nor love is selected path
- Gallery loop for Lana scene fixed
- Game Size reduced
Ch. 2 v.0.6.2
- Updated Content
- Variables added for alteration scenes
- Updated Gallery to latest
Ch. 2 v.0.6.1
- Updated Content
- Fixed the variable bugs in innocent path
Ch 1 and 2 Remaster
- Updated content (Remastered old scenes and added renders to existing for cohesive flow of story)
- Added DLC Episode Canonically in story.
- Added bonus/non canon scene previews for free versions.
- Fixed and adjusted some corruption values.
Chp2 - DLC Episode
- Updated content
Chp. 2 v.0.5.0
Updated Content
- Bug fix for non loyal path to azumi
Chp. 2 v 0.5
- Updated Content
- Story revamped for better pacing
- Fixed some error codes in unique situations
Chp. 2 v 0.4.9
- Updated Content
- Gallery updated with latest scenes
- Dialogue changes for consistency
Chp. 2 v0.4.8
- Updated content
- Adjusted font size
Chp. 2 v0.4.7
- Updated content
- Veronica modifier
- Tweaked UI delay
Chp. 2 v0.4.6
- Updated content
- Revamped entire UI for better look and management of systems
- Made changes to fondness system to appear as per scenes
- Increased corruption on certain events
- Altered scenes included depending on what other characters do.
- Modifier bugs fixed
- Romance and strength system included in compendium with fill preview
- Updated gallery
Chp. 2 v0.4.5
- Updated content
- Modifier for Keisuke and Azumi added
- Fixed sound loop bug
Chp. 2 v0.4.4
- Updated content
- Modifier for Damian added.
- Fixed few indent errors
- Fixed gallery bug during streaming scene.
Chp. 2 v0.4.3
- Updated content
- Gallery updated
- Added modifier for rose
Chp. 2 v0.4,2
- Updated content
- Added custom scene modifier for romance
Chp. 2 v0.4.1
- Updated content
- Expanded gallery mode
- Added music to few scenes
Chp. 2 v0.4
-Update
- Added UI for wallet/purse
- Added see saw romance system
- Fixed gallery mode bug
- Fixed old saves bug
Chp. 2 v0.3
-Update
- Added gallery UI and mode
- Combined chapter 1 and 2
Chp. 2 v0.2
-Update
- Added a compendium/glossary of important characters
- Added Fondness meter and UI
Chp. 2 v0.1
- Update
- Music for few scenes
- Fixed loop bug
Ch. 1 FULL
- Full game
Player reviews
Player rating2.0 / 5 · 20 ratings
Written reviews20 · avg 2.4★
Positive (4–5★)20%
Latest review2026-04-06
What players say
Most players are disappointed by slow, limited protagonist content, while a few praise the story and renders.
5★4
4★0
3★1
2★10
1★5
Players like
Attractive female characters and high-quality renders
Some players enjoy the story and world-building
The female protagonist is visually appealing
Common complaints
Female protagonist has very little sexual content
Too many side characters make the story confusing
Slow pacing and long text-heavy updates
Best for players who like attractive renders and can tolerate slow protagonist progress.
Summarised from 20 written player reviews.
Kawasumi_Nana2026-04-06★★★★★
When the developer stated, “Romance / Non-corrupted path: Kiara/MC can end up with either one of the two guys or one of the two girls, depending on who you go for,” in response to the question “What kind of split…
aletheperv2026-04-04★★★★★
Just don't bother, plain and simple. If you like to have blue balls be my guest and try it. if you are a lesbian or like lesbians then you might like it but don't get your hopes up. the renders…
scaryterry192025-12-17★★★★★
Where to even start? Maybe with the game randomly closing on you after the update is done with no "Please save here" message. The slow burn in this one with the MC is agonizing to the point I actually forgot…
★★★★★(20)
