Overview

Breath of Fire II: Shimei no Ko (translation: Breath of Fire II: The Destined Child) is the Japanese CD release of Breath of Fire II: Shimei no Ko’s soundtrack, published by Sony Music Entertainment Japan and released on January 21, 1995.¹² It features a selection of 28 music tracks from the original Super Famicom version of the game and marks the first time the Breath of Fire series received a soundtrack release.

The 17-page album booklet includes a tracklist, flute/horn/strings/oboe/bass/drums sheet music for “The Whale (La-la-la)”, a story overview, character bios, “details” on the game’s production (more on this later), brief liner notes from composer Yuko Takehara (then known by her maiden name, Kadota), and album credits.

Tracklist

Click on a track to be taken to the Breath of Fire II music page’s track breakdown.

“The Whale (La-la-la)” Sheet Music

Click to enlarge.

Breath of Fire II – Shimei no Ko (Album) Booklet Page 1

Breath of Fire II – Shimei no Ko (Album) Booklet Page 2

Breath of Fire II – Shimei no Ko (Album) Booklet Page 3

Breath of Fire II – Shimei no Ko (Album) Booklet Page 4

(Images: Capcom / Dragnier)

Album Booklet (English Translation)

Translation: RJ Seitz
Editing: Odjn Ryu

Dragnier Note: This booklet translation uses in-game English localized names/terms wherever applicable, with editor’s notes included in parentheses to clarify any differences between English and Japanese.

– The Story of the distant hero and the as-yet unseen hero –

Dragnier Note: Myria was previously called “Tyr” in the English localization of the first Breath of Fire, and was referred to as “Miria” in the English localization of Breath of Fire II, until finally localized as “Myria” in the English localization of Breath of Fire III.

Characters

Ryu
Dragon Clan
Height: 167cm / 5′-5 3/4″
Weight: 57kg / 125.66 lbs.
Born May 1st, 16 years old

The protagonist of this work. Until age six, he lived with his father and younger sister, Yua, but due to a certain incident, he was left without a single relative.

Nina
Wing Clan
Height: 160cm / 5′-3″
Weight: 34kg / 74.96 lbs. (due to a light skeletal structure)
Born October 9th, 17 years old

Nina, the foremost princess of the kingdom of Wyndia, is elegant, polite, and sociable; a princess with it all. However, because of the black wings growing from her back, an ill omen, she has been shunned by people since childhood.

Bow (Japanese Name: Bosch)
Grassrunners
Height: 156cm / 5′-1 3/8″
Weight: 60kg / 132.28 lbs.
Born December 16th, 15 years old

Although he’s a bit chunky, he has great reflexes and is always cheerful. He has known the protagonist for 10 years. Despite being alone since birth, Bow tends to enjoy life thanks to his jovial attitude.

Katt (Japanese Name: Rinpuu)
Tiger Person (Woren / Japanese: Fuuren)
Height: 154cm / 5′-5/8″
Weight: 42kg / 92.59 lbs.
Born April 19th, 15 years old

Katt, a daughter of the tiger people (Woren), was born a fighting extraordinaire. Possessing immense physical stamina and animal-like agility, her brute strength is comparable to that of an unrivaled warrior. She is often driven to fight, having been raised as a member of the rare race of tiger people.

Rand
Shell Clan
Height: 218cm / 7′-1 7/8″
Weight: 140kg / 308.65 lbs.
Born March 14th, 31 years old

Rand is from the Shell Clan, known for their huge, shelled bodies and their gentle inclination. Unlike other members of his race, he left his village at a young age and experienced numerous trades while overcoming many a danger. He has overcome all situations before him with his strength and courage alone. For Rand, it can truly be said that he is a natural adventurer.

Sten
Highlanders
Height: 169cm / 5′-6 1/2″
Weight: 60kg / 132.28 lbs.
Born July 15th, 19 years old

Sten’s birthplace is among those of the eastern Highlanders. They excel as a clan of exceptional fighters, and the royal guard in particular is composed of the most powerful warriors. Sten was a member of the royal guard long ago, but one day, he became a frivolous man and was discharged. Somehow, even to this day, he remains a carefree traveler.

Jean (Japanese Name: Tapeta)
Creeping Clan
Height: 160 cm / 5′-3″
Weight: 88kg / 194 lbs.
Born March 3rd, 17 years old

Ekaru Hoppe de pe Jean (Japanese Name: Ekaru-Hoppaado-Pe-Tapeta)

The one with this particularly long name is Prince Jean. He is a bit of a talkative and flamboyant narcissist. Despite everyone thinking of him as such, he himself has little awareness of this. Nonetheless, he is not despised. People see him as cheerful, fun, and undetestable.

Spar (Japanese Name: Aspar)
Grassman
Height: 181cm / 5′-11 1/4″
Weight: 58kg / 127.87 lbs.
Born February 2nd, 111 years old (16 in human years)

Grassmen have one of the longest lifespans of any race in this world. In their youth, they travel the world and eventually face the destiny of becoming a tree when they are of age. Spar, like most Grassmen, has spent practically all of his life travelling. He continues his journey, seeking the answer to the most profound mystery of his kind: “Why do we exist?”

Breath of Fire II Behind the Scenes of Production

“Get to it, Jinta!“

Dragnier Note: The following game production “behind the scenes” story, written by a key planner and story writer of Breath of Fire II’s staff, is an over-the-top, completely fictionalized story about the development of the game. When this story was submitted for the Breath of Fire II album booklet, management insisted that a normal production diary be written. This request was disregarded and instead, this humorous story was pushed through.

☆Main Characters

Jinta Aki: Protagonist. A 25-year-old, hot-blooded newcomer and planner. He is in charge of assistant planning for Breath of Fire II.

Ouha Yamaga: Jinta’s boss. Head of Breath of Fire II. He is a calm, cool-headed, and sharp-looking handsome man.

Sonoko Toukai: In charge of the characters appearing in Breath of Fire II. She is a beautiful and intelligent idol within the company. Jinta has a subtle crush on her.

Katsuji Yone: Also in charge of character design. Entered the company the same year as Jinta. He is the team’s cheerful and frivolous mood maker.

Hajime Shinshuu: In charge of software. While he may not be personable, he is a programmer with a burning desire to make a truly interesting game.

Chou-Juan: A woman wrapped in a qipao of unknown nationality. She is actually a certain country’s spy, scheming to take Breath of Fire II abroad.

Kinpou: Juan’s underling. A large man of unrivaled, superhuman strength.

● Jinta, who was ordered to write Breath of Fire II’s scenario and summarize the previous installment, was troubled. For several nights, he stayed up late writing the scenario, but it was not to Chief Yamaga’s liking. Just what the heck was so bad about it?

Episode 8: “The Scenario of Love and Courage”

Jinta sat at his desk in the corner of the planning room, holding his head in his hands. Spread out on his desk was a manuscript tattered from being reread over and over again. The manuscript was a crystallization of Jinta’s efforts over the past several days, with powerful characters depicting love and courage. Jinta’s eyes painstakingly followed the story for the tenth time. “…And, the hero saved the princess, and they lived happily ever after.”

When he read the final part out loud, Jinta couldn’t hold back the tears welling up inside him. They were tears of both emotion and frustration over his uncertainty.

“I don’t know… I just don’t know… This is such a good story… What did Chief Yamaga not like about it? I really don’t know what to do anymore…”

Before he knew it, it was time to leave the office. Indifferent to his ongoing troubles, his colleagues left for home, one after another. The long summer sun was finally setting and cast its rays diagonally onto Jinta’s desk as it slipped between buildings. There was no one in the planning room left.

Jinta, now alone, reread the manuscript, but his eyes were no longer following the text. Yamaga’s words of rejection were a refrain in Jinta’s mind.

“No good,” Yamaga said coldly while pushing back the stacked manuscript. It was as though Jinta could see the intelligent glint of Yamaga’s eyes coldly flash at him from behind his glasses.

He was so proud of this piece, and he barely slept for 3 days and 3 nights writing it. He was confident that players would be moved by it. He thought Yamaga would acknowledge that. Instead, the manuscript he presented with such triumph was pushed back at him.

“You see, Jinta. I told you to write a story of ‘love and courage.’ What is this? Is the love you speak of this shallow? It’s no good, Jinta. Rewrite it.”

As Yamaga finished speaking, he turned his back to Jinta and began to work on something else. Jinta was taken aback as he watched him immediately immerse himself in his work.

The bundled manuscript in his hand faintly trembled.

“Which part… which part is no good?” He blurted out without thinking. He knew he should have kept his mouth shut as his tone became accusatory. Nevertheless, the cries of the rookie planner couldn’t stop Yamaga’s working hand.

“Reflecting on that is the planner’s job…”

The planner’s job. Jinta murmured those words.

The vicinity became completely dark. Jinta, remaining alone in the planning room, was enveloped in the summer night. “Whatever the case, let’s try reading it over once more…”

At that moment, the lights in the room turned on. His dark-adjusted eyes were dazzled by the fluorescent light. He hadn’t noticed the light was on, having been overly absorbed in his worries until now.

“Y’know, if you work in the dark like this, your eyesight will go bad.”

It was Sonoko Toukai.

“Sonoko-sempai…”

Sonoko moved her hand from the light switch to her hips. Her appearance was that of a teacher dealing with an under-performing student, or an older sister scolding her younger brother.

“What are you so focused on?” she said as her tall figure, wrapped in a fine gray suit, approached Jinta. Sonoko, who wore heels, was about the same height as Jinta. Her ample chest was level with the seated Jinta’s eyeline.

As Sonoko came to Jinta’s side, she casually bent down and placed her hands on his desk. Her straight hair slid smoothly over her shoulders. She emanated a soft, floral scent.

“What is this… is this the new scenario?”

She looked back at Jinta through her parted, silky hair. Her somewhat nearsighted eyes narrowed.

“Y, yeah…”

Without waiting for Jinta’s flustered response, Sonoko began reading the manuscript. Jinta’s heartbeat raced as Sonoko read the manuscript, her lips moving quietly.

As Jinta stared fascinatingly at the lovely curve made by her jaw and neckline, Sonoko’s face unexpectedly lifted and he let out a ridiculous exasperation.

“Huh!?”

“…so that’s why this is no good.”

Jinta realized Sonoko reiterated what Yamaga had said. She shook her head slightly as she repeated herself.

“Jinta-kun… this isn’t love or courage. This is just the protagonist freely making assumptions on his own for the sake of his own self-satisfaction.”

Sonoko’s criticism was so on-point that Jinta unwittingly kicked his chair and stood up. Sonoko let out a small shriek of surprise. Jinta, paying no mind to this, placed both hands on her slender shoulders.

“That’s it! That’s exactly it, Sonoko-sempai! Why didn’t I notice until now!? This is what Yamaga was talking about!” Sonoko had no idea what was transpiring as she was shaken vigorously by the shoulders.

“W… wait a second. What’s the matter, Jinta-kun?”

“Thank you! That’s Sonoko-sempai for ya! Hahaha!” Jinta laughed joyfully from the bottom of his heart. Sonoko found herself laughing with him before she even realized it.

“What are you talking about… you dummy…”

“Really… thank you so much… I was feeling so down, not being able to figure out what was wrong with the scenario. But with a little help from Sonoko-sempai, now I’ve got it… Love isn’t something you feel alone, it’s mutual…”

As he spoke, Jinta suddenly realized his hands were on the shoulders of a woman he admired dearly.

“Sonoko-sempai…”

Sonoko’s shoulders stiffened under Jinta’s hands as she realized it was just the two of them alone in the room. Sonoko, looking embarrassed, lowered her face. She tucked her chin in, then glanced up slightly.

Her and Jinta’s eyes met.

“Sempai…” Jinta’s grip gradually tightened. He pulled her tender shoulders, which fit perfectly in his palms, closer. At that instant, the doors to the planning room opened. Katsuji Yone appeared, speaking boisterously.

“Hey! Jinta, you still workin’?”

Jinta hastily pulled himself away from Sonoko. Approaching them without hesitation, Katsuji spoke up in a purposefully crude tone.

“Don’t think you can lay a hand on my beloved Sonoko without working for it,” he said, laughing uproariously as he gave Jinta a big pat on the back.

“Eh, you probably don’t have the guts for that anyway, hehehehe.”

Jinta tried to keep his cold sweat under wraps. Sonoko looked at the two of them as if nothing happened. Katsuji, paying no mind to Jinta, proceeded.

“I was invited here ’cause I heard you were having some trouble, and thought I might give you some encouragement. When you’re fretting over something, the best thing is to just let loose and make a big ruckus.”

“C’mon, c’mon, let’s go! Well then, Sonoko dear, catch ya later!”

Giving in to Katsuji, Jinta left the room. He looked back at Sonoko, who was smiling.

● Summary of Previous Events: Jinta submitted his completed scenario to the software developer, at last. However, because he had overly crammed too many elaborate effects, he was told it couldn’t be produced by the deadline. Since the deadline cannot be extended, Jinta’s scenario must be significantly cut…

Episode 17: “Bridge of Sincerity”

The young software developer took a look at Jinta’s bundled manuscript, eyes widening.

The several-hundred page contents of the folder far exceeded what was common sense when it came to making games up to that point. The software developer spoke while shaking his head.

“This is unreasonable.”

Even simply reading the massive proposal would take a lot of time. Considering all the other work he had to do, he didn’t have that kind of time.

“It needs to be shorter. If possible, please cut it in half. If you don’t, there’s no way we can complete it on time,” the software developer said without even bothering to read it.

Jinta, feeling angered by his attitude, didn’t back down.

“If we can somehow go along with this scenario, Breath of Fire II will be the kind of masterpiece that appears only once in every 10, no, make that 100 years!”

Jinta stared intently into the software developer’s eyes as he spoke. Seeing Jinta’s eyes overflow with powerful confidence, the man’s expression darkened.

He would like to try making it Jinta’s way; that’s what he felt. But, his estimate wasn’t wrong; there truly was not enough time.

“As disappointing as it is, I can’t do it.”

He spoke firmly, and looked away from Jinta. Feelings of disappointment and frustration surged within Jinta’s chest. He wanted the plan to take shape no matter what. Taking the bulging folder in his hands, he laid it out and thrust it in front of the software developer.

“At the very least, please try reading it! Then you’ll surely know how interesting it is!!”

The software developer lowered his head, as if avoiding the proposal before his eyes. He muttered apologetically, “I’m sorry but…”

The worked up Jinta flipped through the pages of the proposal. He spoke as he pointed out page after page.

“Hey, look at this? Isn’t it interesting? And look at this! C’mon, please look! …oh!”

The folder slipped from Jinta’s hands as he hastily flipped through the pages.

The several-hundred page scenario fell out of the folder and scattered on the ground. Jinta knelt down on the spot. No matter how hard he worked to write it, if it didn’t come into fruition it would be nothing more than mere pieces of paper.

Amid the scattered proposals, Jinta felt like crying. His misery grew as he got on his hands and knees to pick it up.

“Stop your whining, kid!”

An angry voice flew at Jinta as he crawled on the floor, gathering the fragmented papers. The lead programmer, Hajime Shinshuu, looked down at Jinta with his arms crossed.

“I don’t care what kind of scenario you’re holding there, but this is isn’t about your amusement! It’s too long! A project that can’t be finished on time is useless! Don’t be whining just because it was rejected, you naive little planner boy!”

Jinta retorted, feeling rather offended by the mocking tone.

“I’m not whining! I just want to make Breath of Fire II a more interesting game!”

Shinshuu snorted.

“Hna! What could a little twerp like you do? Are you that confident about your plan?”

Jinta stood up, maintaining his eye contact with Shinshuu as he spoke.

“I am,” said Jinta, continuing to glare.

Shinshuu, with arms crossed, looked up into the eyes of the taller Jinta. Shinshuu’s mouth contorted into the shape of a smile. He laughed nasally once more.

“Hna! Fine, kid. Show me.”

Still maintaining eye contact, Shinshuu reached out his hand. Jinta slammed the files he had gathered into his open hand. Without averting his eyes, Shinshuu spoke, his lips twisting into a ghastly smile.

“But if this turns out to be boring, I think you get the message, kid…”

Jinta felt the danger in Shinshuu’s smile, but there was no turning back now. Trusting in his work, Jinta stood firm.

Several hours passed. Shinshuu continued reading the proposal as Jinta anxiously watched. It was a long couple of hours. The lead programmer finished the last page and deliberately shut the folder with an ostentatious thud. To Jinta, it sounded like the strike of a judge’s gavel.

Shinshuu stood up from his chair and approached the unyielding Jinta. He passed by Jinta’s side, bearing a serious expression. Suddenly, he slapped Jinta on the back with such force that the young man nearly fell over. When he turned around, Shinshuu once again contorted the corner of his mouth as he spoke.

“I like it, kid. After seeing a project like this, there’s no way I can say ‘no’.”

As Jinta’s mouth opened, an assistant programmer near Shinshuu voiced his objections. “But Mr. Shinshuu… going about it logically, there’s just too much here. Taking into consideration the production schedule, isn’t even half of that too much? Besides…”

Shinshuu’s piercing glare silenced the programmer.

“Who said it had anything to do with you guys? I took the job on… I’ll do it.”

Ignoring the programmer shaking his head in disbelief, he turned to face Jinta. Just as Jinta was about to thank him for taking on such a tough job, another slap came flying at Jinta’s back.

“Thank me when I finish the job.”

The morning of the deadline arrived. Jinta entered the software room and found Shinshuu sleeping in front of his development machine. Anxiously peeking at the screen, Jinta saw the opening scene from his plan.

“…He did it.””

The subsequent scenes he had planned came up, one after the other.

“Yes! He did it! Mr. Shinshuu, thank you so much!”

Jinta’s voice raised with excitement.

“Shut it, kid! I stayed up all damn night working on this…”

Although his mouth was as foul as ever, that day, there was a smile on Shinshuu’s face.

“Thank you so much! Thank you!”

Bathed in the pouring morning sunlight, Jinta was overjoyed at the completion of the scenario. However, he was still unaware of the personage lurking in the shadows.

● Summary of Previous Events: A female spy from a certain country, Juan, was after the finally completed Breath of Fire II. Jinta narrowly escaped Juan’s seductive tactics, but the female spy returned before him with a new set of underlings. The staff members of Breath of Fire II fell one after another to the monstrous strength of the giant, Kinpou. Is Jinta truly capable of protecting Breath of Fire II?

Episode 25 (Final Episode): “The Eternal Oath”

When the enormous Kinpou swung his hand, Chief Yamaga was sent flying three meters into a wall.

“Ughh!”

Yamaga laid motionless after falling to the floor with his neck bent at an irregular angle. The day that was supposed to be the happiest moment, the day Breath of Fire II went gold, abruptly turned into the worst day of all.

Sonoko Toukai shrieked as she fainted. Chou-Juan, the female spy targeting Breath of Fire II, has taken drastic measures.

“Ohhh ho-ho-ho! Be a good boy, Jinta, and hand over Breath of Fire II! Otherwise, Kinpou will crush every single one of your comrades!”

The head of the giant scraped the ceiling of the development room as his eyes turned to Jinta. Realizing they were definitely after the Breath of Fire II game Jinta held tightly in his hand, Katsuji called out to him.

“Jinta, they’re after Breath of Fire II! Hurry, take it and run! I’ll hold back the giant!”

Without hesitation, he rushed forward with a chair in hand.

“Hrragh!”

Raising the chair, he slammed it into Kinpou’s body with all his might.

Despite his efforts, Katsuji was simply knocked aside. Juan, now on the giant’s shoulders, burst into laughter.

“It’s useless. No one can defeat Kinpou!”

The giant’s arms reached out toward the terrified Katsuji. He grabbed his flailing body as if he were nothing more than a doll.

“Ka, Katsuji!”

Katsuji shouted at Jinta as he came rushing forward.

“Get out of here, Jinta! Take Breath of Fire II and run!”

His scream ended in a shriek. Using both hands, Kinpou wrang him out like a rag. It made a terrible cracking sound. Jinta was unable to avert his eyes. The situation felt so unreal that all reason was knocked out of him.

Giving in to instinct, he ran.

Juan commanded Jinta to stop as he ran while firmly grasping Breath of Fire II.

“Hold it right there! Don’t you care what will happen to your beloved Sonoko?”

Jinta turned around. Sonoko was seized by Kinpou and dangled in the air.

“Sonoko-sempai!”

“HAAA HA HA HA! It looks like I won, wouldn’t you say? Now behave and hand over Breath of Fire II.”

Jinta grimaced in agony. His beloved has been taken hostage. At that moment, Sonoko screamed.

“Don’t do it, Jinta-kun!”

Hesitating at the sharpness of her tone, Jinta answered back.

“B… but Sonoko-sempai!”

Sonoko showed an enlightened expression and spoke back softly.

“I know you love me, Jinta-kun… but if that’s true, it’s all the more reason not to give her Breath of Fire II. It’s packed full of our dreams… Breath of Fire II is my everything… please, Jinta-kun… think of Breath of Fire II as me and take good care of it.”

As she finished speaking, blood flowed from her mouth. Intending to die, she bit her tongue.

“Goodbye, Jinta-kun…”

At the last moment, Kinpou’s thick fingers grabbed Sonoko by the chin. With her last means of resistance stripped away, Sonoko was hopeless. But in the next moment, Sonoko was dropped to the floor. Looking up in suspicion, she saw tears fill Kinpou’s eyes.

“It looks like we lost… the purportedly unbeatable strength of Kinpou was overcome by the strength of your bond…”

Kinpou nodded repeatedly.

“…I could never take away Breath of Fire II if you hold it so dearly. Let’s give up and go home…”

“But,” the female spy added, “next time, when you make Breath of Fire III, be prepared, because we’ll definitely take it from you!”

The crisis has passed. Breath of Fire II was protected by the bond of love between Sonoko and Jinta. However, in the future when Breath of Fire III and Breath of Fire IV were to be made, new adversaries will likely appear.

Hang in there, Jinta. Don’t give up, Jinta. Get to it, Jinta. Protect Breath of Fire.

~fin~

Dragnier Note: The character names of the above story are actually names of restaurants that Capcom Japan staff frequented daily during the development of Breath of Fire II. These were company-designated restaurants in Osaka where the staff would be reimbursed for their meals. Naturally, after dinner, many staff would go back to the office to work overtime.

Presenting the names of restaurants Capcom Japan staff frequented during the development of Breath of Fire II between 1993 – 1994:

• Jinta Okonomiyaki / じんた　お好み焼き (okonomiyaki restaurant)
• Yamaga Soba / やまがそば (soba noodle place)
• Toukai-en / 東海園　中華 (Chinese cuisine)
• Komekatsu Tonkatsu / 米かつ とんかつや (tonkatsu spot)
• Shinshuu / 信州 これ (unknown)
• Chou-Juan / 長寿庵 (possibly Chinese / soba place)
• Kinpou / きんぽ (unknown)

Breath of Fire II Sound Production Liner Notes

It was a very peaceful afternoon. From somewhere, as if by divine revelation, a voice came out saying, “Because next there is Breath II“.

…Breath II? What’s that? Did that even exist?? As my dazed, half-asleep brain gradually woke up, I realized I was unconsciously saying, “Eeeek!”

After that, as I went back and forth between home and work, the bright and beautiful spring passed and the rainy season arrived, and despite the rain, I would comfort myself by saying, “It doesn’t matter to me, since I’m not going anywhere anyway. *sniffle*” Even when everyone else was fussing over a fierce, record-breaking heatwave, I would wear a wool cardigan and leg warmers in the very cool office, silently working away (Alas, I want to play…).

Despite staggering from this and that, I actually had a lot of fun creating this Breath of Fire II. I hope everyone will enjoy it not just once, but twice or even three times!

YUKO.K

Credits

Executive Producer: Akio Sakai
Produced by Capcom Newmedia Staff / Keiichi Momose (SME)
Directed by Capcom Sound Team
Music Composed by Capcom Sound Team Alph Lyla
Mastering Engineer: Tomie Katoh
Art Direction: Masumi Isozaki
Co-ordinator: Satomi Kurosaki
Illustration: Capcom Design Team
CG Production: Capcom CG Staff

Dragnier Note: The composer is Yuko Takehara (previously known by her maiden name, Kadota). The illustrations were done by Tatsuya Yoshikawa.

Sources