Snoop Dogg Teaches Rap In 1915 Japan In “Stranger Than Heaven” Trailer

Snoop Dogg’s smuggler character turns rap coach in a new “Stranger Than Heaven” trailer set in 1915 Japan, helping a young boy find his voice.

The “Act 1: Kokura Story Trailer” arrived Friday, October 16. It shows the bond between Snoop’s character, Orpheus, and the game’s young lead, Makoto Daito, through a music lesson.

The scene links advice about turning feelings into song with a verse about being shut out and searching for a place to belong.

SEGA’s new clip follows the boy as he slips aboard Orpheus’ ship to reach Japan. His first stop is Kokura, Fukuoka. The setting opens a fictional story that runs from 1915 to 1965 across five cities.

Orpheus’ role as a mentor first came to light in May. He takes Makoto under his wing, drawing on the boy’s grasp of Japanese as they work together. He also spots Makoto’s gift for music.

Makoto, the son of an American father and a Japanese mother, grew up in the United States. After losing both parents and facing racism, he heads for his mother’s homeland. On the voyage, he meets Yu Shinjo, who becomes both his friend and rival.

Their goals soon clash. Makoto wants to survive and find a home, while Yu aims to reshape Japan. They part ways but later reunite as partners in show business.

Music also shapes what players can do. As a young singer, Makoto can gather sounds from his world and use them to create songs. Those sounds can come from trains, street life and even fights.

He can then build a show, choose the band and setlist, and shape its lights and staging. His path through Japan includes a rise in show business as well as clashes with crime groups.

Snoop’s real-life ties helped shape the cast, too. Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama said in a June interview that Tupac Shakur’s name came up while the team and Snoop discussed who could fill another role.

Yokoyama said the studio sought approval from Tupac’s family and estate before moving ahead. Tupac’s character is named Amaru. Snoop’s son, Cordell Broadus, also has a role in the game.

The publisher says more story trailers will follow from the game’s other eras.

“Stranger Than Heaven” launches January 15, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.