Who Is Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding Creator? Quick Facts on His Iconic Games, Age, Wife And Net Worth

Hideo Kojima is a name synonymous with innovation and cinematic storytelling in the gaming world.

As the visionary behind titles like 'Death Stranding' and the 'Metal Gear Solid' series, Hideo Kojima has consistently pushed boundaries, earning a reputation as a true auteur.

Unveiling a Gaming Auteur

Born on 24 August 1963, Hideo Kojima is a renowned Japanese video game creator. He is widely recognised as one of the pioneering 'auteurs' in the video game industry, a term typically used for film directors. This distinction highlights his highly individual artistic flair and clear vision for his games.

Kojima was born in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. His father, a pharmacist, frequently travelled for work. At the age of four, Hideo's family relocated to Osaka, a move he described as a significant adjustment. He spent much of his time indoors, either watching television or creating miniature figures.

In Osaka, his parents established a nightly ritual: the entire family would gather to watch a film. Hideo was not allowed to go to bed until the movie was over. They watched a wide array of genres, from European cinema and Western to horror films.

A Glimpse into His Private World

Kojima's interest in filmmaking blossomed when a friend brought a Super 8 camera to school, leading them to start creating movies together. According to Kiddle, they even charged other children a small fee to watch their productions.

On one occasion, Kojima cleverly persuaded his parents to fund a trip to an island, claiming he wished to film there. However, he spent most of his time swimming. On the final day, he altered the film's plot to feature zombies, a version he never showed his parents.

As a teenager, Kojima's family moved to Kawanishi, Hyōgo. A significant turning point in his life occurred at 13, with the passing of his father, which profoundly affected both his and his family's financial situation.

He subsequently enrolled in university to study economics, yet it was during this period that he ultimately chose to pursue a career in the video game industry. While studying, he also dedicated time to writing stories, even incorporating one into his thesis.

Personal Life

Kojima maintains a private personal life. While his wife's identity remains undisclosed, a 2024 Reddit post by Alice_FIB_Kojima suggested he was previously married to Tomoko Kojima, with the couple reportedly separating in 2014. However, some commenters disputed this, stating they are still married and citing Tomoko's presence beside Hideo at last year's Game Awards.

In 2024, the Instagram page 'video-games_view' shared a video alleging that Kojima is married to Ai Kojima, though her name remains unconfirmed by the rumour, who is purportedly a Japanese graphic designer and illustrator. The rumour further suggests the couple met in the 1980s and married in 1995.

Some interesting aspects attributed to Ai Kojima within the rumour include her reported work as a designer at Kojima Productions and her alleged contribution to the initial concepts for the Metal Gear series. The rumour also suggests her work influenced the design of female characters in Kojima's games and that she is known for her distinctive and elaborate artistic style.

Hideo Kojima frequently expresses appreciation for Ai's support throughout his career. According to the Instagram post, the couple is noted for having a stable and respectful relationship. The rumour also suggests that Hideo Kojima has a son named Yoji Kojima, born in 1996, one year after his rumoured marriage to Ai Kojima.

A Legacy of Acclaimed Titles

Kojima has directed four games that achieved a perfect score of 40 from the prominent Japanese magazine Famitsu. These highly rated titles include Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and Death Stranding.

Furthermore, he has been involved in the creation of three games that received nominations for the esteemed D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year. His latest work, 'Death Stranding 2: On the Beach', was released on 26 June 2025.

What is Hideo Kojima's Net Worth?

Hideo Kojima, a prominent Japanese video game designer, is reportedly worth $30 million (£21.91 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth. Recognised also by his alias, Joakim Mogren, he is perhaps best known for his extensive tenure as director at Kojima Productions and his previous role as Vice President at Konami Digital Entertainment.