Monthly Modder: Higeyosi

This month we are excited to feature prolific Japanese modder Higeyosi (Bethesda.net,Nexus who has been modding Bethesda games since Oblivion. His mod portfolio boasts a wide variety of content with a particular emphasis on unique appearance and clothing mods to give your character a new look. He’s also released a number of mods that infuse Japanese culture and traditions including Wa Masks (Xbox, Nexus), Wa Ribbons (Xbox, Nexus) and the Obon Mount (Xbox.)

We were excited to hear from Higeyosi and retrace his modding journey these past 15 years, where he gets his inspiration and the differences between making a mask or head piece vs. making clothing mods. His mind is already abuzz imagining potential mods for the future, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll make next.

You have been modding BGS games since Oblivion, what inspired you to start making your own mods?

The first time I played Oblivion was on the Xbox 360. I grew interested in the PC version after watching a video of modded gameplay. At first, I was only a passive mod user. Then people started talking about how they wanted a weapon mod with swords that can be upgraded. I wanted it too, but at the same time, I started to think that if I didn't make it myself, maybe no one would. So, I did. I just happened to find a blog article on how to make weapon mods in Oblivion, so with that as a reference and a lot of trial and error, I created the mod.

While you've made weapons and other types of mods, you seem to particularly enjoy making clothing and armors to change the player's look. What is it that draws you to that modding category?

Wa Ribbon, Wa Masks, and Skall Mofumofu Coat were actually all requests from my wife. My wife loves Bethesda games, so sometimes she gives me requests for mods or even helps me make them. The first time, she handed me a design for a ribbon and said she wanted something like it, and I based my mod off of it. Also, prop and accessory mods are easy to combine with other mods, plus I simply like the idea of changing a character's appearance. I often use outfit mods when I'm playing the Elder Scrolls or Fallout series.

You've created masks in both Fallout 4 (Mascot Head Armors) and Skyrim (Wa Masks.) How does creating masks differ from creating other clothing or armor?

This will get a little technical, but the weight settings, or how closely the addition fits to the body, are easier to work with when making masks. Weight settings for full-body costumes are way more complicated because you have to think about the tiniest details (especially the fingers!). On the other hand, masks and helmets only require weight settings for the head and face. I think that's part of the appeal of making them.

Your Obon Mount is a very unique looking mod, and it has a lot of Japanese cultural significance as well. Can you briefly explain the significance of Obon and the Bon Festival for those who don't know, and what inspired you to tie it into the world of Skyrim?

In summer, Japan observes a spiritual event called Obon. The spirits of the dead come back temporarily during Obon to spend a few days with their families. We can't see them, but they eat with us and spend time with us like they did when they were alive. We pray for their souls to rest in peace. What's interesting is how those souls come back home.

Traditionally, we put legs on cucumbers to make them look like horses and display them so that our ancestors can return faster. These are called "spirit horses". We make eggplants into cows for their return trip, so that they can go back to the spirit world leisurely and with lots of gifts from home.

It's interesting, right? Skyrim also has horses and cows. I thought it would be funny to be able to use these spirit horses as summons. I actually thought of it back when I played Oblivion. It became one of my favorite mods because of its sheer impact.

As you've been modding for several years now, what resources have been most helpful to you in developing your modding skills over that time and in what areas would you like to challenge yourself in the future?

Tutorial videos on YouTube and this have both been really helpful.

Sharing info and ideas in the Japanese mod community also helps and even the mods themselves have been great resources. Looking at how mods are constructed and thinking, "How was this made?" has especially helped deepen my understanding.

I want to try making mods for Starfield next! I can't wait to make new stuff for such an awesome setting!

What is your favorite part of modding?

The feeling of putting something you made, something that once only existed in your head, into a game you really love! I love making weapons I want, or equipment that would make someone smile, or things that I really think the game needs. And then people use them! It's the greatest feeling seeing someone have fun with your mod.

Are there any mod authors or mods that you'd like to recommend?

First off, another Japanese developer, tktk (Bethesda.net), Nexus.) He's used scripts to make a lot of incredible mods. He's helped me out with my mods, and we even made some together. One of my favorites of his is TK HitStop (Nexus.) It makes Skyrim battles more exciting. I've been using it ever since it was first released.

There's also vicn (Nexus,) who makes cool, dark quest mods like VIGILANT (Nexus) and Unslaad. These mods have a ton of original enemies, dungeons, and equipment. I really recommend checking them out.

Then there's M, too (Bethesda.net, Nexus.) With mods that put Skyrim monsters into Fallout or turn instruments into weapons like MelodicaShield (Bethesda.net, Nexus), I think M, like me, enjoys surprising people or making them laugh.

There are a lot of other Japanese developers I'd love to include here, but then the list would never end.
I'm sure Asian mod developers are in the minority compared to the rest of the world, but there's a lot of really cool stuff being made here. There will be even more cool mods to discover when Starfield comes out.

I don't know what I'll be making yet, but I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in the brand-new world!