LightWeight Co., Ltd. (株式会社ライトウェイト) is a Japanese video game developer and publisher established on November 22, 1995, in Tokyo. The company is renowned for its innovative samurai-themed fighting games, notably the Bushido Blade and Kengo series.

Company Evolution:

1995: Founded by Tetsuo Mizuno in Tokyo, with Square Co., Ltd. initially holding a 40% stake.

1998: LightWeight became independent from Square.

1999: Genki Co., Ltd. acquired a 40% stake, leading to LightWeight becoming its subsidiary in 2001.

2006: The company was bought by Index Visual & Games, Ltd.

2012: Acquired by Bergsala Holding and renamed Bergsala Lightweight.

2017: Sold and reverted to the original name, LightWeight.

Notable Game Titles:

Bushido Blade Series:

Bushido Blade (1997) – PlayStation

Bushido Blade 2 (1998) – PlayStation

Kengo Series:

Kengo: Master of Bushido (2000) – PlayStation 2

Kengo 2: Legacy of the Blade (2002) – PlayStation 2

Kengo 3 (2004) – PlayStation 2

Other Titles:

Kabuki Warriors (2001) – Xbox

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2003) – PlayStation 2

Hissatsu Ura Kagyou (2005) – PlayStation 2

Hello Kitty Kruisers (2014) – Wii U