Yume Nikki

Original GameYume Nikki -Dream Diary-MangaNovel

Background

Yume Nikki (ゆめにっき) is a freeware game developed by KIKIYAMA using RPG Maker 2003. It is widely considered one of the most unique uses of the software and has influenced a potential new genre of games.

The initial release was on June 26, 2004, as version 0.00, with several updates leading up to version 0.10 on October 1, 2007. The game's distinctive style, including events like the well-known Uboa encounter, gained popularity outside Japan, largely through internet sharing. The first fan translation was hosted on Uboachan and remained widely used until the Steam release.

Yume Nikki was added to Playism on February 10, 2012, as version 0.10a, marking its first official distribution in years. An official English localization followed on July 11, 2012. Version 0.10a, created on October 6, 2007, contained bug fixes for version 0.10 but was never directly hosted on KIKIYAMA’s website, leaving its distribution to AGM Playism.

On January 9, 2018, AGM Playism and Kadokawa released version 0.10a on Steam for free, making the game more accessible without requiring Japanese locale settings.

An officially licensed iOS and Android version was released on August 30, 2018, by CAERUXLab for $2.99 USD. Unlike previous releases, this version was rebuilt using RPG Maker MV, likely to support mobile compatibility.

Plot Summary

The title translates to "Dream Diary" (夢日記) in Japanese, though it is always written in hiragana. The game follows a girl named Madotsuki as she explores her dreams. The main objective is to collect all 24 "effects," but beyond that, there is no defined plot or dialogue, leaving much open to interpretation.

General Information

Official Date: June 26, 2004

Company: Kadokawa Game Studio

Creator: Kikiyama

Genre: RPG Exploration Game, RPG Horror

Cosmology: Within the Dream of Madotsuki (Yume Nikki is entirely a dream, Madotsuki enters this world through going to sleep in her bed)

Number of Series: 2 official games (Yume Nikki & Yume Nikki -Dream Diary-), 1 Manga, & 1 Novel (Yume Nikki: I Am Not in Your Dream)

Status: Potentially Finished (There has not been any official update to the series since 2015)

Sales

• Yume Nikki: Over 736,000 downloads on Steam
• Yume Nikki -Dream Diary-: Over 501,400 sales on Steam

Reception: Positive Critical Reception (Yume Nikki is one of the gams to kickstart the pixel-art style movement of indie horror games like Ao Oni and Ib, being considered a classic of the RPG Maker indie horrors)

Canon

Yume Nikki canon is an interetsing one as the main game itself, it is stated on the website that the game is meant to be an exploring game with a "dark atmosphere"but without plot or purpose, thus everything is left up to interpretation and there is technically no "wrong" way to interpret the events of Yume Nikki.

Due to this, all official media is considered equally canon as they are all interpretations, instead of viewing them as "different canons" as others do, we view them as different interpretations of the same canon work, and thus are all equally applicable and can be put onto one profile.

To try and give an example, as the games is about dreams, imagine you have a lucid dream, and then the next day you have another lucid dream of the same area, these two dreams are all apart of the same conscious mind, however they can be slightly changed or different in aspect or scope or story, though they are both apart of the same conscious mind or "canon" in this case regardless of contradictions or differences.

Yume Nikki -Dream Diary- is even directly noted to be an indie game based on Kikiyama's mysterious universe and was developed under their strict supervision.

Different Themes Gathered from the Dream World

This segment gathers the various themes represented in Madotsuki's mind through the different dream worlds, many of these are "canon" as they are gathering segments from the games world, thus they are a theme of Yume Nikki.

Isolation

Madotsuki's isolation is a central theme throughout the game, starting with her confinement to her apartment. Throughout the course of the game, Madotsuki is never shown leaving the safety of her apartment, providing a sense of confinement. There are subtle markers in the game that indicate the passage of time, such as her visits to the balcony, where the changing sky reveals that night has passed and day has arrived. This signifies the slow passage of time, but also her inability to engage with it. When interacting with the door in the real world, Madotsuki shakes her head in refusal, reinforcing the idea that leaving the room is not an option.

In contrast, within her dream world, the door in the real world transforms into an opportunity for escape. The dream realm allows Madotsuki to venture beyond the confines of her apartment, through doors that resemble the one in her apartment, opening up new areas of exploration. Through these portals in the Nexus, Madotsuki can access various dream locations, further emphasizing the escape from isolation, but only within the confines of her dreams.

The feeling of isolation and loneliness persists throughout the dream world. The world is eerily quiet, with no dialogue or significant interaction with NPCs. Most NPCs ignore Madotsuki completely, creating a sense of emptiness. There are, however, a few exceptions: certain NPCs will acknowledge her presence, but they seem distant or disinterested, further emphasizing the solitary nature of her existence. For instance, the shoppers in the Mall, when approached, will flee from Madotsuki and become deformed, making a strange, unsettling noise as they disappear. This interaction further solidifies the sense of isolation, as even the few interactions that occur are abnormal and unfriendly.

The locations themselves often feel vast, empty, and unwelcoming. These locations are not only large but also repetitive, looping back on themselves in a way that fosters a sense of disorientation and solitude. Particularly near The Nexus, these locations often lack distinctive features, adding to their sense of abandonment and emptiness. The soundtrack further contributes to the isolation, as it consists of shorter, repetitive tracks that add to the feeling of time slipping away. Unlike longer compositions in other games that mark the passage of time, the shorter pieces in Madotsuki's dream world create a sense of timelessness, as if time is irrelevant or lost altogether.

Toriningenparty

Three girls having fun.

Throughout her journey, Madotsuki encounters mysterious and towering creatures referred to as Toriningen by fans. These creatures are generally considered to be enemies due to their hostile behavior when in a "lunatic" state. When Madotsuki encounters these creatures in this state, they trap her in areas from which escape is impossible, further emphasizing her sense of powerlessness. Unlike other NPCs that appear in isolation or in smaller groups, the Toriningen have a distinct group dynamic that sets them apart. This dynamic is different from other NPC groups, such as the Wheelies, who appear individually rather than as a cohesive unit.

The most notable instance of this group dynamic is the Toriningen Party:

• A group of Toriningen can be seen in the Wilderness, gathered together and enjoying a picnic. They dance to lively, cheerful music, an odd contrast to their typically hostile nature.
• This scene cannot be accessed by Madotsuki, as the plants in the Wilderness obstruct her path and prevent her from getting closer.
• It's particularly striking that these seemingly menacing enemies are presented as a united group, engaged in a joyful activity, while Madotsuki remains a solitary figure, unable to join or even approach them.

This encounter highlights a stark contrast: the Toriningen, often seen as enemies, are portrayed as a community, while Madotsuki exists as an isolated individual. This division between the enemies’ group dynamic and Madotsuki's solitude further reinforces the theme of isolation.

Other Isolated Characters
Aside from Madotsuki herself, there are several other characters in the game who seem to be isolated in their own unique ways. These characters reflect different aspects of loneliness and confinement, whether physically or emotionally.

• Poniko

Poniko, another character isolated in their room.

Poniko is the only character found in the Pink Sea. She, like Madotsuki, is confined to her room and appears to be the sole inhabitant of this isolated space. Poniko's isolation mirrors Madotsuki's own, providing another layer to the game's overall theme of withdrawal from the world.

• Mafurako

Mafurako roams the expansive Block World, but much like Poniko, Mafurako is alone. When teleporting, Mafurako typically moves to a distant spot, far from Madotsuki. However, if Madotsuki is in her snowman form, Mafurako always teleports next to her. Mafurako remains mostly invisible, save for a hat and scarf, which could symbolize a desire to remain unseen, either out of shame or a wish to avoid connection with others.

• Mars-san

Mars-san, found in the underground area of Mars, provides yet another example of isolation. Mars-san is only accessible by crashing a spaceship into Mars and using an effect to reach a tiny underground entrance. The disparity between Mars-san's small size and the tiny exit adds to the feeling of being trapped. Mars-san, unable to leave or explore, mirrors Madotsuki’s own feelings of confinement, making this encounter another representation of the game’s themes of isolation and entrapment.

Symbolism and Connection to Reality
The many doors in the Nexus could be symbolic of Madotsuki’s desire to explore the world, something she is unable to do in reality. In her dream world, these doors offer a chance to step beyond the confines of her apartment and experience new places and adventures. However, the reality of her life is one of stifling isolation, which makes the dreams feel like an escape, rather than a simple adventure. The Toriningen, with their height, stylish clothing, and unique dynamic, may represent figures in the real world that Madotsuki perceives as being out of her reach, such as a "popular girl." Their hostile, "lunatic" form could symbolize her experiences with bullying, which may have driven her to isolate herself from others.

Mars-san could symbolize Madotsuki’s own feelings of being trapped inside her apartment, unable to break free and experience the world outside. The encounter with Closet Madotsuki, a sleeping version of herself hidden in a closet in the Checkered Tile Path, further reflects her desire to retreat from the world and hide away from others, reinforcing the game's themes of isolation and self-imposed confinement.

The game's portrayal of isolation may also reflect real-world phenomena, such as the Hikikomori culture, where individuals withdraw from society entirely, choosing to remain indoors rather than engage with the outside world. This phenomenon, which affects many teens and young adults, shares a thematic parallel with Madotsuki’s withdrawal into her dreams and isolation from the real world.

Anxiety

A Floyag following Madotsuki with its eyes.

The theme of anxiety (and the fear of being watched) is deeply embedded in Yume Nikki, where Madotsuki is constantly confronted by unsettling and bizarre imagery throughout the dream world. One of the most significant sources of this anxiety is the recurring presence of eyes, which seem to follow and watch Madotsuki wherever she goes. These eyes invoke a feeling of being observed, creating a sense of unease and vulnerability. In addition to eyes, hands also appear frequently, further amplifying the sensation of being trapped or overwhelmed.

• Eyeball World

One of the clearest representations of anxiety in the game is found in the Eyeball World. This area is filled with giant eyes that stare directly at Madotsuki, following her every movement. The presence of these eyes creates a palpable tension, as though Madotsuki is being scrutinized and judged by an unseen force. The overwhelming number of eyes is not just disturbing visually but also emotionally, as it makes Madotsuki feel as though she cannot escape the gaze of others. This sensation is heightened by the dreamlike atmosphere of the world, where normal rules no longer apply and Madotsuki can never truly be sure if what she is seeing is real.

• Isee and Eye People

In the Dense Woods and Barracks Settlement, Madotsuki encounters Isee, tall creatures with large eyes that seem to watch her from a distance. These figures contribute to the game's underlying anxiety, as they represent an omnipresent observation that leaves Madotsuki feeling exposed. The Eye People found in the White Desert further intensify this sensation, with their eyes looking down upon Madotsuki, emphasizing her isolation. The giant eyes of these creatures become symbols of constant surveillance, and the fear of being judged or even harmed is palpable as she tries to navigate these worlds.

• Other Appearances of Eyes

The motif of eyes is not limited to the Eyeball World or the Dense Woods. In fact, eyes appear throughout the game in various locations, adding to the pervasive sense of anxiety. These eyes serve as a visual representation of Madotsuki’s fear of being observed. Whether they are part of an event or scattered around different dream locations, they remind Madotsuki of the discomfort she feels, as if she is never truly alone. The recurring nature of these eyes heightens the emotional tension, keeping Madotsuki on edge and contributing to the overall feeling of unease.

• Hands and Their Symbolism

The gate to Block World from the White Desert, which has grasping hands.

In addition to eyes, hands are another significant motif that symbolizes Madotsuki's anxiety. The Eyeball World is filled with disembodied hands that reach up from the ground, further adding to the tension in this already unsettling environment. These hands seem to move with purpose, as though trying to grab or touch Madotsuki, intensifying her feelings of being overwhelmed.

In other locations, such as the Staircase of Hands and MonoAnew, the imagery of hands reaching up from below or being part of the landscape suggests a feeling of being trapped or out of control. The hands in these areas seem to symbolize a loss of agency, where Madotsuki is unable to escape from the grasp of whatever force controls the dream world. In the Dark World, a pair of symbols that resemble two hands add to the already ominous atmosphere, while in Graffiti World, a large design of a monkey-like creature that prominently displays its hands emphasizes the theme of touch and proximity.

• Uboa's Trap

Another location where the theme of anxiety is evident is in the Uboa's Trap event, which takes place in the White Desert. When Madotsuki is teleported here, she finds herself in a nightmarish landscape where a monstrous creature with multiple hands is seen grasping at the hills in the background. The presence of this monster, combined with the disorienting environment, reinforces the feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed. The hands, in this case, seem to represent a force beyond Madotsuki’s control, one that is constantly reaching for her, further intensifying the anxiety already present in the dream world.

• Organoid's Teleportation and NPC Interactions

Organoid

An NPC that may tie into this theme is Organoid, the only character that quickly teleports away when approached by Madotsuki. This reaction adds to the overall sense of alienation and anxiety, as it suggests that even the inhabitants of the dream world are unwilling to interact with Madotsuki. Similarly, the Mall Shoppers react by running away from Madotsuki when she approaches them, emphasizing the theme of avoidance and rejection. Other NPCs, such as the Neon Parrot and Walking Lamp, also flee when Madotsuki interacts with them, especially if she has the Knife effect equipped, suggesting that her presence is seen as threatening or uncomfortable. These NPCs’ responses, whether through flight or avoidance, mirror Madotsuki's own anxiety about social interactions and the fear of being unwanted or misunderstood.

These recurring themes of eyes, hands, and avoidance throughout Yume Nikki collectively build an atmosphere of anxiety, reinforcing Madotsuki’s sense of isolation and discomfort within the dream world. The constant reminders of being watched, the looming presence of hands trying to grab or control, and the fearful reactions of the NPCs all contribute to the feeling that Madotsuki is trapped in a world she cannot escape, both physically and emotionally.

Body Themes

In Yume Nikki, it is common for NPCs or backgrounds to resemble body parts or inner organs. These motifs are particularly prevalent in the themes of anxiety, as detailed earlier, with eyes and hands appearing throughout the game. The use of body part imagery adds to the unsettling atmosphere of Madotsuki's dream world, suggesting a deeper exploration of her subconscious fears and discomfort.

• Eyeball World:

One of the most striking locations in the game is the Eyeball World, which is filled with various NPCs that resemble parts of the human body. These include legs, lips, and other body parts. The Mouth Monsters, which feature large mouths, are a notable example. These creatures provide hair-related effects, tying into the theme of body parts being central to the game's overall tone. Additionally, uteri-shaped creatures can be found on the Infinite Road.

One fan theory suggests that KyuuKyuu-kun, a large, colorful, worm-like creature seen rubbing the handrail of a stairway, could represent phallic imagery. This is based on the character’s hidden entrance through a Zippertile on the wall, which resembles a pants fly.

• Strabismic Characters:

Another prominent body-related theme found in the game is the presence of strabismic NPCs (strabismus being a condition where a person cannot fixate both eyes on one point at the same time, causing misalignment). One of the most well-known strabismic characters in Yume Nikki is Seccom Masada-sensei. There are two potential explanations for the appearance of strabismic characters:

• Madotsuki herself could be strabismic but hides it by keeping her eyes closed. Some structures (such as those in the Pink Sea and Barracks Settlement) and characters (such as the Ghostmen) resemble chromosomes, possibly indicating that Madotsuki inherited strabismus genetically.
• Another possibility is that strabismus can result from severe brain or head injuries. Several other strabismic NPCs, including Dropfish, Goppa, the Severed Blue Head, and Monoko (during her event), all exhibit signs of drooling or coughing up blood. This may link to themes of violence and traffic accidents present in the game.

• Pregnancy and Childbirth Themes:

Their appearance could be interpreted as either fat or pregnant.

A recurring theme relating to the body that appears throughout Madotsuki’s dreams is the concept of pregnancy or childbirth. Takofuusen is an easily identifiable example, resembling a fetus with a "TRAP sequence" birth defect. Other characters, such as Onsen-san and Roary Straw, feature chord-like appendages that resemble umbilical cords. Additionally, characters like the Henkei Shita have large stomachs with a thin mouth resembling a surgical cut, a trait shared by some of the Mall Shoppers, most notably Obasan, when they distort.

The theme of pregnancy could also explain the instances of characters or structures resembling reproductive organs. These interpretations have been widely debated by fans, and their meaning, if any, remains uncertain.

• Interpretations of Body Themes:

The reoccurring theme of body parts throughout Madotsuki’s dreams could lead to many interpretations. One possibility is that Madotsuki is afraid of body parts or losing them, as they often appear in gruesome contexts, particularly in the Eyeball World and Mural World with the Mouth Monsters. Some fans speculate that the appearance of characters or structures resembling reproductive organs may relate to a traumatic event or could be connected to themes of gender identity, as explored in the Themes of Identity section.

Additionally, the prevalence of strabismic characters could be tied to Madotsuki herself possibly being strabismic, though this is never explicitly shown in the game, as her eyes are always closed. This revision maintains the length of your original text while aligning it with the requested structure and formatting. Let me know if you'd like further adjustments!

Violence

Madotsuki leaving a wound on Mars-san's foot.

In Yume Nikki, Madotsuki's actions can sometimes involve violence, particularly with the use of the Knife effect. She is capable of using the Knife on nearly all NPCs, which leads to varying results, depending on the character.

Despite its prominence in the game, the Knife is not essential for collecting effects or reaching the ending, and in most cases, it can be replaced by the Cat effect for exploration purposes. However, using the Knife often results in disturbing and alarming events, such as the Severed Heads in the Sky and FACE events.

While wielding the Knife, Madotsuki can be seen as one of the most dangerous figures in the dream world. Even other potentially hostile characters, like the Toriningen or Uboa, tend to isolate Madotsuki without causing direct harm—unlike the Knife, which is a tool of violence. The game's inclusion of a health bar seems to be a remnant of the RPG Maker engine, as it’s rarely relevant to the gameplay outside of these violent encounters.

The Knife is often viewed by fans as a significant object in the game, leading to various interpretations about Madotsuki's potential inclination towards violence. Some fans speculate that Madotsuki may have had a violent past, which could explain why the Knife effect is found in the difficult-to-navigate Dark World—perhaps as a repressed memory. This theory also ties into Madotsuki's isolation in her room, potentially driven by guilt from an act of violence in her past.

Traffic Accidents

Shitai-san, seemingly the victim of a traffic incident.

In Yume Nikki, various areas and interactions hint at Madotsuki's obsession with traffic accidents or vehicle-related incidents. A prominent example is Shitai-san, a dead individual found in the Dense Woods, surrounded by traffic cones. The Stoplight effect can be obtained here, possibly linking the scene to themes of traffic accidents.

Further instances of vehicle-related events occur in the dream world. Seccom Masada-sensei is depicted as troubled by his spaceship crashing on Mars, while Mars-san can be found crying near a crashed locomotive. Nearby, a train track is located, with a Traincar found elsewhere in the Dense Woods, reinforcing the theme of crashes and transportation-related incidents.

Monoko's appearance after the Stoplight effect is used.

The Stoplight effect also triggers unusual and sometimes disturbing reactions from certain characters when used near them. For instance, the faces of the Wheelies change drastically, and Buyo Buyo freezes while losing its pupil. One of the most striking reactions occurs with Monoko, a girl found in one of the tunnels of the White Desert. When the Stoplight is used near her, she undergoes a grotesque transformation: five arms emerge (one from her head), a wound appears on her stomach, her eyes become strabismic, and one eye spurts liquid, while her mouth opens, seemingly drooling. Using the Stoplight again restores her original appearance, which could be interpreted as a less grotesque representation of an event Madotsuki might have witnessed—potentially a vehicle-related accident.

These recurring themes have led to theories suggesting that Madotsuki could have had personal experiences with a traffic accident in the real world, possibly involving family or friends. This theory could explain her isolation in her apartment—perhaps those involved in the accident died or sustained fatal injuries, leaving Madotsuki alone and trapped in her own memories.

Escapism

Whatever is behind that door, it is too much for her to confront.

Madotsuki is seemingly confined to her room, though it's unclear whether this is a voluntary isolation or something beyond her control. With little to occupy her time other than playing NASU, writing in her diary, or sleeping, some fans speculate that Madotsuki retreats into her dream world as a means of escaping the monotony or harshness of her reality.

• Madotsuki in Bed

What lies behind the door is something too overwhelming for her to face.

In the dream world, Madotsuki can soar through city skies, immerse herself in video games, interact with various characters, and travel across vast, surreal landscapes. However, despite the freedom her dreams offer, Madotsuki always returns to reality. This return is demonstrated through various dream events:

• In the Witch's Flight event, she can fall, waking her up from the dream.
• Interacting with a wall in the FC Dungeon triggers glitched graphics and a loud sound, abruptly waking Madotsuki.
• Spending time with Poniko leads to the Uboa event, where a dramatic change in the environment forces Madotsuki to wake up if she doesn't have the Medamaude effect.
• Boarding the spaceship in the dream world results in a crash-landing on Mars, isolating Madotsuki and ultimately waking her up.

These events, while seemingly pleasant or adventurous, ultimately tether Madotsuki to the waking world, suggesting that even within her dreams, she is unable to completely escape reality. This reinforces the theory that Madotsuki uses her dreams as a way to escape from the troubles or emptiness of her real life.

Identity

Yume Nikki incorporates a number of elements that can be interpreted as reflecting themes of personal identity, including gender, body image, and self-perception. Several effects, such as the Hair effects, might symbolize struggles with body or appearance dysphoria, suggesting a deeper exploration of Madotsuki’s inner conflict with her own identity.

Creatures and entities throughout the dream world also seem to reflect themes of identity. For example, the uterus-like Floyag and the phallic KyuuKyuu-kun could be symbolic of feelings of alienation or discomfort with one’s body. The FACE event, which presents a distorted and grotesque face, may represent Madotsuki’s possible dissatisfaction with her own self-image. Similarly, the Henkei Shita creatures, which resemble figures with large stomachs, potentially allude to feelings of gender or body-related insecurities.

Distorted entities like those found in the White Desert and Sewer Drawings have abnormal limbs, evoking a sense of something struggling to escape, which could metaphorically represent the desire to "come out" or embrace one’s true identity. Additionally, the presence of male and female restrooms throughout the dream world may represent a binary societal framework that Madotsuki navigates in her search for identity.

In the game's ending, Madotsuki's apparent death could be interpreted as a form of "reawakening," symbolizing a personal transformation or the moment of coming to terms with one's identity, such as through self-acceptance or public revelation.

Dream vs Reality

Throughout the gameplay of Yume Nikki, the dream world and the real world are portrayed as separate realms, with no dream elements bleeding into Madotsuki’s waking life. For example, during the Witch's Flight event, Madotsuki falls out of her bed, indicating that she is physically moving in the real world while having a powerful dream.

However, the game's ending raises questions about the boundary between reality and dreams. Two Jellyfish appear during the ending sequence, which takes place in the real world, leading some fans to question whether this moment is truly part of reality or just another dream. Some theories suggest that the entire game could be a dream, pointing to Madotsuki's constantly closed eyes, the continued accumulation of yen after being pinched awake, and the surreal nature of her living situation (such as the lack of food or a bathroom) as evidence for this.

Additionally, the blood splatter that appears in the ending is a recurring element in the dream world, which might be seen as either foreshadowing or the reuse of assets. However, some fans interpret this as symbolic of the idea that Madotsuki is unable to escape her nightmares, even in death, hinting at the possibility that she may be trapped in an endless cycle of dreams, unable to awaken fully.

Though other pieces of Yume Nikki media also support the idea of the "Real" World merely being another dream layer with Yume Nikki itself showcasing that Madotsuki can go to sleep inside of the dream world to go into deeper layers of dreams.

The core issue brought up with this belief is why Madotsuki cannot use any of her effects within the "real world" if it's a dream, which could potentially be answered by either the effects only being useful in those lower layers or Madotsuki herself is unaware she's in a dream in the "Real" World and realizes the truth at the end of the game. The Yume Nikki manga somewhat follows this interpretation too.

Power of the Verse

Majority of Yume Nikki, and possibly even the entirety of it, is within a dream of a young woman.

Knowledgeable Members

• GiverOfThePeace

Characters

Madotsuki Poniko Uboa