# Level-5

> Japanese independent video game developer and publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q674686](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q674686)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level-5_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/level-5

## Summary
Level-5 is a Japanese independent video game developer and publisher founded by Akihiro Hino on October 28, 1998. Headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, the company is best known for creating popular franchises such as *Professor Layton*, *Yo-kai Watch*, *Inazuma Eleven*, and *Dark Cloud*.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** October 28, 1998
- **Founder:** Akihiro Hino (also serves as Director/Manager)
- **Headquarters:** Fukuoka, Japan (Specific location: 福岡県福岡市中央区薬院1-1-1 薬院ビジネスガーデン, since March 2010)
- **Legal Form:** Kabushiki gaisha (Stock company)
- **Industry:** Video Game Industry
- **Type:** Independent developer and publisher
- **Key Franchises:** *Dark Cloud*, *Professor Layton*, *Yo-kai Watch*, *Inazuma Eleven*
- **Recent Developments:** Released *Layton’s Mystery Journey+* in 2021
- **Official Website:** https://www.level5.co.jp/

## FAQs
### Q: Who owns Level-5?
A: Level-5 is an independent video game developer and publisher. It was founded by Akihiro Hino, who continues to serve in a director/manager role.

### Q: Where is Level-5 located?
A: The company is headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan. They moved to their current address in the Chūō-ku ward (Yakuin Business Garden) in March 2010.

### Q: What games is Level-5 known for?
A: Level-5 is known for producing and developing several major franchises, including *Professor Layton*, *Yo-kai Watch*, *Inazuma Eleven*, and *Dark Cloud*.

## Why It Matters
Level-5 holds a distinct position in the video game industry as a major independent developer and publisher operating out of Fukuoka, rather than the central gaming hubs of Tokyo or Osaka. Since its inception in 1998, the company has successfully created and managed a diverse portfolio of high-profile intellectual properties that have achieved global recognition. By handling both development and publishing, Level-5 maintains creative control over its projects, ranging from the puzzle-solving adventures of *Professor Layton* to the RPG elements of *Dark Cloud* and the cross-media success of *Yo-kai Watch*. Their longevity and continued output, such as the 2021 release *Layton’s Mystery Journey+*, underscore their relevance in the competitive Japanese gaming market.

## Notable For
- **Independence:** Operating as an independent entity functioning as both a developer and publisher.
- **Franchise Creation:** Originating globally recognized franchises like *Professor Layton* and *Yo-kai Watch*.
- **Regional Presence:** Maintaining headquarters in Fukuoka City with a history of distinct office locations within the Chūō-ku ward.
- **Leadership:** Being founded and managed by Akihiro Hino since 1998.
- **Prolific Output:** Developing titles across various genres, from action RPGs (*Dark Cloud*) to puzzle adventures (*Professor Layton*).

## Body
### Corporate History and Structure
Level-5 was established on October 28, 1998, by Akihiro Hino. The company operates as a *kabushiki gaisha* (stock company) within the video game industry. While many Japanese game companies are concentrated in Tokyo, Level-5 has maintained its roots in Fukuoka.

**Headquarters Timeline:**
- **2007–2010:** Located at 福岡県福岡市中央区白金1丁目20-3 紙与薬院ビル.
- **2010–Present:** Moved to 福岡県福岡市中央区薬院1-1-1 薬院ビジネスガーデン in March 2010.

### Products and Development
As a software development organization, Level-5 specializes in the creation of video games. The company serves as the creator and producer of several notable titles.

**Key Intellectual Properties:**
- *Dark Cloud*
- *Professor Layton*
- *Yo-kai Watch*
- *Inazuma Eleven*

**Selected Title:**
- *Layton’s Mystery Journey+*: A video game released in 2021, listed among the company's developed works.

### Online Presence and Identification
The company maintains a digital footprint through its official website and social media.
- **Twitter:** @LEVEL5_times (Verified account with over 80,000 followers as of February 2023).
- **Identifiers:** The company is tracked under various corporate and library authority IDs, including a Corporate Number (Japan) of 6290001021770 and a ROR ID of 017ga1x09.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. [Source](http://www.level5.co.jp/company/history.html)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. MusicBrainz
8. GRID Release 2016-12-06
9. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Level-5_(company)-Y35R9M)
10. VideoGameGeek