SMEE

SMEE is an adult visual novel brand operated by Robo Planning Co., Ltd. in Japan. It was established as a sub-brand of HOOKSOFT, with the aim of creating multiple brands to ensure survival even when HOOKSOFT's performance declined. The brand's representative, Uto Takumoto, who was 27 at the time and considering retirement, was approached by Asami to take charge of a sub-brand. Despite initial concerns about competition with HOOKSOFT, SMEE was launched with a focus on bright, pure love stories, as the other brand TJR handled darker works. SMEE's debut title, 'Ririmiesta', was released, followed by 'Hare Hare Harem'. The third title, 'Love Deression!', brought scenario writer Yu Hayase on board as an exclusive staff member, and it became the foundation for SMEE's subsequent style. The fourth title, 'Lover Able', established SMEE's signature style of combining 'heroine cuteness' with 'lovey-dovey' interactions. Hayase left SMEE in 2020 but continues to participate as an external contractor. In 2024, SMEE released 'Love Pical Poppy!', promoted as a commemoration of surpassing 150,000 cumulative sales, though actual sales exceeded 170,000. SMEE's style is characterized by '2D moe', aiming to depict heroines who are not only cute but also sexually appealing, often with mature, tall proportions. The brand's official websites often mimic the layout of adult industry sites, such as dating sites, to enhance the '2D moe' theme. SMEE emphasizes the world of the protagonist and heroine over interactions among heroines, though it also values both aspects, with 'Pure x Connect' cited as a successful example. The brand operates under Robo Planning and is a sub-brand of HOOKSOFT.

SMEE was established as a sub-brand of HOOKSOFT under Robo Planning Co., Ltd. The brand's representative, Uto Takumoto, explained in an interview with ASa Project's representative Amato that the creation of SMEE was part of a strategy to build a foundation for operating multiple brands to survive even if HOOKSOFT declined. At the time, Takumoto was 27 and considering retirement, but was approached by Asami to take charge of a sub-brand. Despite concerns about competition with HOOKSOFT, he accepted. There was discussion about making SMEE a dark-themed brand to differentiate from HOOKSOFT, but ultimately it adopted a similar policy. Since the other brand TJR handled heavy works, SMEE's debut title, 'Ririmiesta', was a bright pure love story. For the first two titles, Takumoto managed external staff, but due to strain, scenario writer Yu Hayase joined as an exclusive staff member for the third title, 'Love Deression!'. Takumoto stated in a 2017 interview that this work became the base for subsequent SMEE titles. However, 'Love Deression!' had issues such as attracting buyers outside the target audience, and as a reflection, the fourth title, 'Lover Able', was created. This work established SMEE's style of combining 'heroine cuteness' and 'lovey-dovey' interactions. Hayase left SMEE in 2020 and has since participated as an external contractor. In 2024, SMEE released 'Love Pical Poppy!', promoted as a commemoration of surpassing 150,000 cumulative sales, but actual sales exceeded 170,000.

• SMEE established as a sub-brand of HOOKSOFT

• Debut title 'Ririmiesta' released

• Second title 'Hare Hare Harem' released

• Third title 'Love Deression!' released; Yu Hayase joins as exclusive staff

• Fourth title 'Lover Able' released; establishes SMEE's style

• Yu Hayase leaves SMEE

• 'Love Pical Poppy!' released, promoted as 150,000 sales commemoration

SMEE positions itself as a brand focusing on '2D moe' romantic comedy adult games, emphasizing cute and sexually appealing heroines and lovey-dovey interactions.

• Ririmiesta

  Debut title, a bright pure love story.

• Hare Hare Harem

  Second title.

• Love Deression!

  Third title, became the base for SMEE's style.

• Lover Able

  Fourth title, established SMEE's style of 'heroine cuteness' and 'lovey-dovey'.

• Pure x Connect

  Cited as a successful example of balancing heroine interactions and protagonist-heroine world.

• Making*Lovers

  Released on November 24, 2017; official website layout inspired by dating sites.

• 1/1 Kareshi Kanojo

  Depicts romance by era; noted for limited heroine interactions.

• Love Pical Poppy!

  Released in 2024; features heroine interactions as a full-price idea.

1. 1SMEE (ブランド) - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
2. 2SMEE - Wikidatawikidata.org