I’ve watched a good number of E3 presentations in my time, and even during good pressers, you always get the feeling that things feel a little forced, or too choreographed. Perhaps this explains why tonight’s brief Ikumi Nakamura (Okami, Bayonetta) cameo during Bethesda’s announcement of GhostWire: Tokyo has people so excited. She’s not like the usual people we see on the E3 stage.

For one thing: Her outfit is pure fire. This is worth noting, as E3 is usually a sea of suits with T-shirts underneath. Nakamura looks like she actually dressed up for the occasion, which I appreciate.

Nakamura also oozes charm. You can tell she’s excited to be up there, talking to people and showing off her new game. Her exaggerated, lively mannerisms look natural, which is actually kind of rare to see at E3. Usually, it seems like people don’t know where to put their hands, which makes watching them painfully awkward. Nakamura admits she’s nervous — but she plays it off so well that you root for her to overcome it so she can tell you more about the game. It didn’t feel like a presentation. It felt like a friend telling me a good story about something cool that they’re working on. Nakamura made me smile, which is is a rare reaction from me while watching E3 news.

God, I mean, just look at the way Nakamura ended her presentation of GhostWire: Tokyo, which is pictured at the top of this post. Who does that? How could you not fall in love with her? She is the best and I’m buying any game she works on. I’m not the only person who feels this way:

Sign my petition to replace every announcer with Ikumi Nakamura. #E32019 pic.twitter.com/8pF5LwE6Zt — 3DROD (@3DROD) June 10, 2019

googled ikumi nakamura after her e3 presentation and i would die for her actually pic.twitter.com/9igFPJVsff — abi (@snugcheol) June 10, 2019

Ikumi Nakamura, everybody's new crush, is Shinji Mikami's disciple. She's worked as artist for Okami, Bayonetta and as lead artist on TEW. Now she's directing Ghostwire.



We've just watched a torch get passed down live on #E3 with Shinji introducing her and it warms my heart. pic.twitter.com/OsdU6sEqwm — Dan Ximenes (@the_ximenes) June 10, 2019

I love Ikumi Nakamura!?!!

Literally squealing.

Also even more squealing for female creative directors!!#E32019 pic.twitter.com/lPgkd2FjDB — Jennifer Scheurle (@Gaohmee) June 10, 2019

Ikumi Nakamura if you see this, we love you pic.twitter.com/SUeTTuTkMw — #E3MODE (@LordBalvin) June 10, 2019

I will fight and die for Ikumi Nakamura. #E3 — Rachel #E3 on @Twitch (@SeltzerPlease) June 10, 2019

since Bethesda's show is now unbearable to watch, here's everyone's new heartthrob Ikumi Nakamura's footnote in The Evil Within art book pic.twitter.com/r0HBSC92Ti — KIWAMI K∀Z (@DiamondDogKaz) June 10, 2019

I don't even play spooky games because I'm a big ol' scardey cat but I am buying Ghostwire for HER Ikumi Nakamura I LOVE YOU — Mica Burton @ E3 (@MicaBurton) June 10, 2019