Grasshoper Manufactre designer Suda 51 has openly admitted he's a fan of hyper-violent director Takashi Miike (the man behind Ichi The Killer and Audition). Miike's work had a profound influence on the style of the original No More Heroes, but when I watched the credits roll for No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, I noticed something: Miike was listed in the credits...as a voice actor.

Er, what? I asked Ubisoft for some clarification on how Miike came to be involved with the Wii sequel.

"Suda-san has been a big fan of Takashi Miike and his work for some time," said a company representative. "He didn't know Miike personally, but wanted him to be involved in NMH2."

Luckily for Suda, Miike was receptive to the idea of being a part of No More Heroes 2.

"So Suda contacted him," continued the rep, "explained what the game was all about and how it was influenced by Miike’s work, and asked him if he could use his image and voice in the game. Miike liked the idea and agreed."

So, who'd he play? Miike's character in No More Heroes 2 is a good friend of Bishop who, according to Ubisoft, "bears a striking resemblance to the real-life Miike."

And there you have it. That's how Takashi Miike ended up in No More Heroes 2.

Have something to share? Sitting on a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter.