Shinji Mikami is born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Little is known about his early childhood, but his later career choices suggest a formative interest in storytelling and interactive entertainment.

After graduating from Doshisha University, Mikami joins Capcom, a major video game developer and publisher. This marked the beginning of his professional career in the video game industry, where he initially worked on a variety of games to gain experience.

Mikami received his first directorial role with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". While not a massive hit, this experience proved valuable in understanding game development processes and leadership.

Mikami directs the original "Resident Evil" for the PlayStation. This game revolutionized the survival horror genre with its tense atmosphere, limited resources, pre-rendered backgrounds, and terrifying creatures. "Resident Evil" becomes a massive critical and commercial success, solidifying Mikami's reputation.

Mikami oversees development on several "Resident Evil" titles. He eventually returns to the director's chair for "Resident Evil 4" (2005). This game represents a significant departure from the series' traditional fixed-camera perspective, adopting an over-the-shoulder viewpoint and emphasizing action. Despite initial controversy, "Resident Evil 4" is critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the best video games ever made. He also was involved in directing Devil May Cry.

Mikami leaves Capcom along with other prominent developers to establish Clover Studio. Clover Studio develops titles such as Viewtiful Joe, Okami, and God Hand before being closed by Capcom in 2007.

Mikami establishes Tango Gameworks, a studio later acquired by ZeniMax Media (Bethesda Softworks' parent company). This move allowed him to pursue his creative vision with greater autonomy, free from the constraints of a large corporation.

Mikami directs "The Evil Within", a return to the survival horror genre. "The Evil Within" is noted for its challenging gameplay, gruesome visuals, and mind-bending story, marking Mikami's continued commitment to creating intense and terrifying gaming experiences.

Shinji Mikami departs Tango Gameworks. The reasons behind his departure are not fully public, but it signals a new chapter in his career, potentially leading to new independent projects or collaborations. His lasting impact on the studio and the horror genre is undeniable.