Yoko Taro is born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Details about his early childhood are scarce, but it's known he developed an early interest in creative expression.

During his formative years, Yoko Taro was heavily influenced by manga and anime, particularly works that explored darker themes, philosophical concepts, and unconventional narratives. This exposure would later impact his own storytelling style.

Yoko Taro attended Kobe Design University, where he studied art and design. The skills and knowledge he gained there, including visual storytelling and design principles, were crucial for his future career in game development.