This *could* be a classic case of misdirection, but we shall see. Some may call me too much of an optimist, but hear me out:
I have a hard time, with the CEO being a self admitted fan of the Shenmue series and Yu Suzuki, playing at the emotions of a fanbase of which he is a part of for his own personal gain.
Yes, most CEOs can be wily and snakes(virtually none get there by scrupulous means) but it seems a poor play.
It's easy to have no comment and deny Yu will be there. It takes the fire off you without having to issue any denials.
All of the information at hand points to Shenmue IV being a possibility again, but it's not something I feel would show up as a random day announcement.
It's going to be at an event, I stand by that and there are a few. Sony will have some kind of showcase, Summer Games Week, Gamescom and TGS.