Tag: Japan - Page 13
Random McDonald's Japan Thinks You Might Like A Broccoli-Flavoured Pokémon McFlurry
Pick your Pokémon drink of choice, if you dare
Update: Don't worry everyone - common sense prevailed and Japan will be getting a pikachu 'flavoured' chocolate banana Mcflurry this weekend! Original story: In support of the latest Pokémon movie - entitled Pokemon 20 - I choose you! - McDonald's Japan has started a campaign which gives...
News The Latest Pokémon Movie Is Ditching Two Of The Franchise's Most Famous Characters
Written out of history
There are three things you can be sure of in life: death, taxes and a new Pokémon movie every few years. The next cinematic outing for the juggernaut than is the Pokémon brand - subtitled "I Choose You!" - is getting hyped up in Japan at present, and seeks to re-tell the famous Indigo League series - which is...
Video The Real World Gets Splatted In These Japanese Splatoon 2 Commercials
The hype train has left the station
Following yesterday's Nintendo Direct, the Splatoon 2 hype train is officially boarding. To get Japanese gamers pumped for the game Nintendo have put out a trio of new commercials; the one above features live action scenes, while the two below are more focussed on gameplay footage. All of them are pretty...
Video The Japanese Trailer For Maldita Castilla DX On 3DS Is The Best Thing
"A thousand credits and a slate"
Maldita Castilla DX is coming to the 3DS eShop this year, a fact that fans of Capcom's Ghouls 'n Ghosts should be very happy about - the game is a love letter to the epic adventures of Sir Arthur and boasts gorgeous 2D visuals, excellent music and addictive gameplay. FlyHigh Works is ha
News Sales Data For 2017 Reveals Nintendo Is Killing It In Japan
8 out of the 10 best-sellers are for Nintendo systems
Nintendo has always done well in Japan traditionally; even during the rather dismal Wii U years, the Japanese software and hardware sales charts were dominated by the 3DS. However, with the Switch now available the company is attacking Japanese retail on two fronts, and the latest sales data for...
News Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima's Approval Rating Grows 10 Percent
97.70 percent, up from 87.14 percent last year
It's been a crazy rollercoaster ride since Tatsumi Kimishima was named as the new Nintendo president, following the tragic and untimely passing of Satoru Iwata. He had big shoes to fill following Iwata's success during the Wii and DS era, and steering the company out of the commercial disaster...
News ARMS and Nintendo Switch Keep a Grip on the Japanese Charts
Only just...
The Media Create Japanese chart results are out, and they bring positive news for Nintendo as they have a lead in both software and hardware. In the software charts we have ARMS clinging on to top spot, very narrowly seeing off the challenge from the retail iteration of the PS4 expansion Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. We then...
News Nintendo Switch Sales Surge Past A Million In Japan
Faster than Wii U, but behind the original Wii
The Nintendo Switch has sailed past the one million units sold market in its native Japan after 16 weeks of sale, Dengeki is reporting. For comparison's sake, by the same point in their lifespans the Wii had sold 1.85 million units in Japan and the Wii U had sold 820,000. The amazing success of...
News Congratulations Nintendo 64, You're A Proper Grown-Up Now
The classic system turns 21 today
It's a day of anniversaries today it seems, not only does Sonic The Hedgehog turn 26, but it is also a whopping 21 years since the Nintendo 64 was released in its native territory of Japan. Launched on 23rd June 1996, the N64 served as a landmark moment in Nintendo's history as a video game manufacturer, mainly...
News ARMS and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japanese Charts
Switch titles lock out software top 3
The Media Create Japanese chart results are out, and this week has some interest for Nintendo fans courtesy of the debut of ARMS. Nintendo's new IP claimed number one spot and passed 100,000 sales, though that's well below the figures we saw for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe when it arrived in late April (it hit over...
News Virtual Reality Mario Kart Looks As Much Fun As It Sounds
You'll have to travel to Japan to play it, though
Mario Kart is taking a step into the world of immersive VR thanks to Bandai Namco’s spanking new VR Zone in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Mario Kart Arcade GP VR is among several VR "experiences" confirmed this week for the new venue. VR Zone is a "virtual reality arcade" powered by HTC's Vive...
News New Nikkei Report Accuses Konami Of Blacklisting Past Employees
"If you leave the company, you cannot rely on Konami's name to land a job"
Konami has made plenty of headlines over the past few years, but not always for the right reasons. Following the publisher's acrimonious split from Hideo Kojima - who was responsible for some of the company's biggest games - reports hit the Japanese media of Konami's shameful...
News Mech-Based Action RPG Implosion: Never Lose Hope Is Stomping To Switch
Robot rock
It has been revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu that smartphone title Implosion: Never Lose Hope is coming to the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan next month. Developed by Rayark, the game will cost 1,111 Yen. In keeping with the simplistic controls of the smartphone original, Implosion showcases a stripped-down control system - the Y...
News Pictlogica Final Fantasy Is Picross With Chocobos, And It's Coming To 3DS
, Going free-to-play on 3DS in Japan next month
Square Enix is bringing its Picross-style title Pictlogica Final Fantasy to the Nintendo 3DS as a free-to-play release, it has been revealed. It's based on the smartphone version of the game, which was released in Japan in 2015. There are more than 300 puzzles to beat and 160 characters are...
News Attack on Titan 2: Future Coordinates Brings Base Building And Army Creation To 3DS
Hits Japan later this year
Spike Chunsoft has just released new details for the next game in the Attack on Titan series, which is of course based on the popular comic, TV and movie franchise. Attack on Titan 2: Future Coordinates is billed as a “3D manoeuvre action” game and will boast a story mode which runs alongside season two of...
News Mana Series Collection Starts Well in Japan as Switch Stays on Top
Despite Nintendo's struggles with supply and demand
The Media Create chart results are out, including some new releases and - in some ways - a continuation of the norm in hardware sales. Starting with game sales, Tekken 7 on PS4 has unsurprisingly taken top spot on its debut, but we do have Seiken Densetsu Collection making its debut in second...
Feature Is Tokyo's Arcade Scene Really Dying?
Roland Ingram gives us a tour of Japan's coin-op underworld
“I know Tokyo arcades are dying out, but are they easy to find?” I was asked this question recently by an author researching a Street Fighter book. Dying out?! Maybe – but there’s a long way to go. Stand with me outside the Shinjuku Minami-guchi branch of the Taito Station...
News Get an Early Look at the Super Nintendo World Attraction at Universal Studios Japan
Watch out for the piranha plants
We recently posted about the Super Nintendo World attraction that is coming to Universal Studios in Japan, but now we have our first look at the construction courtesy of L.C.A. Studios, which has posted some photos on Twitter: While the construction is obviously at a very early stage, we can see they are going for...
News Three Months After Launch, People Are Still Queuing For Nintendo Switch Consoles In Japan
Demand remains sky-high
Nintendo may have pledged to increase production for its Switch system after incredible demand worldwide, but the supply chain is still somewhat choked in Japan, with weekly sales dropping from around 45,000 to approximately 25,000. Units are selling as soon as they arrive in store and Japanese fans are becoming increasingly...
News Here's A Closer Look At The Monster Hunter XX Switch Bundle You Can't Own
Plus a look at the Monster Hunter Switch console design
You can't own the Monster Hunter XX Nintendo Switch Ver. Pack because pre-orders have sold out in Japan already, but just in case you were wondering what the packaging looks like, feast your eyes: The pack includes the Switch console, a copy of Monster Hunter XX and a dock with a unique...
News Ultra Street Fighter II Debuts at Third in Japanese Charts as Switch Leads Hardware
New 3DS LL still selling well, too
It's Media Create charts time, once again, giving us some insight into what's hot and not in the Japanese market. This week's results brought a handful of new releases, while hardware sales stayed relatively solid. Kicking off with software, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a newcomer on PS4 that took top spot,...
Random Hugh Jackman Witnesses Real-Life Mario Kart Race, Can Barely Contain His Joy
"Go! Go! Go!"
Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman may be famous for playing the role of Wolverine in the popular X-Men series of films, but he revealed himself to be something of a secret Nintendo fan during a recent press trip to Japan to promote the movie Logan. While waiting at some lights, Jackman (who wasn't driving, we should add) turns his...
News A Lost Super Mario Anime Has Been Found and Shown Off in Japan
Super Mario: The Lost Lessons
With the popularity of the Super Mario series you'd think that, with all of the licensing Nintendo has done over 30+ years, some items will have gone missing. One of these was a short educational film in Japan called “Super Mario’s Traffic Safety”, also known as “Super Mario no Koutsuu Anzen” in Japanese...
News Monster Hunter XX Switch Ver. Special Pack Sells Out In 100 Minutes
Try to look surprised
Remember that amazing Monster Hunter XX Nintendo Switch Ver. Special Pack we told you about the other day? It recently went up for sale on Capcom's "e-Capcom" online store, where it promptly sold out in around one hour and forty minutes. The pack contains all of the usual Switch gear and a copy of the game, but what...
News Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Nintendo Switch Are Still On Top in Japan
Modest sales all around
The Media Create charts for Japan have rolled out as always, and for the second week running show a quiet retail scene at present in the country. Starting with software we still have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in first place, finishing comfortably ahead of the evergreen Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) and The Legend of Zelda:...
Random Kid Creates Switch From Cardboard, Father Caves And Gets Him The Real Deal
Good things come to those who make their own consoles
What is it with the Nintendo Switch and cardboard-based clones? Not so long ago we reported on a story in which a Japanese child crafted his own Switch system out of stuff that would normally end up in the recycling bin, and now we've got another tale of industrious craftsmanship, again from the...
News Nintendo's Response To Blind Rhythm Heaven Fan Will Warm Even The Coldest Of Hearts
"I will always support you, Nintendo"
Japanese boy Hibiki Sakai was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes at the age of one and a half, and following the surgical procedures necessary to save his life has been completely blind since the age of two. That hasn't stopped him indulging in many passions; he's a talented drummer and, like many...
News Nintendo Is Selling An Empty Splatoon 2 Bundle Box For Five Bucks In Japan
Saw you coming
The Switch is popular, but when you add Splatoon 2, it becomes even more desirable - something which became apparent recently when the freshly-announced Splatoon 2 hardware bundle sold out in seconds on Amazon Japan. Those Japanese fans who missed out on bagging the hardware shouldn't feel too downhearted, however - Nintendo is...
News Amazon Japan's Videogame Bestsellers List Has A Bit Of A Splatoon 2 Theme
Stay fresh
While Splatoon has been a success for Nintendo in the Western world, with strong sales on the Wii U and lots of anticipation for the upcoming release of Splatoon 2 on the Switch, it's fair to say Japan has gone absolutely crazy for the franchise, even prompting a Splatoon manga serialisation. This Japanese love for the squid-themed...
News Minecraft Plays a Prominent Role in New Japanese Commercial for Nintendo Switch
Fun with friends
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition recently landed on the Switch and we had a great time with it in our review. This is truly a game which benefits from the portability that the Switch offers, making it perhaps the ultimate version of Minecraft to play on-the-go. Minecraft on Wii U was a big hit in Japan, with many Japanese gamers...
News Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Nintendo Switch Stay on Top in Japan
Switch and 3DS games lock out top 9 in software chart
Last week we saw a strong debut for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in Japan, which in turn boosted Nintendo Switch hardware sales. The latest results from Media Create are now out and provide some interesting updates on what's hot and what's not in the country. The software charts lack any big...
News Nintendo Switch Led Japanese Hardware Sales in April
It prints money!
Nintendo is performing relatively well in Japan at the moment, with healthy sales for the Nintendo Switch in April. Famitsu has revealed the monthly sales data for April (27th March - 30th April) and it turns out that 234,817 Nintendo Switch units have been shifted, according to the magazine's figures. The 3DS is in rude...
Random Super Mario Stamps Powering-Up Japan Post Offices
No mail by Paratroopa sadly
Ever wanted to send mail from the Mushroom Kingdom? Well now National Japan Post has the next best thing. From 28th June this year post offices across the Japan will be offering a new selection of stamps commemorating the Super Mario series. The stamps will be sold for 82 Yen (around 56 pence) and each will...
News Dragon Quest "Bubble Slime" New Nintendo 2DS XL Revealed for Japan
Releases alongside Dragon Quest XI
Nintendo sure doesn't waste any time. Despite only revealing its new console to the world this morning, it has already announced a themed New Nintendo 2DS variant: the "Bubble Slime" New Nintendo 2DS. As of right now, the console is region exclusive to Japan, where it will be known as the New Nintendo 2DS LL. It...
Gallery Kirby's 25th Birthday Is Celebrated With Special Events In Tokyo
For he's a jolly pink fellow
As we all know, Kirby turns 25 this year. To mark this momentous milestone, Nintendo has arranged various events in Tokyo which will run through the rest of the month and into early May. Two of them started today. One can be found in Ueno's Yamashiroya toy store and comes complete with cake and message board. As you...
News Fire Emblem Echoes and Nintendo Switch Lead the Way in Japanese Charts
Switch sales increase once again
You know it's the middle of the week when the Media Create chart results emerge in Japan, and in recent times they've brought happy news for Nintendo fans. That trend continues this week, with a major release on 3DS and hardware positives to consider. Starting with software we have Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of...
Video Japanese Clothing Brand EDITMODE On How It Began Working Officially With Nintendo
Plus a tour of sleepy Kyoto and loads of gaming merchandise
If you like video game-branded clothing then chances are you'll already know about EDITMODE, which - via its King of Games brand - produces some of the finest official Nintendo clothing available right now. In the latest episode of toco toco - a YouTube show which focuses on Japanese...
Soapbox All The Video Game Magazines You Grew Up With Were Rubbish
Japan had it so much better, thinks Ian Cortina
All the video game magazines you and I grew up with were crap. We were robbed. Dealt a poor hand. Okay, that might be a little extreme, they were not crap per se - we just never had it as good as our friends in Japan. Sure, many a mag tried and came very close - Super Play immediately springs to mind...
News New Nobunaga's Ambition Title Confirmed For Nintendo Switch
Famitsu spills the beans
Japanese publication Famitsu has revealed that a new entry in the popular Nobunaga's Ambition series is coming to the Nintendo Switch. More details will be revealed in this week's issue, but we know that the title will also hit PS4 and PC. Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence has already been ported to Nintendo's new...
News Square Enix Has a Café In Tokyo, and It's Sold Out
A fantasy filled menu, Chocobo parking extra
It's been well documented that Akihabara has one of the largest clusters of game, anime and technology shops in Tokyo, the capital and largest city in Japan. You could spend from morning til midnight just walking up and down the many streets and shopping for classic games, new games, DVDs and Blu-Rays,...
News These Splatoon 2 Switch Accessories Certainly Are Quite Fresh
Gotta love that front cover
Japanese firm Keys Factory is releasing a range of Splatoon 2 accessories alongside the game later this year. These include Joy-Con covers in both soft-touch silicon and hard-feel plastic, neoprene pouches and - perhaps most exciting of all - flip-down screen covers very much like the ones seen on tablets like the iPad...
News Nintendo Switch Sales Remain Strong in Japan
Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) also maintains momentum
The weekly Japanese chart results are out to remind us that it's the middle of the week, and it's been a quiet period in the country. That said, the lack of change hasn't been too negative for Nintendo. Starting with software, no new releases have performed particularly well, leaving Switch...
News Nintendo Switch and Monster Hunter XX Lead Japanese Charts Once Again
Mario Sports Superstars creeps past 50,000 sales
The Media Create results are available, as is the norm for a Wednesday, and they bring more positives for Nintendo in what is generally a quiet week for releases. Starting with software, the highest new entry in the top 20 is LEGO Worlds on PS4, but that's in fifth place with just 11,578 sales...
Video Retro-Style Action RPG Kamiko Looks A Safe Bet For Western Switch Release
From the developer of Fairune
Skipmore's forthcoming pixel-rich Switch title Kamiko looks set for a western release, if the latest Japanese trailer is anything to go by. The short clip includes the logo of Circle Entertainment at the end, a company famous for localising Japanese games for western release. The game sees players controlling one of...
News Mario Sports Superstars Has Modest Japanese Launch as Nintendo Switch Tops Hardware Chart
Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) still leads software
It's the middle of the week, which means we have the Media Create chart results out of Japan showing the top-selling games and systems in the country. There are a few new releases across various systems, though nothing has changed in the number one spots. Starting with software we still have...
News Nintendo Switch Is Selling Faster In Japan Than The PS4 Did, But Not As Quick As The Wii U
519,504 units sold in four weeks
The Nintendo Switch has shifted 519,504 units in its first four weeks on sale in Japan - which means that it has passed the half-million sales marker faster than Sony's PlayStation 4 did. The PS4 - the best-selling home console of this generation with 53.4 million units sold as of January this year - shifted 439,810...
News Nintendo Switch Hardware Sales Grow in Japan as Monster Hunter Stays at Number One
Good times
It's time, once again, for the Media Create chart results out of Japan; they give as an idea of what's connecting with the Japanese gaming market and what is ultimately falling short. Kicking off with software, Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) remains at number one in its second week, passing one million retail sales in the process...
News Atlus Confirms Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 And Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey For 3DS
There's life in the old dog yet
If you thought that the 3DS was done and dusted now that the Switch is available, think again - Atlus has confirmed not one but two new RPG adventures for the veteran handheld. Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 and Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey are both fresh instalments in two of the company's most popular...
News Nintendo Switch and New 3DS XL Lead in Japan as Monster Hunter XX Arrives
Super Bomberman R squeaks past 50,000 sales, too
It's Media Create results time, in which we see what's hot and not in the Japanese market. A major 3DS release from Capcom predictably storms to the top, while it's a happy 1-2 for Nintendo in the hardware stakes. Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) - also known as 'that new iteration that probably...
News Seiken Densetsu Collection Announced For Nintendo Switch
Better known as Secret of Mana in these parts
Square Enix has announced that it is bringing Seiken Densetsu Collection to the Nintendo Switch this June. The collection was teased yesterday when the official Twitter account for the RPG series posted a short clip showing Seiken Densetsu 3 running on Nintendo's new console.
