Nintendo Direct Delayed Due To Powerful Earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan

I can't believe what Japan is going through lately. It's just so sad Mother nature needs to calm down!

OMG...!!
An Earthquake just now in Japan ??
I hope everyone there stay safe.

A little disappointed considering I needed a little good news after this week, but I’ll deal with it. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected in Japan.

This is sad news to hear, not about the delay in the Direct but the earthquake that has seen people die and many more missing.

Terrible news. Condolences to those affected.

Man, Mother Nature must be a Smash fan. Can't let Nintendo talk about anything but Smash.

My thoughts and prayers that everyone is safe.

Hopefully the damage is not too severe.

Totally understandable, first the typhoon and now the earthquake........ as in the past, Japans history with mother nature will only make them stronger to rebuild and stride forward.
Games can wait for now.

I'm going to be the one who probably voices the more irrational yet very real feelings of all of us who were waiting with baited breath for cool game announcements:

On a more intellectual level I know that I should be more worried about the earthquake, but honestly I didn't even know it had happened as things in the USA have been just fine on that front. It's harder to be upset about the thing that doesn't affect me directly than the thing that just effects the world at large.

Edit: Okay now in fairness after googling Hokkaido Japan there are some articles that really illustrate how bad this was.

To quote some important bits from this article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1013751/Japan-Earthquake-death-toll-Hokkaido-earthquake-Atsuma-USGS

"The devastating earthquake has left the island’s 5.3 million people without power after the main power station of the Hokkaido Electric Power Company lost all operations, affecting other sites."

"The death toll has so far risen to eight people... ....More than 30 people are still missing and the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days."

"The homes to approximately 40 people were wiped out by the landslides. At least 140 were injured, 87 of them in Hokkaido’s prefectural capital of Sapporo alone."

When put into that perspective it's obviously pretty bad for people there, and after reading that I definitely feel more sympathy towards them.

But that same article ends with this, "So far in 2018 Japan has been hit by historic flooding, a deadly heatwave and seven major storms." The sad truth of the matter is that it seems that these kind of big natural disasters have almost become normal or expected in Japan. Which in some ways just leaves me thinking... "Again? Really mother nature sure has something against Japan..."

I love and adore Japan and have wanted to visit there for ages. I've even fantasized about living there in the past so this is rough. Honestly I'm gonna leave my earlier response just for the sake of preserving my initial reaction, but the more I think about it and read about it the more I feel like my initial reaction was that of a spoiled child rather than the adult I'm supposed to be. My apologies if I offended anyone.

Edit 2: I think if the NL article had included a bit more details about the earthquake and the effects it had on Japan itself I might have been a little less quick to whine about the delay, but then again maybe I just reacted quickly out of shock. Again sorry if I came off as offensive to anyone.

Hopefully, there were few casualties. Let's hope that the Japanese are able to rebound from this.

I'm a little disappointed in this article making no more mention of anything regarding the earthquake, itself.

@WillTheLion

Even if things happen on the other side of the world doesn't make their impact less important. An earthquake happened somewhere and left behind destruction, maybe even a few casualties. It's only respectful to give proper respects, and if Nintendo plans to give proper respects by not airing the Direct, then more power to them.

@Likethepear

Why jump to such conclusions? What would Nintendo benefit from delaying news of their future exclusives?

@Likethepear it’s not a wildfire though!!

@Likethepear What a load of utter nonsense. For one thing, Japan is a small enough country that you can travel the length of it in a day. They've also just been hit by a huge typhoon, which isn't even the first one this year. The impact these events have on infrastructure and other key systems shouldn't be underestimated, not to mention the fact that loved ones may be involved in such an incident. This is not a minor event. Get a grip. The minor inconvenience you experience as a video games fan is trivial at best.

@Likethepear People are dead, get the hell over yourself.
Homes are BURIED and I'm sure some people can't get a hold of their families. Their lives and loved ones are FAR more important than doing or showing a presentation.

Phisical disasters are very destructive. Before 40 days in my country Greece we lost 100 people from fire.
My prays and my best wishes to Japanese people.

@Likethepear Outside of the obvious "business" reaction to a earthquake that has effectively shutdown the north island of Japan, imagine employees with family and friends up there wanting to know if they are safe.

I think it is sad that people suffer from that earthquake and I wish them all the best but natural disasters happen every day around the world - so I don't see what makes this one more important to make them delay anything. Personally I don't care if the presentation is tomorrow or next week or so but I just can't understand the reasoning or connection to that specific incident.

@Lnsx

but don't you think that these people really don't care if Nintendo shows the Direct or not? I can't believe that these affected are having video games on their minds right now.

But I could understand that Nintendo wants to show respect by not releasing the video - so basically it is fine and their right to do(actually anytime)

@Likethepear Ah yes, you're understanding of geography is great. Comparing 3000 miles to 500. And for anyone who doesn't quite get it, Japan isn't the U.S., it's a relatively small, densely populated, Island Nation. When a large natural disaster hits one part of the country (half of the island is without power at the moment and likely will be for the next week), it affects the entire country. Resources have to be redirected, almost everyone in the country somehow feels the effects. Nintendo is a Japanese company, this affects them. People lost their lives and loved ones, get over yourself.

@Likethepear To be fair I agree with you to some extent. (see my earlier post). But at the same time its understandable that they may be delaying for personal time for family members to verify the safety of their family.

@NintendoFanWT: I agree that it's probably respectful. If you look at my edit I note that my initial reaction might have been somewhat childish. But in answer to the question you asked @Likethepear might I suggest one possible way that it might benefit Nintendo as a business to delay the Direct?

A possible reason for this delay might be that they want this Direct to make a large impact, and as such if a significant portion (5.3 million people) of Japan doesn't have electricity (let alone the internet) as a result of this earthquake, then it also makes sense to delay it for the sake of maximizing the number of people in their home market who can see it.

Imagine if they still aired the Direct in the NA and EUR regions, and then aired the Japan Direct later. Would their reveals have anywhere near the same surprise factor if people could have heard about it elsewhere via the news of the other regions airing first?

But I also see the flip side of the coin.... And that being that them airing their Nintendo Direct could potentially bring some happiness and hope for positive future experiences to those who might be desperate for any kind of thing to look forward to considering the recent trauma they might be going through there in Japan.

Nintendo made a good(and respecful) descion here. And for anyone whosays that it isNintendo delaying it for the fun of it, why would they?? They have clearly said on t Twitter it is because of the earthquake. People have died, people are injured, and hell, some of Nintendo's staff could have been injured. Thoughts and prayers to those involved in the earthquake.

@Likethepear
Or maybe...just maybe...and hear me out on this...Nintendo, a Japanese company, wants to be considerate to those affected by a gigantic earthquake - not just those who may have died or lost friends/family, but also to the millions who won't even have the electricity to watch the Direct.

@BensonUii @nonprophetmusic Why is everyone trying to high-road this guy? Nintendo isn't paying for supplies for these families or supplying cots at headquarters- they're doing about as much as you and I right now. This was strictly business decision

These Directs are pre-recorded. The entire announcement has probably been sitting on a hard drive or in a server for weeks now waiting for tomorrow. There would be no technical problem releasing it. However, almost 3 million people in Hokkaido are without power right now. How many of them are Nintendo fans? How many people would miss out?

So that tells me 2 things- this Direct is important and critical to the Switch's future- its meant to be seen by EVERYONE, and Nintendo doesn't want a tragedy to overshadow their announcement. Guarantee you the Direct comes as soon as power reaches most of Hokkaido

Seems Like Japan is the centre of the end of days, but fair play to Nintendo for doing this out of respect.

@Likethepear you are stupid

It's hard to live in a country washed by typhoons, shake by earthquakes & attacked by Godzilla. Wish them good luck.

@Likethepear Are you serious? For one the business isn't shutting down, they are simply delaying the direct out of respect. The country is focused right now on this disaster and mourning the unfortunate people. It would be disrespectful and in serious bad taste for N to carry on as normal. Also as mentioned above a lot of people are without power, so they wouldn't be able to see the direct. Airing in Europe and US without Japan would be disrespectful so a delay is the only sensible decision for all concerned.

Ha, this just had to happen. And I was getting ready to celebrate tonight's direct and all... Guess I'll settle it by celebrating every person they manage to find alive.

Mother Nature is truly a force of reckoning, and it saddens me that my favorite country is subject to so much abuse from Her, especially this year.

I'll live, but god it feels like life and death right now what with the extreme lack of communication from Nintendo already leaving us out in the sticks and this delay making that situation worse. At least I'm not in the middle of a national crisis, but sitting at home waiting for the hours to pass.

I wish the people of japan the best.

We are please understanding!

Strange, I just checked Yahoo and CNN after reading this and did not find any news of this Earthquake.

@Likethepear You could look at it like that or you could look at it like they are doing it out of respect for their fellow country men and women who have had their lives turned upside down,many of whom would have been watching this Direct.Japanese are like that,very proud and honourable people that western society could learn a lot from.

@Pickettfury
I think the invasion of China and Korea was about economic resources and ruling over the indigenous population than relocating due to Earthquakes and typhoons. I’m sure the Japanese people would never choose to move to China or Korea even if they could.

Looks like some of us could really brush up their empathy, as well as reconsider priorities. Shakes head My, oh, my.

This sucks so much for them. My heart sank the moment I read about the deaths and missing people. Really awful.

@BensonUii Yep. I'm definitely still disappointed because I was really looking forward to it tomorrow, but in the end I feel pretty bad for those affected. If this had happened near my home it could have been devastating to me and my lifestyle. So yeah even if I'm disappointed I think I can wait patiently for the Direct when Nintendo feels that things have settled down and are okay.

You should read the comments of some people over at Nintendo Everything. I just had to leave or become mad.

Delaying the Direct was the right and expected decision. Between the typhoon and the earthquake there are millions of people without electricity. This was a business decision as much as a respectful one to the country as a whole.
People can wait a few days to watch some news about video games.

@Likethepear
You are a good person. You just need to find a way to show it to the world.

@Yoshi Here's some good news for you:
You have air in your lungs and an internet connection. Everything will turn out okay, bud. =]

@BensonUii I just reread his comment. It is insensitive. And Japanese company's are far more nationalistic than American company's that I'm used to. My quick take was Nintendo just saw 3 million possible viewers on their home turf (which they've been dominating) go down, so they delayed. I don't feel like they'll wait for restoration or that their overly empathetic of each persons situation- they're just waiting till electricity comes back. Once they know the audience is there, they'll deliver it

@FatAlbert1 That's my response to anyone who could be so cold.
If other people responded similarly, ¯(ツ)/¯

You've got points that are decent enough, but I mean, if I'm working on a product for people, and I and my people, my family, go through some crazy tragic nonsense, and a consumer wants to cry for a product announcement?

"I'm out. Screw it, and anyone who'd be so thoughtless."

The Japanese are very decent people and they show that through literal honor and integrity. Something you hear a lot about but don't usually see much of.

A very RESPECTFUL decision on Nintendo's part.

We live in a sick world. I hope the people affected well

@ryancraddock I blame you for this one btw, starting that bad omen by reporting on the fallen N xD

EDIT: The delayed Direct, not the natural disaster of course.

;(

@Likethepear
Delaying the Direct = showing the Respect & Condolences toward the victims in Earthquake.
Showing an Emphathy toward peoples is MORE Important than airing the presentation of Nintendo Direct that can be aired several days later.
Humanity is MORE important than video games hype.

Sheesh this comment section...

Totally understandable, Nintendo. Human lives, safety and rebuilding what is lost is more important than a Direct right now. Very respectful.

God poor Japan! It's been a very bad few years for them, disaster wise.

this sucks massively but if you are complaining at Nintendo about this then you are nothing more than a child who needs to take a look at themselves.

a slight inconvenience for us, life changing disaster for others. perspective and empathy yo.

We're talking about Nintendo here; a Japanese company. The Japanese are well known to be respectful about things like these. I'm sure we can all wait a few days.

@Likethepear Maybe THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE!! It is a national tragedy and all you think about are some small game announcements. YOU HAVE NO SOUL!!

@WillTheLion I will repeat what this user says because his comment is spot on:

"I think NintendoLife article should include a bit more details about the earthquake and the effects it had on Japan itself".

@maruse Hey I'm so sorry those 2 (or 3 if you can't the guy saying the direct was going to be crap anyway) were being so rude to you. I responded there to help stand up for you. No one should be treated that way. I'm disappointed that the Direct has been delayed but that doesn't justify being a jerk to people.

@Cosats Thanks. I think that maybe that would help reflect the gravity of the situation.

Good lord!! God be with them all!!

What!

@WillTheLion No problem. I usually just ignore them, but this time it felt almost personal because I’m one of those affected (by the typhoon, luckily not the earthquake)

There might be an additional factor: Some of those clips to be shown might contain cataclysmic scenes (for example the destruction of Torna from the Xenoblades Chronicles expansion, or collapsing houses in Daemon X Machina, or an earthquake spell from a hypothetical Golden Sun remake etc) which might be considered tactless right now.
(And those too upset should remember: It is the annoncements that were delayed, not the games themselves.)

@BladedKnight well said, I could not agree more

Wise decision by Nintendo, the destruction from the earthquake is horrible and safety is a lot more important than a Direct.

@Razer Hey man no hard feelings. The whole point of my post was that people would have some level of disappointment for the delay. That's why I posted the GIF image to hopefully encapsulate the general disappointment of people in a comedic way in hopes that it's help prevent further more outrageous unfeeling comments.

The article did very little to mention the actual real world side effects to the people in Japan. I hadn't even heard of the earthquake at all until this article.

Honestly go back and read my entire first post especially the edits (which were already there at the time of your post). I immediately went and did further research on the situation and regretted acting impatiently. Once the shock died down I was and am definitely more concerned about the welfare of the people in Japan than silly game announcements.

@WillTheLion i was genuinely so irate with your initial response i tore into you in an earlier reply.

I deleted that after reading the rest of your reply.

My advice to you to avoid that is look before you talk.

Bit odd that the narrator in the video describes the earthquake as an "atrocity". That's usually reserved for mass shootings and the like, not Mother Nature.

@WillTheLion yeah i did. Hence why the comment isn't there.

Maan that boiled my blood.

Yeah I saw the earlier post. Agreed that if I'd taken a few minutes to finish looking up more about the earthquake my initial response would have had more empathy.

Again no hard feelings. Let's just hope things can get better for Japan soon.

Terrible news. Let's pray that people get to safety and rescue missions go well.
Let's hope that everyone at Nintendo is safe. :<

@WillTheLion all good bro. I flipped my lid before reading all your post too so yeah no hard feelings.

My prayers are with them.

My condolences to any and all affected.

Also, please stop talking about "Mother Nature" when comes to events like these. You are obfuscating the fact, that we are talking about events here unfolding according to nature's own laws as well as the conditions WE ourselves have set. Yes, we ourselves play a factor in virtually all these desasters. Some of those events are directly or indirectly linked to climate change, some others are direclty or indirectly linked to where we built and how we built cities, roads and agriculture for instance. There are a million ways in which we shape our environments ...

I find it really crucial that even in the darkest and most emotional hours, when the loss of human life burdens us all, we keep in mind, that we are not in fact just victims here. We make decisions every single day, big and small, that affect our lives and those of others. It's about high time we stop pretending that all of these catastrophes and their horrific outcomes are indeed "natural", as if perperated by a "Mother Nature" like ... like they are a punishment or something truly silly along those lines.

No, they are no punishment, they are a combination of chance happenings and repercussions to our own actions. Sadness is legitmate, certainly, but it cannot be an excuse for an abundance of intellectual dishonesty.

@WillTheLion - I'm really sorry if this comes off as callous in itself, as I can see that you regret your immediate reaction.

But, just with reference to participating in future discussions - I'm not sure reading further is required before knowing how to react to news of an event like this. Whether or not people are killed, 'powerful' earthquakes are devastating to both communities and ecosystems. I commend your honesty in saying that you found it difficult to care much about an event half way around the world - something few would care to admit - but you can definitely chalk this example up as something that you may (unless you're out to shock or even make some sort of counter-popular expression) want to treat in a more respectful manner.

Edit: I agree that this is a move that makes both corporate and emphatic sense. Those aren't necessarily mutually exclusive terms of course - making the decision that makes most financial sense can also align with the one that is respectful.

I agree that this is the right move for Nintendo. Here's hoping to everyone's safety and well-being.

Totally understandable but I think the respect towards the victims is not the only reason.

It's more than possible that some trailers Direct shown natural catastrophies and crumbling buildings etc...
I wouldn't be surprised to see Nintendo cut some parts of the Direct because of that...

I can imagine a trailer of bayonetta 3 showing that kind of scene or Deamon ex machina too...

My thoughts go out to Japan ...😿

Praying for Hokkaido and the rest of Japan. I think that Nintendo is making the right call here.

peace and love to the island

I don’t see what anymore information would have accomplished. I suspect most of us aren’t preschoolers here. We’re adults. If I was able to discern from the article that this was serious, I’m sure we all could. If there’s one thing these comments help to highlight, it’s the gaming community’s inability to use some perspective outside of its sense of entitlement

All that being said, my thoughts are with the people Hokkaido and Japan as a whole

I can wait. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.

Much love and prayers to all affected, and to all those helping in the area.

I still remember that Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011, that's the worst disaster in modern Japanese history. Nintendo didn't paused anything for it, instead blamed it for lousy Wii U and 3DS sales.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/nintendo_blames_2011_tohoku_earthquake_for_sluggish_wii_u_performance

That's fair... hope everyone's okay. I hope we don't have to wait too long though...

Hi guys. Your “Man in Japan” here. I just wanted to say thank you for your messages of understanding and support. The typhoon devastated Fukuoka/ Kyoto/ Osaka and surrounding areas. The earthquake in Hokkaido this morning was truly horrendous. It is a very difficult time, but hopefully things will get better and we can look forward to the direct in due course.

Just take it easy nintendo, dont stress. Focus on your health first, then rebuilding, and last this direct.

@Yoshi With your thoughts and prayers being delivered, I'm sure all will be fine now.

Seems like Groudon and Kyogre need to calm down in Japan.

You will hate me for this but i am so bumped that the direct is delayed.

@F1R3F1Y Your shameless contempt toward other people's sincere show of good will isn't helping the people of Japan either.

@Eigotaku Glad to see you're safe!

Prayer to Japan. I give them a week, at least before things are settled, and the Direct comes back on.

@Ralek85 You heard them, everyone! Stop using a centuries-old turn of phrase to hide your intellectual fallacies... YOU did this...

Or, just let folk speak about it however they like. I'm sure none of us actually believe there's some magical Harvest Goddess zipping around the globe throwing disasters out of a box at unsuspecting folk for the fun of it. There's also probably not someone in Louisiana thinking that Gordon is there because they let their vehicle idle at the filling station while getting a soda in a Styrofoam cup. It's not the dark ages, we know how weather systems and natural disasters work. I absolutely get your point, but when an earthquake hits a major metropolitan area or a wildfire travels hundreds of acres to a population center, I doubt the first thing humans think of is "why did we build here". (Don't get me wrong, I do agree with part of what you say )

Hope as many people in Japan as possible can stay safe and healthy.

@Eigotaku Glad you're able to check in and update us! Stay safe and keep those around you safe and healthy!

I just noticed @Heavyarms55 hasn't commented. Hope they're alright too.

That's to be expected. I hope Japan can overcome this disaster. My heart goes out to those that lost a loved one 😢

Nintendo did the right thing. Our love and best wishes to all people affected by the earthquake in Japan

Now if only this Nintendo Direct could accidentally leak...

@WillTheLion

No worries here. To be ignorant of things is understandable as everyone is ignorant in different subjects. Good on you to look into it.

Praying for Japan and for swift aid in the rescue and relief efforts.

I heard about the earthquake on the news yesterday, and I completely understand this decision. How are you supposed to air a Direct if people around you literally are dying, buildings are being destroyed and the electricity isn't really working? Hopefully everyone at Nintendo is safe...

I really have no clue to Nintendo's exact reasoning but I would imagine that this is a show of respect to their countryman. People died in this event! Obviously the physical earthquake did not prevent Nintendo from airing the Direct as scheduled.

I personally applaud Nintendo for making this decision. As excited as most of us were, I think we can wait a week or two more to watch the Direct.

@NintendoPete
People have died in the earthquake. Some may be family members of Nintedo's workers, and there are still people missing. Japan is more worried about the people's safety than the presentation, and if the workers are worried for their relatives in the affected area they should not have to deal with holding a presentation on top of not knowing wether their relatives are safe or not.

My heart goes out to all those who are affected by the earthquake and I hope that there will be no more deaths.

Felt a bit like @WillTheLion when seeing a delay to something I was looking forward to, but the details of these many and various events duly overwhelm that disappointment.

what are the odds that this happened just before the direct was about to go live?

well i hope that japan can recover from this asap and good luck to them getting through this.

@Likethepear

Oh my god you really must be an unhappy man. What a horrible and selfish thing to say. Employees at Nintendo may have relatives or friends there. There are many factors. I was as excited as anyone else but have a little respect for goodness sake.

The people in Hokkaido and their well-being are more important than a new Direct. It’s nice of Nintendo to make this announcement. I hope everyone is okay.

@Eigotaku I hope everyone you know is safe and well and casualties are minimal. I sincerely apologise for the few selfish people on here with little to no empathy

I feel extremely terrible for the people in Hokkaido that both had to endure the wrath of the earthquake and really wanted to see the direct. Not only did they have to experience horrible conditions of this disaster, but now they cant even see something that could perhaps bring a faint light of happiness to them in these dark times...I truly hope they can recover and get past all this.

I could've used this Direct as a pick-me-up after an usually difficult week. However, any complaints wouldn't be justified in the wake of a tragedy. All the best to those affected.

Man, some of the comments here are just unbelievable. I wager these folks would be among the most helpless if nature's wrath came knocking at their doors. Spitting on the vulnerable doesn't exactly convey strength and levelheadedness.

Anyone slagging this decision off can go away

Best wishes to those affected.

Oh my goodness, how awful. Who cares about the Direct, I hope everyone is ok in Japan. What a terrible thing to happen.

@FatAlbert1 That's a fair unbiased assessment from a business perspective.

Perfectly understandable, sorry to hear Japan is getting such a hard time in terms of natural disasters this year. Best wishes and health to all Japanese at this time.

Thinking of all those affected, Nintendo absolutely have done the right thing.

To those moaning, firstly, show some respect, secondly, all good things come to those who wait, the Direct will still happen, just a little later, learn to put things into perspective !

This is the right decision as our thoughts should be with the people of Japan at this very difficult time.

I can't believe some people are genuinely questioning this decision. Nintendo probably has lots of employees who either come from or have family in Hokkaido, which is why it is absolutely right to cancel the Direct at this time.

@HobbitGamer I'm kinda honored you remember me. Lucky for me, Hokkaido is a long way from where I live. We had some heavy rain and wind when the typhoon blew by, but that's all.

From what my co-workers who actually grew up here have told me, this area is one of the safest in Japan.

@HobbitGamer You say that and I want to nod along and think "yes, of course, you are right, this is all obvious, I'm a douche for pointing this out. It's just the way people talk after all, it's all good, it doesn't really mean anything."

Then I open up the newspaper, I see Trump talking about how climate change is a Chinese-made hoax to bring down the American empire ... I remember the likes of Michelle Bachmann talking about how these kind of desasters are god's punishment for gay people or whatever ... hardly anyone on the right bothered to refute her or even abstain from voting for a nutjob like Trump, very much modelled in the image of Bachmann or Palin, into the White House either. I recall people using globuli to treat cancer and a billion other things that are only possible, because we are all used to daily rationalization about all kinds of very real issues.

I'm just sick and tired pretending that the Enlightment was a historical period that happened like yesterday and obviously not everyone had time to catch up to it. I am tired of pretending that "the science is not in on climate change yet". I'm tired of pretending that homeopathy is a - in the truest sense of the word - alternative medicine. I'm tired of having people talk on TV about the earth being flat in 2018. I'm tired of having people with little to no understanding of concepts like herd immunity come up to me and tell me that they love their kids enough to not have them poisoned with vaccines ...

sigh We should be getting smarter, not better at belittling smarts and ignoring it. So, yeah, I'm sorry if I come off as to harsh, but as with all things in life, the devil is in the details. Talking about "mother nature" by itself is innocent. Going to church on sundays by itself is innocent. None of this happens in vacuum though. People are not compartmentalized beings. When we think, stuff gets messy. Ideas like into one another. Fiction and reality blur together. Wishful thinking becomes reasoning. It's easy to slip up and fall down a really ugly rabbit hole and unfortunately, you cannot really explain the current state of affairs without recognizing that there is substantial part of the 'enlightened' western civilization that is either already fallen or on the verge of falling.

The fact that Japan is facing this onslaugt of horrific catastrophes should be reason to start thinking about very real issues, like whether these gigantic population centers, built where they have been built, are sustainable and at what cost. For instance, how many nuclear desasters does it really take to make lasting and yes, painful changes to an economy and society the size and nature of Japan? Apparently more than one, sadly. All these issues are complex, granted, and not well suited for a comment like this, but the one thing I feel we all have to do is, is not to hide from them, but face them head on.

And yes, I absolutely feel that this needs to extend to our use of language as well. Language is afterall not a marginal 'system', it's the very fabric of our thoughts and ideas. If it is inherently dishonest, it's no small wonder when the results are as well.

Maybe I am an alarmist, could be, but I feel that is high time all of us make some changes, not despite the profound emotional impact of all that loss of life, but precisely because of it. I feel that we are more behold to the living and the unborn than the dead and buried.

Much of this reminds of happenings like school shootings, you know. It's all "thoughts and prayers" and then what ... exactly, nothing is what. It's not precisely the same thing, of course, but the underlying nature of unwillingness to face up to hard truths (only part of which is that we are not in charge of nature and never will be, which does not translate to 'we can't do anything anyways') and in fact, DO something about it.

The status quo is the most alluring of mental states and thus - sadly - the most persistent it seems =(

understand the delay, thoughts and prayers and hoping everyone will be okay at japan.

@Yoshi87

I don't doubt that, but is the Direct not finished in advance? Those employees would still be totally free to take time off as needed to care for their families. Live events, of course, would be a different matter.

But unless the main game they wanted to show off would somehow come across as insensitive after the quake, I feel like this is largely a business decision. The stocks are in a bit of turmoil now, the Direct wouldn't really have a huge positive impact for Nintendo right now.

I see a comment stating this happened on the other side of the country and others just being really horrible towards this news. I don't think the Direct was canceled due to being directly affected by the earthquake. I think it was canceled out of respect and maybe because some workers at the company may have family that they need to check on or worse may have died. I was totally excited for this Direct today, but I rather people affected by an earthquake take time to make sure their loved ones are safe. So just be patient and give some respect and prayer to the country.

So, that big N falling from Nintendo HQ's logo really WAS a bad sign after all...

But in all seriousness: totally understandable decision, even though there is sure to be some disappointment with quite a few people who were looking forward to this Direct.

But people's lives matter FAR more than some Direct broadcast, which will probably be yet another reason for some people to whine and complain about how bad Nintendo's decisions are and how bad they are currently doing, so postponing that for a couple of days/weeks, really isn't all that bad, far as I'm concerned.

I wish all the people that live over there, or who have family over there, well and I also wish strength upon the people who have already been affected by these disasters in whatever way.

@Reyes

"but I rather people affected by an earthquake take time to make sure their loved ones are safe"

Again, I don't see why a prerecorded Direct would prevent anyone from doing that.

It goes without saying that this is a tragedy, but lest we forget, this Direct was anounced during a massive typhoon. Nintendo didn't seem too concerned about respect then. Now, I'm not saying the events are comparable in scale, we really don't know yet. Obviously it's hard times for Japan all around.

But although the loss of life and livelihood is of course exponentially more important than games, or news about games, I think it's extremely unfair to imply that people who are disappointed about the Direct are asking for some Nintendo employee to do a live performance or something when they could be checking on their family instead.

It’s a little thing called ‘solidarity’. Typically one stops stops what one is normally doing to engage in it

May God's angels be with the people that have been affected.

@SBandy Stop using that kind of profanity towards others in your posts, please.

@BLD I think it is also to save their image too of course. And maybe the typhoon was not as big a disaster. I just think it's a better decision to show respect than not, y'know. I also like this because in a world where all too many people just don't give a f*** anymore at least it shows that people still do. I mean just look at these comments and all the love and respect going on. I am getting enjoyment reading how levelheaded and nice people on this site are. Probably more enjoyment than from seeing the Direct.

@SBandy Where did I ever imply otherwise? In fact, I pointed it out myself.

@Reyes

I do agree with a lot of what you're saying, but I'm also seeing certain individuals, who I know don't live in Japan, and I doubt plan on donating or helping in any way, doing quite a bit of moral grandstanding on those who dare to express any disappointment regarding the Direct. That's really what I'm trying to address, I guess.

"but I rather people affected by an earthquake take time to make sure their loved ones are safe"

Again, I don't see why a prerecorded Direct would prevent anyone from doing that.

It goes without saying that this is a tragedy, but lest we forget, this Direct was anounced during a massive typhoon. Nintendo didn't seem too concerned about respect then. Now, I'm not saying the events are comparable in scale, we really don't know yet. Obviously it's hard times for Japan all around.

But although the loss of life and livelihood is of course exponentially more important than games, or news about games, I think it's extremely unfair to imply that people who are disappointed about the Direct are asking for some Nintendo employee to do a live performance or something when they could be checking on their family instead."

This entire post of yours is suggesting they should still release the Direct because it is pre recorded regardless of this genuine tragedy.

It isn't about how the bloody thing was recorded it is about respecting the situation and how some things are more important than playing bloody videogames.

"This entire post of yours is suggesting they should still release the Direct because it is pre recorded regardless of this genuine tragedy."

It really isn't. I literally spelled out my point in the last sentence of the post you quoted. Not once did I ask them to release the Direct.

@BLD

No you are mocking people who are saying don't release it like they think it is a live thing and aren't just DECENT people who respect this tragic situation.

You were defending those who think a Direct is the be all and end all and should be released no matter what.

I hope everyone gets the help they need. A delay in broadcast of the Direct is not important in the scheme of things.

@SBandy

I never once mocked anyone.

@Nincompoop Honestly, that's a bad article based on a vague statement. Which 3DS sales? Those from Japan? Because that would make sense.

Aside from that, Social Media is more important than ever. Companies change, because it has to react to all kinds of external developments, but also intern developments. It's not really a fair comparison.

I hope that the people of Japan recover swiftly and safely. Also NLers in Japan please sound off so we know y’all are ok.

@BLD

So do you think the Direct should or shouldn't be aired?

Remember when Dianna died, they cancelled Grange hill.

@BLD It's just for respect. Not a lot of people died, but there are a lot of wounded people. This kind of stuff is sensitive and scary to Japanese people, because this is very real and could happen in the next few years again.

It doesn't make sense (to me) that Nintendo would air a fun Direct while their employees are not experiencing fun at all because they are scared, or perhaps they are worried about friends and family. Don't forget that Nintendo has a social media status too.

Maybe Nintendo Direct is secretly filmed live in Hokkaido?

@RazumikhinPG Yeah earthquakes are something totally new in Japan. Unbelievable.

I think earthquake delayed it because he can

@BLD

Answer the question dude.

@BigKing Earthquakes happen on a regular basis in Japan, in case you didn't know. They are usually of low intensity and don't cause deaths.
Lately the whole country has been affected by a lot of natural disasters, which have been kiling a lot of people. Massive heatwave, violent storms, typhoons, eartquakes, etc. It's really sad, seems like they can't have a rest this summer.

Wow that's very sad, by the way, it was weather that caused this, not some stupid "mother nature".

@Reyes The direct wasn't cancelled, it's just delayed. That doesn't make this disaster any less unfortunate, though.

@Grumblevolcano direct is more importent then life

@Octarian I think you'll find that "weather" and "mother nature" are used interchangeably. Plus, more importantly, weather doesn't cause earthquakes.

@Saego

Sure, but again I'll note the recent typhoon that actually more directly impacted the area of Nintendo's headquarters. I don't think anybody here was shouting at Nintendo for being insensitive enough to air a Direct just days after that event.

Obviously you can't look at these disasters in a vacuum, there's a cumulative effect here, and Nintendo's decision is the sum of all the recent tragedies.

But while I see a lot of comments rightly pointing out the fallacy of comparing this to a New York /California situation because of the distance involved, I think it's worth asking what the limit is, here. Is an event in Chicago "close enough " to cancel something in New York? What about Maine? Of course the answer depends on details like the scale of the event in question. And of course its a highly personal opinion, but that's the point.

In short, I think it's entirely unfair to attack people just for being disappointed about the Direct. Unless they were just being jerks in general, which people on both sides of this debate definitely have been. There's a sliding scale between "Massive casualties at Nintendo HQ" and "Nintendo Direct cancelled because random man stubbed toe across world ". People are going to have their own thresholds on when it's appropriate and respectful to delay something. But I see way too much demonization and polarization in this conversation, and a small part of that is definitely this notion that wanting the Direct and having sympathy for the tragedy are mutually exclusive.

I really hope everyone on Hokkaido is alright. I can wait for anything about games if people are hurt.

@RazumikhinPG It's nothing special at the moment and not nearly as dramatic as other earthquakes.

I think it's clear some people don't understand much about respect for a nation that has been affected by constant natural disasters recently. Nintendo isn't the only japanese company to delay planned events today. It just shows respect for the tragic events going on in their own country.

@Likethepear It was done in respect for the seven people dead and thirty-two people missing. Please be respectful of them as well.

@BigKing It has already killed more people than the Osaka earthquake this year. And let's not forget that was very close to Nintendo's headquarters, and I'm sure they would have delayed any Directs planned if they had any back then.
Plus it wasn't that long ago. So the whole country is still kinda in mourning and all these natural disasters just don't seem to stop. It has been the whole Summer.
Also I find it quite cold to say any earthquake that kills people is "nothing special".

This does suck for Japan, though I wonder if there was a major earthquake in say california which is somewhat closer to Nintendo of America's headquarters, I bet they wouldn't delay a north american direct.

@BLD With respect, I would say that this is very much influenced by the cultural aspects of Japanese society. You have to understand that, while the West is very individualised, Japan is still a strongly collectivist society.

It's not about whether the Direct is finished or not, but a powerful symbolic gesture to show solidarity and respect to those suffering at this time, which is absolutely the right thing to do. I don't know why some people are losing their minds over this - the Direct has only been delayed, not cancelled.

@dougphisig they wouldn't have just a Direct for America, but if they had some kind of reveal in the US or something, you can bet with the West's selfish culture (you can even see it on Nintendo Life comments how selfish Westerners are), they'd still have it. Eastern culture has a collective group culture, it's why you don't see the same crap happening in Japan where you do in the US.

@BLD I'm sorry, but I don't think you get my point. It doesn't matter if it's close to their HQ, it's about what exactly happened. I'm sure that if there would be a big terrorist attack the morning before the Direct, it would have been canceled too.

Plus, we're talking about Japan here, which has been hit by a heavy typhoon, now the earthquake ánd landslides. It's not the best place to be there at the moment. We're talking about Japanase culture, which is so different (as @Yoshi87 explains) than ours.

Also, it's delayed. I'm sure we can wait a few days.

"There's a sliding scale between "Massive casualties at Nintendo HQ" and "Nintendo Direct cancelled because random man stubbed toe across world."

This is also very black and white and certainly not the case.

@BigKing Oh you know, 4 deaths, 120 wounded, and only 38 people missing. That's nothing special! You should have more respect.

It seems like ever since 2013 or so weather patterns have been really bizarre everywhere, either by extremes, extreme oscillation, frequency of storms of long duration of stagnant/looping patterns that never move. including earthquakes ramping up. Things were fairly normal until Typhoon Haiyan knocked things around and since then everything seems to have been off kilter worldwide.

I know we've been in a phase where the poles are due to swap, and there's been some findings showing that while it hasn't happened, ever so often the poles shift part way over and try, and when it does it seems to open holes in the barriers against cosmic radiation to a degree that the solid state storage in a lot of oceanic weather monitoring stations and data collectors gets wiped. I can't help but think getting closer to a pole reversal event is really messing with the weather patterns, and no doubt tectonics as well. Unfortunately that means things will only get worse as the attempts happen more frequently until actual reversal (which is a whole other mess of problems, though all of them induced by our reliance on technology.)

@BLD The main difference is that we're mainly selfish and callous. Something bad happened to someone? Pfft, sucks to be them, glad it's not me, now give me my happiness! Japanese are raised to be a bit more empathetic of others than has unfortunately become the standard here. That wasn't always the way here. We used to be a lot more like them. I'm not sure how we lost a sense of decency and unity and started caring only about #1 and efficiency.We could learn a lot, not the least of which, about who we ourselves used to be, by watching them. Notice there's no footage of looting and riots in the wake of disaster? Now contrast that with the US.

Oh shucks

@Saego

How is it black and white at all? There's a sliding scale, is what I said. You quoted it.

I think most everyone would agree that if Nintendo HQ suffered casualties, of course a Direct would be delayed. That's entirely understandable. If a Direct were cancelled due to some minor inconvenience across the world, most everyone would agree that's a ridiculous reason to cancel. Both hypotheticals vary wildly in scale and distance. I see a lot of people acting like everyone who disagrees with them belongs to one of these extremes. Like people who think the Direct shouldn't have been cancelled are wholly insensitive monsters who would demand the Direct continue, absolutely no matter what.

When the truth is, none of us called it insensitive when the Direct was announced in the wake of a massive typhoon. Therefore I think it's fair to conclude that vast majority of us have opinions that fall far closer together than the hyperbolic vitriol being flung around would imply.

I saw the videos of the earthquake, it was the right thing to do.

Ugh, darn you mother nature.
Anyways, i hope everyone in Japan is ok. i can wait.
Peoples lives are more important than a Nintendo Direct.

@Saego Thanks for referencing my point about Japanese culture. It's a shame that many comments here really do show how shallow and individualised our Western culture has become and how much perspective some people seem to have lost.

In many ways, I think it shows how much respect there is in Japanese culture when these types of terrible events happen.

@BLD I don't think anyone is seeking to suggest that you were insensitive in anyway, however some of the comments by other posters, such as @Likethepear really were beyond the pale.

Mother Nature: Confirmed XBox fanboi.

Prayers for japan. Huracane Maria left Puerto Rico devastated last year so I know what they're going through. Hopefully japans government will be better prepared than ours was for the destruction and the casualties.

@Don: That's not really surprising. Sometimes, news networks miss stories. Also, today is day 3 for Brett Kavanaugh taking questions from the U.S.A senate. His possible election as judge will be lifelong, So, that's a very hot topic in U.S. politics, taking a lot of spotlight.

@Everyone_Else: My thoughts, and prayers are with them. Let me remind everyone, that earthquakes happening in Asian territories is common. That does not mean I am not concerned. I am concerned. I'm praying for them. Also reminding, that when there is an earthquake in one part of the world, there will be a balancing out in another part of the world. A delayed video game presentation is not even comparably relevant.

Totally understandable, I pray for a great recovery Japan.

@Moshugan Exactly, glad you acknowledge sending thoughts and prayers has the same value as doing nothing.

@Yoshi87

Absolutely, and I did say that there were people being jerks beyond an acceptable difference in opinion. But I'm also seeing it go both ways. You need look no further than @SBandy for a sample of the sort of venom that some users are spitting with abandon due to their perceived moral high ground.

It's horrible that they experienced all these disasters recently. Sending pixie dust and singing happy songs to help your recovery.

@Likethepear (answer to post #13) Your logic has no logic. Nintendo is in Japan. A lot of their employees are affected because their families might be on the region the earthquake occured. Also, a whole part of the country with more than 3.500.000 people have no electric power and water.

@F1R3F1Y stop that please.

@Saego Yeah that's nothing in the grand scheme of things in Japan.

They bounced back from way worse because they aren't crying like you do.

Nintendo. Always a class act.

@Eigotaku hope you and yours are all safe and well. It must be a horrible thing to experience/witness close to you.

@RandomNerds
"Always a class act."

Yo !
The Earthquake disaster was REAL, DUDE !
Acting ?!
Oh, please....

@BLD

Alright mods, let scumbags like BLD try and justify why a Direct is important considering the tragedy. Because we can't live for a few more days without videogame news!

Sort yourselves out. I am done.

@Anti-Matter Um, maybe it's a language barrier, but I think you miss-understood my comment.

Definition of class act: an example of outstanding quality or prestige

@F1R3F1Y
They (Japanese peoples ) need shelters, medicine, foods, healing, etc after disaster, NOT pixie dust or entertainment for right now.

@FatAlbert1 If you're suggesting that Nintendo is delaying the Direct simply to avoid a diminished audience, you know nothing of Japanese culture

@RandomNerds
Ow..... okay....

@Likethepear are you serious? This is a natural disaster, and you act all nonchalant as this was nothing. I hope one day you don't experience anything like that.

@RazumikhinPG My Japanese friends don't consider it all that special, they're used to earthquakes, typhoons and tsunamis. Part of life, clean up the mess and move on. No need to be overly sensitive.

@PanurgeJr

I think at this point it's relevant to ask - how many people lost internet access as a result of the typhoon a few days ago?

@ekwcll They act like that in Japan and Taiwan too.

You remember typhoon Soudelor? About 60 deaths.

You think they're all upset? Nah, they celebrate the cute bent mailboxes in taiwan. That's a tourist attraction now and they're selling souvenirs with the mailboxes

So cold and disrespectful! They should be grieving and sending prayers.

@BLD It really isn't.

Unfortunate, but understandable. Someone close to Nintendo may have been affected by it. Or maybe there's some earthquake imagery that wouldn't mesh well, considering. Lots of things that could have played a factor, really. I hope everyone is okay.

And, if you'll all allow me a bit of selfishness, I hope, when they do reschedule it, it's the same day and time (Thursday in the evening). I'm actually home on Thursdays, so I can actually watch it instead of sneaking away on a Tuesday at work. ^^;

I'm relieved people here seem to understand the situation. Hopefully everything turns out ok in Japan.

Not to add a somewhat cynical side to this as well, but it should also be understood that a large portion of Nintendo's primary market would be unable to see the Direct currently. They don't want to compete for headlines and go for large marketing pushes when basically no one will see them. Shame to hear about the loss and destruction in wake of the natural disasters though.

@PanurgeJr

And why not? How can you so confidently dismiss FatAlbert's claim without evidence? Numbers showing that a significant number of people were taken offline by the typhoon would strengthen your case far more than profanity.

@maruse I saw the thread on NintendoEverything, wanted to reach out to you here. That was shameful and idiotic. I can't believe the lack of empathy some people display. How anyone could expect Nintendo to go ahead with this when so many people in Japan don't even have power, is beyond me.

I get that this happened far away from the average American and European gamer and hence means little to them. I personally wasn't even aware of the earthquake until I saw a message about the Direct being delayed. But there's no excuse for not caring once you find out about a disaster. You don't have to do anything, nobody expects the gaming community to spontaneously reach out with aid for Japan or anything, but at least show a little empathy for fellow human beings who just survived a major disaster.

Anyway, I hope you and yours are okay and life gets back on track soon.

@BLD 3 major cities were hit by a major typhoon. The show still went on. Add in another area getting hit by a major earthquake, does the show still gone with half the region down for the count, few caring even slightly about entertainment news, a large portion unable to view it, and very possibly highly insensitive content for the time included? I mean at some point you have to evaluate "is this a good time to do this in light of recent events?" Call it business, respect, or a mix of both, who would run a 30 minute commercial primarily geared toward the locals in the current situation?

@MasterGraveheart that's a good point. If it included coverage of things such as TWEY, SMTV, or even Doom, that's a lot of death and disaster content to show too soon after a real life disaster. We may end up with an edited version with content removed that might be insensitive for now.

I suspect it will be a relatively lengthy delay.

@BigKing That's what I love about Asia in general....this uncanny ability to appreciate otherwise negative things as special. Though I'm not sure how they can rebound from such disasters so quickly. Here it takes years to even "mostly" recover.

@BLD I'm not trying to "make a case", though your reaction, including suggesting that I need to provide evidence for...something, I'm not sure what, implies that you are.

I'm curious: have you asked him for his evidence? I don't recall anything that could be described as such. Surely, since you see sides, you're treating both sides equally, right?

@Likethepear ah there's always one helmet who makes a fool of themselves. Why does it matter if it's on the other side of the country? The direct is pre-recorded, they could upload it any time they like. You're saying if something terrible happened in Scotland, people in London shouldn't care and respect those going through a tragedy by delaying something? It's the same country, don't be an idiot. They don't need to delay anything, why would they announce it if they needed to delay? Like I said they can upload it whenever they like. The fact that they give us a time and date is generous on their part because they want us all to watch it together. Another reason why uploading it while Japan is going through a major tragedy is not the right thing to do.

@BigKing I hope your partner isn't as heartless as you are.

You can't paint this picture of japanese people as if they are impervious to grief and pain. You can't say japanese people are unfazed by the death of others. If you do, you clearly lost touch with reality.

my heart goes out to anyone effected.

I’d wager many Floridians take hurricanes and tropical storms as jokes a lot of the time as they’re accustomed to hearing about them several times throughout the year. Living there, we get hit by storms all the time, and every summer we hear about a handful of new ones.

When Hurricane Irma hit last year, it may have not have been the disaster that Katrina was but it was still terrifying when it came in. People were basically buying everything they could and preparing to sit through it. My family wanted to go to the nearby school as it was being used as a safe zone. Lots of people died and we were left without power for two weeks. Many Floridians joke about Hurricanes and sit through them but when the real ones hit it still sucks bad. A disaster is still a disaster. Maybe in the future people will just look back and faintly recall and or joke about things like many do with Hurrican Katrina, but it was still an awful experience at the moment. I imagine the same is the case for Japan right now.

Hope those who suffered get through these difficult times.

Geez, can we just lock this comment section out for the article at this point? This has gotten rough.

@-Green- That's what I'm thinking, too. Irma was a pain here; watching Florence now.

@PanurgeJr

I ask you for yours because you took it upon yourself to escalate the conversation with profane insults.

@BLD I wasn't escalating a conversation, I was calling a spade a spade. This isn't a debate over whether or not Nintendo should air the Direct; this is some people understanding their decision, and some people not. The more you go on the more I place you in the latter category.

If we are all completely honest with ourselves , this comment section shows some of the best and the worst of human behaviour.

In no way does delaying this direct inconvenience anyone at all and to suggest otherwise is ridiculous. The games contained within it will no doubt still launch on time.

Condolences and well wishes to all affected.

@PanurgeJr

"I was calling a spade a spade"

No, you called someone who was at worst cynical about a company's motivations a "heartless a-hole" because you don't share their cynicism.

@BLD Maybe I wouldn’t go as far as heartless. But they are perspectiveless aholes if the first thing that comes out of their mouth is disappointment over a video game related thing and in some of cases, some grand conspiracy by Nintendo to use this to delay the Direct.

My viewpoint is pretty much the same as 80% of the users here.
I kind of needed a Direct to hit tonight and cheer me up, as I got a pretty nasty cut on my job this monday (on my girlfriend's birthday, no less) and, emergency room stuff aside, put my work on hiatus for a week - hoping this won't cost me my job.
But of course, such a tragedy is more than enough of a reason for the delay, although such "reasons" should never occur.
I get that they could have showed it anyway, but an act of respect towards the population of Hokkaido (no accents on this keyboard, sorry) is something we should only treat with respect in turn.
Here's hoping the casualties don't even get to reach two digits, as the last thing I've heard was about eight lives lost today.
I live in Italy, and even though my part of it - northern Italy - doesn't have much of a history with earthquakes, the center-to-southern side of the country does. So I can relate, sort of.
Best of wishes towards the entirety of the land of the rising sun.

@SBandy

@AlexSora89

Yep, I accept I have been over the top today but when I see people actually think they should see a short video about videogames and ignore a national tragedy I think they need a harsh lesson on what is actually important.

@SBandy
Acknowledged! But remember, you could still word it differently.
Like, "Aw, mate, partake in copulation far away, you total piece of female private parts, you!"
Naturally, in case I need to spell out the obvious - I'm also trying to provide comic relief to lighten up the mood for all Japanese users on the site, with varying degrees of success failure.

@AlexSora89

lol I agree, and I am normally pretty calm, but sometimes severity is required to highlight how pathetic people are being. This is one of those times!

Slightly disappointed, but the direct will come eventually.
Poor Japan. Hope they get power, water, and emergency services restored quickly.

To those who have a problem with this delay, remember it's video games. Announcements and footage of video games. Heck, I would understand if they delayed it because Koizumi(the guy who hosts the Directs) had a family emergency or something. I think we can all get over it.

@SBandy
My only whiny, spoiled complaint would be the lack of any details beyond "a later unspecified date".
Here's hoping the Direct will be worth the wait, and a good way to cheer up as many people as possible about this catastrophic event.

Mother Nature's final smash! Yikes!
So sad and hoping all those affected are ok. I was just there a few months ago and barely missed the typhoon and earthquake. Bummer about the Direct but it will come when it comes. First priority is to help people.
頑張って日本！出来るぜ！

@UmbreonsPapa

Great, but what you described isn't what was said at all.

I hope the people who survived over in Japan are alright. I understand why they had to delay the direct. I can wait 5 days if I have to. But video games aren't as important as someone's life.

Prayed for the people who were missing to return to their families safely, and may the ones who lost their lives rest in peace.

sounds like the "N" coming off the building was an omen...

Is this Nintendo somehow teasing a new smash fighter that is somewhat related to earthquakes? hmm....

@FriendlyHuman too soon

@BLD

You never answered my question. Should Nintendo have or have not released the Direct?

Not easy living in constant fear of Typhoons, Earthquakes Volcanic eruptions and Tsunamis here in this part of the world espcially when life and death are being juggled around. I live in the Philippines and we get a constant stream of typhoons. Super Typhoons are a pain to have espcially if the water gets to the point where the normal road you use everyday will now be a river where a boat will take you to the next block. Some lose their home in the process while others just try to salvage whatever they need in order to survive. It ain't easy I tell you considering the fact that the people who got affected by Typhon Haiyan hasn't fully bounced back yet.

Japan will bounce back but the scars of the damage will remain particularly those families who had lost their loved ones in these horrid events.

Be thankful for the life you have especially if you haven't encountered any of this.

@FriendlyHuman
Adding to what @Wesbert said in comment #64, let's just say the screen-shaking effect on Sakurai right before revealing King K. Rool wouldn't have flown in this Direct.

... aaaaaaaaaaaand now I realized Isaac is a Venus adept, representing Earth. FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU--

This is legitimately sad.

@JasmineDragon Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.

The Internet is like this, it collects the best but also the worst. Most of the time I just ignore them but when it gets personal it’s hard to ignore.

I'm reporting correctly I'm doing no profanity/no swearing when I see one

Man I can't believe this happened in Japan Iam more concerned for the Japanese people then this dumb direct now Dont be Selfish Gringos because u didn't get ur fancy direct be considerate and compassionate alright! ñlmñmlñm efwefwef.Anyways my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan cause this jus happened recently in my country last year in Mexico a big massive earthquake so Mexico is with you Japanese San we Raise our hand first! To offer help because you helped us when we needed it the most that awful terrible day in Mexico and now hopefully help comes in droves from other countries around the World which ik it will like Canada,France,England and so on mother nature can be a real sagagdsag asand does not forgive but worry not Japanese brethren because now is the Nations of the world who will lend a hand

@Likethepear not cool dude seriously not everything is about wat you want.

@Yosheel Stop what? I don't understand.

@Anti-Matter Yeah, I know that. It was directed at those wonderful thoughts and prayers comments.

@F1R3F1Y You clearly just don't get it. Mocking people sending thoughts and prayers is fine when the target is, for example, a Republican senator who refuses to take any action in the wake of continued gun violence, like the shooting in Cincinnati today. Mocking people with an emotional connection to a place, even though they've almost certainly never been there, is not fine, unless you believe being an [redacted] is fine.

@PanurgeJr Really, there are rules as to when its ok to say your sending thoughts and prayers? It is ok when it's a US politician, but not ok when they are being sent to a city.....even though the impact of these thoughts and prayers is exactly the same?
Send aid, raise money, offer shelter to displaced victims...these all help natural disaster victims. Absolving yourself from any moral responsibility by sending thoughts and prayers is the true insult here.

@Likethepear, @SBandy and @BLD and others

This is so unsympathetic and unsensitive.

People need to realise that they probably pre-record things literally a few days or maybe even a few hours before.

So something like an earthquake can affect their schedule.

This is on top of the Tsunami that happened that basically cause the "N" of the Nintendo logo to fall off as well.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/09/random_the_n_of_the_logo_at_nintendos_kyoto_hq_has_fallen_down

"Yesterday, Nintendo announced that it would be temporarily ceasing its telephone and online customer support for customers in Japan due to the typhoon, presumably because it would be too dangerous for employees to enter the building or surrounding areas. We hope that all staff and their loved ones are safe and well, and want to pass on our best wishes to those affected."

My point is that the Japanese market just experienced two disasters, so considering that they had to shut down their telephone and online customer support and now an earthquake happens, I think they are just doing the right thing and sending people home to their love ones as well as respect towards human lives.

What I got from this is that Nintendo employees have a solid work ethic and are caring people since they probably had a schedule in place which they now cannot fulfil because of it.

The Online Service could get delayed as well. I think it woupdbe good if Nintendo Life did an article on the Earthquake itself.

I know I'm a bit late in saying anything but my heart goes out to everyone in Japan. They have been put through a lot of hardship lately and it's really horrible to see. I hope they get the help they need. And I'm glad that Nintendo took the time to delay their direct and show respect for the victims of this incident. I can wait to hear what they have to announce until later.

@Retsam

Ignoring the accusation of being unsympathetic for the moment, what's your source on the Direct being recorded just hours beforehand?

So, I live in Hokkaido - I've recently got my power and internet back after a 24hr blackout. It might give my opinion a little weight.

And my opinion is this: it's fine that the Direct was pushed back a little. And if it had gone ahead, that would have been fine too. It's of little consequence, not just in view of the natural disaster that underpins it, but outright. The games themselves are still coming, regardless of when the Direct is broadcast.

I really don't think there's much else to say. It's disappointing, but understandable, and ultimately very little rests on the precise date on which the broadcast airs.

The disaster itself is... well, a disaster, but I'd advocate some perspective on how catastrophic the postponement of the Direct is, regardless of how affected you feel by the earthquake itself.

an earthquake and typhoon........

speechless

Any announcements for a new date already? I wouldnt expect they would take more than one whole week.

Well apologies everyone, I clearly went insane last week. In my defence I was on holiday in Spain and was taking shots my body and brain clearly couldn't handle!

From now on I will try and be respectful even when I don't agree with people's stances.

@Retsam

I was taking the same stance as you, very aggressively I concede, and any parts of my posts where it seemed like I was complaining about the Direct being delayed I was actually quoting others but forgot to put the quotation marks in because, well, I was very drunk.

Trust me I think cancelling the direct was the right approach.

@SBandy Sorry, I was agreeing with you but yeah.