Tag: Japan
Japanese Charts Mario Party Jamboree Ends Dragon Quest III's Reign
Back for another star
After two big weeks of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake dominance, Famitsu's latest look at the Japanese physical software charts has a new champion. Super Mario Party Jamboree has rolled back into the top spot, with an additional 56,032 sales pushing the latest board game bonanza past 500,000 total sales and ahead of Dragon...
News Nintendo Postpones Retail Sales Of Its New Sound Clock Alarmo (Japan)
A late start
Nintendo's new sound clock Alarmo had a limited Switch Online rollout when it originally arrived in October, with the plan to eventually give it a wider retail release around the globe. Unfortunately, it seems this retail release has now been postponed in Japan. While Nintendo originally intended to release the clock to the general...
News Nintendo Store Tokyo's Latest Gacha Goodies Are A Range Of Zelda: TOTK Zonai Devices
You're gunna hear me Rauru
Remember earlier this year when Nintendo revealed its range of controller button fidget toys, sold exclusively in the gacha machines of its Japan stores? Well, it looks like there's a new collection in town to get us envious all over again. As spotted by a whole host of people today on Twitter and BlueSky, it appe
News Nintendo Is Ranked The Third Most Sought-After Employer In Japan
Gee, wonder why?
A new survey conducted by Japanese employment agency Gakujo reveals that Nintendo is the third most sought-after employer in the region. This comes via Otaku Soken (thanks, Automaton) and is based on responses from 5,476 university students across Japan. Nintendo is the highest company from the entertainment sector, and is only...
Japanese Charts There's No Stopping Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Another big one for Square's latest
Famitsu is back with our latest look at the physical software sales chart for Japan, and it's another week in the top spot for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Square Enix's latest pulled in an additional 91,362 copies between Switch and PS5 this week, which is far from its debut's 821,770 total, but it's still...
News Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country Entrance Revealed, Here's A Look
As the "highest tier" guests get an early tour
Earlier this month, Nintendo finally lifted the lid on Super Nintendo World's expansion Donkey Kong Country. It's scheduled to open next month on 11th December 2024 and ahead of the big launch, Universal has revealed the entrance and welcomed the first guests to the park. As highlighted by our friends...
Random Kirby Teams Up With Heinz For A Saucy New Collaboration In Japan
Dededelicious
Everyone's favourite pink puffball, Kirby, is teaming up with Heinz (you know, the tomato ketchup guys) for a new range of sauces in Japan. Well, that's not a sentence we thought we'd be writing today, but we can't say we're surprised. Shared by the official Heinz Twitter account, the Kirby range will be launching in late November...
News Nintendo's Official Magazine For Winter 2024 Gets English Digital Release
Featuring a smouldering Bowser
Whether you like it or not, Winter is finally upon us and Nintendo is waving goodbye to the sunny season with an all-new online magazine. The full 84-page 'zine shared today on Nintendo's official Japanese website is, as you might expect, written in Japanese, but those who haven't been doing their Duolingo need not...
Random Guilty Gear Strive's Latest Update Apparently Censors "Inappropriate Angles"
Naughty, naughty
Ahead of the launch of Guilty Gear Strive on the Switch early next year, Arc System Works has this week rolled out a new update for the game which reportedly makes some notable changes to the title's 'Digital Figure' mode (aka its photo mode). If you now try to view certain fighters from questionable angles, the characters will...
Japanese Charts Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake's Launch Sales Are Astronomical
Approaching 1 million in total already
Famitsu has shared the latest sales data for physical software in Japan, and for Square Enix's Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, it's a monumental success. The game has sold an incredible 641,195 copies on the Switch and a further 180,575 on the PS5, totalling 821,770 during its opening week. This likely makes it...
News After Almost 30 Years, Japan Finally Has A New Best-Selling Pokémon Game
Finally overtaking Red and Green
We knew that it would only be a matter of time, but it seems it's finally official. According to Famitsu, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has become Japan's best-selling Pokémon game of all time. According to the Japanese outlet, ScaVi has shifted an impressive 8.3 million copies domestically to date, finally pushing...
News We're Really Jealous Of Japan's Incredible New Pokémon Gold & Silver Merch
Gotta buy 'em all
The Pokémon Company has revealed a new range of merch based on Pokémon Gold And Silver in celebration of Gen 2's 25th anniversary. We're going to be honest, we're quite jealous. A lot of merch can look pretty grim and tacky, but the selection on offer here is really quite nice. You've got bomber jackets, heat-changing mugs,...
News EarthBound 30th Anniversary Merch Will Include A Giant Mr Saturn Plushie
Big zoom
Classic SNES RPG EarthBound, known as Mother 2 in Japan, celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year — yes, really, no need to pinch yourself. But Nintendo and Hobonichi will be continuing to celebrate this seminal game later this month with a variety of promotions and merchandise in Japan. Let's start with Hobonichi and a brand...
News Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Japanese Switch Box Art Includes Reversible Cover
It always gets the cool version
Square Enix's long-awaited release Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is out this week on the Switch and if you're planning on picking up a physical copy, you might want to read on... It seems there are some notable differences with the box art and game cartridge. Once again, Japan gets the cool version - with a...
Random Japanese Clinic Closes To Let Staff Play Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
"All of the staff have changed their Jobs to 'Hero'"
We've all heard some kind of story about the furore that a brand new Dragon Quest game stirs up in Japan. Kids skip school, adults call in sick, and the original Dragon Quest III on Famicom even led to a number of arrests. Well, folks, history repeats itself — kind of — with the release of...
Japanese Charts Mario & Luigi Sail Past The Competition
While the PS5 Pro arrives in style
Famitsu has shared the latest look at the Japanese charts and Super Mario Party Jamboree has finally been kicked off the top spot by... more Mario. Yes, Nintendo's latest, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, hasn't been troubled by its somewhat mixed reception as the new RPG sold a sweet 63,441 cop
News Capcom's Hideaki Itsuno Helms New LightSpeed Development Studio In Japan
There's a Buzz around this LightSpeed
LightSpeed Studios, the team behind PUBG Mobile and survival RPG Undawn, has launched a new game development studio in Japan helmed by none other than Capcom legend Hideaki Itsuno (thanks, GamesIndustry.biz). Itsuno announced that he was stepping down from Capcom back in August, after over 30 years working at...
Gallery Shigeru Miyamoto's Exclusive Tour Of Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country
The doors open this December
Super Nintendo World's new themed area Donkey Kong Country opens this December in Japan, and ahead of this, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto has taken fans on an exclusive tour. Here's the full rundown from the latest Nintendo Direct. Enjoy! Entering Donkey Kong Country To enter Donkey Kong Country, you'll need to walk...
News Super Nintendo World's Donkey Kong Country Park Gets Opening Date
Absolutely bananas
Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo have lifted the lid on the upcoming Donkey Kong Country expansion, coming to Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan. And in today's Nintendo Direct, we finally know when the expansion is opening to the world — 11th December 2024. We've had a few teasers sneak peeks at the park over the years, but...
News Nintendo Direct Announced For Super Nintendo World's Donkey Kong Expansion
Tune in for a 10-minute tour
A Nintendo Direct is on the way, folks. This one, however, won't feature any upcoming Switch games, nor any information on the elusive 'Switch 2'. Instead, Nintendo will be showcasing a 10-minute look at the new Donkey Kong Country expansion for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. The broadcast will take...
Guide Where To Buy Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop Credit
Here's how to get Japan-exclusive eShop games
The Nintendo Switch eShop is home to thousands of great games at this point, but some are locked away, exclusive to particular regions. If you're wondering how to download Japanese Switch games, you're in the right place. One of the great things about the Nintendo Switch eShop is that you can create...
News Square Enix Outlines Streaming Guidelines For Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
No spoilers
Ahead of the arrival of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake next week, Square Enix has shared streaming guidelines in Japan for anyone planning on uploading gameplay or footage to the internet. While you're able to upload images and video footage of the title to social media and streaming platforms for "non-commercial" purposes, Square Enix...
Japanese Charts Mario Party Jamboree Is The Star Player, Once Again
Gold rush
We're back with another look at the Japanese charts courtesy of Famitsu, and while you might think last week's deluge of new releases could trouble the two-time champ, you'd be wrong. Super Mario Party Jamboree has claimed the top spot for the third week in a row, nabbing a further 57,522 copies. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven on...
Japanese Charts Mario Party Jamboree Holds Off A Bunch Of New Releases
Get in
Wow, that's a lot of new releases. Yes, thanks to Famitsu, we now have a view of the latest charts data from Japan, and despite an avalanche of new games (several duplicates, granted), Super Mario Party Jamboree has managed to hold all of them off to claim the top prize. Now of course, if you add together the sales for every SKU for Romancing...
News Mobile Rhythm Game 'Disney Music Parade' Scores A Switch Encore In Asia December 2024
Featuring "English language" support
Earlier this year during a Nintendo Partner Showcase in June, Imagineer lifted the lid on Disney Music Parade: Encore - a Switch version of Taito's mobile rhythm title featuring a whopping 60 songs. At the time, it was mentioned how the Japanese release would include English language support, and in an update...
Random Owners Of A Nintendo Frying Pan Are Being Warned Not To Use It
Not panning out
Owners of a rather fetching Super Mushroom frying pan in Japan are currently being told not to use it by manufacturer Bandai Spirits. This comes from The Gamer via an official announcement provided on 25th October 2024, in which owners have been advised that the frying pan has been found to discolour oil when heat is applied. Bandai...
News Three Adorable New Animal Crossing Plush Have Been Revealed
Arriving in Japan this December
If you happen to be a fan of Animal Crossing and love plush toys, you might be interested to hear more themed ones are on the way. They'll be released in Japan at the local retailer San-ei, and are scheduled to arrive at some point in mid-December. Unfortunately, they are limited to this location for now and there's...
News Nintendo Museum Overseas Visitors Reportedly Breaking 'No Photos' Rule
Photos featuring hardware prototypes have gone viral
According to a new story doing the rounds, overseas visitors are causing some troubles at Nintendo's museum in Japan. As highlighted by Twisted Voxel, a report by the Japanese site 'Nintendo Every' claims some tourists are sharing photos of the "no-photography area" in the museum on social media...
News Freedom Wars Remastered Japanese Switch Box Art Revealed, Here's A First Look
Returning in early 2025
In September, Bandai Namco surprised fans with the announcement of Freedom Wars Remastered for the Nintendo Switch. It will be arriving in January 2025 and is a remaster of Japan Studio's PlayStation Vita exclusive which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Fans have now been given a first look at the Japanese physical box...
Japanese Charts Ain't No Party Like A Mario Party
Jamboree's on board at number one
The latest Japanese charts are in, courtesy of Famitsu, and as expected, Super Mario Party Jamboree has taken the region by storm, selling an impressive 227,569 units at launch. Remember these charts only account for boxed copies too, so digital sales will drive the total number up nicely. It's a solid week for the...
News Nintendo Cooks Up New Food & Accommodation Trademarks For Pikmin, Smash Bros. And More
Order up!
Nintendo is no stranger to a trademark application, but its latest batch is worthy of note because of how non-gamey it is. You see, instead of bagsying the use of a particular mechanic or other software-related gimmick, Nintendo appears to be trademarking its properties for use in the food and accommodation sector (thanks for heads up,...
News These Mario Wonder Standees Won't Give You A Respawn Point, But They Will Tidy Your Desk
Not a Talking Flower in sight
We've seen a decent amount of Mario Wonder merch since the platformer hopped onto Switch last year, but those plushies (even if they do talk) can't possibly match the adorable usefulness of Bandai's new clip stands. These clips can be used for all kinds of things — cards, notes, pictures, sweets — but the best...
Feature A Trip To Machida, The Real-Life 'Pallet Town' That Inspired Pokémon
Pokén around
The first generation of Pokémon games features some of the most iconic locations in the entire franchise. The eerie Lavender Town, the winding Viridian Forest, and the quaint Pallet Town where all players start their journey. Pallet Town isn’t just a fanciful creation, but draws real-life inspiration from Pokémon creator Satoshi...
Japanese Charts Zelda Gets Booted Off The Podium As Metaphor Arrives In Style
An Echo of its former self
Famitsu has served up our latest look at the Japanese gaming charts and after two weeks at the top, Zelda has fallen. Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has dropped down to fifth this week (still with an impressive 19,710 sales, mind you) as a host of new releases mix things up. It's Metaphor: ReFantazio on PS5...
News Sega Set To Go Head-To-Head With Nintendo With Its Own Retail Store
Tokyo, you lucky duck
Sega has revealed that it is looking to open an official retail store in Japan, located within the same building as Nintendo Tokyo, no less. In speaking with VGC, Sega's transmedia boss Justin Scarpone stated that the store will open in Shibuya’s Parco department complex, though he refrained from giving any target date...
News Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu Says Fantasian Neo Dimension Is His "Final Project"
Update: But he's not actually "retiring from video game music work"
Update [Wed 16th Oct, 2024 02:55 BST]: Nobuo Uematsu has followed up this brief message clarifying he's "not retiring from video game music work". He mentions how there's apparently been "some misunderstanding" and he wants to cut back on this music so he has more time to make his...
Random Forget Combos, This Upcoming Fighting Game Is All About Shaking Your Butt
All twerk and no play
It's hard to stand out from the crowd in the fighting game genre these days, but developer Kayac is taking a novel approach with 'Ketsu Battler,' which is set to launch on the Japanese eShop on 12th December. You see, instead of memorising hit boxes and complex button combos, this battler is won by whoever can shake their butt...
Japanese Charts Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Summons Up Another Win
While Switch sales surpass 34 milly
Here we go, folks. It's time for the latest look at the Japanese charts (courtesy of Famitsu) and, surprising no one, Nintendo's latest is out in front again. Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has taken the win for the second week in a row, snatching up an additional 48,208 sales (not a touch on last...
News Nintendo Hits Snooze On Surging Alarmo Sales In Japan
A lottery scheme is now being implemented
Nintendo fans over in Japan are going absolutely bonkers over the newly-released Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo accessory, causing Nintendo to suspend sales on its official website. As communicated on social media, the firm has temporarily hit snooze on sales after an alarming (heh!) surge from Nintendo fans...
News No, Tomonobu Itagaki's Game Studio Hasn't Shut Down, It's Just Had A Name Change
(Devil's) Third time's the charm
For a brief moment yesterday, it appeared that Tomonobu Itagaki's game studio had been dissolved. But fear not, the Devil's Third creator still has his dev team, albeit under a slightly different name (thanks, Gematsu). A company dissolution notice was published in Japan's government gazette yesterday, with the...
Feature The Nintendo Museum Goes Hard On Merch & Fun, But Could Dive Deeper Into History
Worth a trip to Japan?
This week, Nintendo opened the doors to a site destined to become a stop-off for many a video game fan visiting Japan: the Nintendo Museum. This latest venture into the real world promises a peek into the company's archives and history, and Kyotogamer was there for Nintendo Life with an account of what's in store if you make...
Japanese Charts Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Trounces The Competition
The Switch Lite gets a nice boost, too
New Zelda weeeeeek! Yes, a new Zelda game is out and, rather predictably, Echoes of Wisdom has topped the Japanese charts with a total of 200,121 units sold. It's a comfortable win for Nintendo and we suspect the game will retain its position for another few weeks at least with those kind of launch stats...
Round Up The Reviews Are In For The Nintendo Museum
Will you be making the trip?
This week marks the grand opening of the Nintendo Museum in Japan, and if you're wondering what it's like, we've put together a round up of some of the impressions so far. In case you missed the initial announcement, we've also got a handy guide - detailing everything you need to know if you are planning to make a trip...
News Nintendo Museum Is Limiting Select Merch Sales As Expensive Online Listings Arise
After just one day!
Last week, we got a sneak peek at some of the awesome merchandise available exclusively at the Nintendo Museum. Well, wouldn't you know it, after just one day of being open to the public, the attraction has announced that it will be limiting sales on select items (thanks, VGC). As detailed in a post from the official Nintendo...
News Castlevania Dev Steps Down From Bloodstained 2 After Cancer Diagnosis
"It is a great blow to have him step away from the project"
Shūtarō Īda, a veteran designer on the Castlevania franchise and director of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, has sadly stepped down from the development of Bloodstained 2 following a cancer diagnosis. Īda announced his decision on social media (thanks, VGC), stating that although he...
Feature Here's 10 Games We Played At TGS 2024 Coming To Switch
Fantasian! DQ3! Phantom Brave! Sonic, again!
With the Nintendo Switch winding down, the Switch successor still unannounced, and Nintendo itself not typically showing games at the Tokyo Game Show, it can be a little hard to find titles you can play on your favourite hybrid handheld console between massive booths for Monster Hunter Wilds and the...
Japanese Charts Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Surpasses 6 Million Units Sold
Pole position
The latest boxed charts data from Japan is now available courtesy of Famitsu, and once again, we can see that the Switch is still comfortably dominating in the region both with hardware and software sales. Astro Bot is the only representative from Sony's PS5 platform. Frankly, it's mad that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe keeps selling so well...
News Raiden Fighters Remix Collection Now In Development
Three Raiden spin-offs will return
Japanese game developer and shoot 'em up specialist MOSS has announced it's releasing a Raiden Fighters Remix Collection. No platforms or release date have been announced just yet. This arcade shmup spin-off collection will feature a bunch of '90s titles including Raiden Fighters (1996), Raiden Fighters 2:...
News Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Wins Japan's Grand Game Award For 2024
It was released on Switch last year
It's meant to be all about Echoes of Wisdom this week, but there are also some celebrations currently taking place for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. A year after its release, Link's massive open-world sequel outing has now taken out the "grand award" at Japan's Game Awards for 2024. This award was...
Hands On Professor Layton & The New World Of Steam - New World, But Feels Like The Old Prof
As puzzling as ever
It has been a while since we’ve seen Professor Layton and his protege Luke. For a while, the mind-bending puzzle series seemed like a Nintendo mainstay - at least on the DS and 3DS. The last game starred Katrielle Layton, the daughter of the titular Professor, and received rather mixed reviews when it came out for 3DS in 2017...
