Brian Ashcraft

Manga Real Girl is getting a live action version this September. It tells the story of an otaku school boy who lives most of his life in video games and anime. That is, until he meets a real girl. No word yet of an international release.

View from Tokyo Tower. Tokyo, Japan. By Mason Haydari. JPGs is a photo peek into wherever gamers might find interesting. If you’re a photographer and have images you want to share, drop us a line! 

Track: Faith | Artist: George Michael | Album: Faith Kotaku Soundtrack is a selection of the stuff we’re listening to at the moment.

Monster Hunter World‘s First Major Update Hits March 22

On March 22, Monster Hunter World will get its first big update, bringing the monster Deviljho. Via Capcom, here are the gameplay changes and additions: And the weapon tweaks for improved game balance. Check out these screenshots. Also, on March 16, Capcom is sending out “Hunter Personal Grooming Tickets” so players will be able to…

Japan Is Getting A Hello Kitty Bullet Train 

In the wake of the Evangelion bullet train, Japan is getting a new special high-speed train featuring the country’s favorite feline friend This summer, a Hello Kitty-themed bullet train will begin service in Western Japan. Currently, there is only concept art. It’s pink and cute! Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing…

Rainbow Days is getting a live-action movie adaptation. Debuting as a manga in 2012, it follows the lives (and loves) of school boys. A Rainbow Days anime aired in 2016.

The Game Franchises That Will Exist 100 Years Into The Future

Video games are still a relatively young medium. Many of the most iconic characters weren’t created that long ago. But what about a century from now? Which ones will remain? A thread on 2ch, Japan’s most popular bulletin board, covered those same questions. The answers probably won’t be a surprise, but here are some, but…

Yoko Taro gets finally gets his overdue D.I.C.E. award for Role-Playing Game of the Year, as well as an apology from Square Enix. Hooray!

Japan’s Talented And Creative Twitter Users

In Japan, there is a Twitter hashtag that creative types are using in hopes of getting more exposure for the amazing things they’ve made. The hashtag is #私の作品もっと沢山の人に広がれ祭り which basically means “A Festival To Get My Work Out To Many People.” There are some amazing pieces. Like these, for example. Kotaku East is your slice…

The Twelve Apostles. Victoria, Australia. By Nicholas Neubronner. JPGs is a photo peek into wherever gamers might find interesting. If you’re a photographer and have images you want to share, drop us a line! 

Track: Flavor of Life (Ballad Version) | Artist: Utada Hikaru | Album: Heart Station Kotaku Soundtrack is a selection of the stuff we’re listening to at the moment.

Shadowverse Apologizes For Taking Magic: The Gathering Art 

Similarities between a new Shadowverse illustration and an older Magic the Gathering card had fans wondering about artistic infringement. Today, the makers of Shadowverse issued an apology, explaining that the art in their new Holy Purebomb card was indeed taken from Magic the Gathering It’s easy to see the similarities. Here is the Shadowverse Team’s…

I Cannot Unsee This Cat

Mount Shinmoedake, a volcano in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture, has been shooting smoke and volcano ash into the air in eruptions that could go on for months. One snapshot of the billowing smoke is reminding folks, myself included, of a cat. Eruptions have not reached the point of evacuation. Time reports that authorities are warning people…

Now That’s A Lot Of Dragon Ball Tattoos

A resident of Nakhon Pathom Province in Thailand is sporting a whole bunch of Dragon Ball tattoos. According to Thai Ch, the man’s name is Owan Kranseen, and he’s spent months getting this work done. These images are from his Facebook account Seems he has a friend with similar interests! Check out more here Kotaku…

Cyberpunk. Milan, Italy. By Davide Sasso | Instagram JPGs is a photo peek into wherever gamers might find interesting. If you’re a photographer and have images you want to share, drop us a line! 

Track: You Don’t Miss Your Water | Artist: Brian Eno & John Cale | Album: Married To The Mob OST Kotaku Soundtrack is a selection of the stuff we’re listening to at the moment.

Tokyo Police Charge YouTubers In “Free Boobs” Stunt

Since last fall, there have been a couple isolated incidents of YouTubers holding signs that read, “Free oppai” (“Free boobs”), encouraging people to feel their breasts. Today, the Japanese media reports that charges have been filed against YouTubers in an alleged incident from this January. Warning: This article has content readers might find objectionable. It…

One Of The Best Nintendo Switch Ideas I’ve Seen

While Nintendo Labo looks cool, this Switch holder might just be one of the best ways you can play. Twitter user Ukiwa recently uploaded this image of a Nintendo Switch holder, showing how it can be used while lounging in bed. The holder can also be used for smartphones and tablets, but thanks to the…

Square Enix Is Hiring “Core Members” For Final Fantasy VII Remake 

Wondering how development for Final Fantasy VII Remake is going? Good, I hope! While we wait to hear how things are progressing, know that Square Enix is hiring for the remake. A Japanese job listing put out a call for “core member” (コアメンバー) recruits, looking for those with game planner experience and especially those with…

Tokyo Tower. Tokyo, Japan. By Tj Awat | Instagram  JPGs is a photo peek into wherever gamers might find interesting. If you’re a photographer and have images you want to share, drop us a line!