Brian Ashcraft

Custom Gundam Paint Job Looks Like Stained Glass

Over the years, we’ve seen an array of custom Gundam models. This has to be one of the best. Gundam model builder Sui transformed a Nu Gundam Clear Version kit by painting the edges of the clear armor black. Sui then painted the panels with water-based clear paint, keeping the necessary transparency to give the…

The Official Metal Gear Solid Boots Are Kind Of So-So

Japanese fashion brand Super Groupies is collaborating with Konami for a series of Metal Gear Solid themed items. Let’s have a look! Above and below, you can see the Foxhound labeled boots, with the gray color inspired by Solid Snake’s Sneaking Suit. The made-to-order boots are 19,800 yen ($190) and are reminiscent of Super Groupies’…

Track: Caroline | Artist: Arlo Parks | Album: Collapsed In Sunbeams

Sega’s Toshihiro Nagoshi talks about the birth and history of the Yakuza series in a fascinating 20-minute-plus interview. It’s a look back at the series and how Yakuza arrived at the place it is today. Definitely worth a watch! 

These Pokémon Sweets Are Too Cute To Eat

In Tokyo and Osaka, there are Pokémon-themed eateries, serving up some truly wonderful Pocket Monster-themed eats. Don’t believe me? Have a look! The Pokémon Cafes are located next to the Pokémon Centers in both Tokyo’s Nihonbashi and Osaka’s Shinsaibashi. These cafes serve both meals and sweets, but in Ikebukuro a dedicated take-out dessert shop called Pikachu…

Track: Turn It Up | Artist: Blur | Album: Modern Life Is Rubbish 

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla‘s Japan Release Marred By Bloodless Confusion

Last week, when Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was released, players in Japan noticed that the game didn’t show blood effects during combat. Some wondered if there was a glitch preventing the optional bloodshed. Ubisoft Japan did announce that there were differences between the North American and Japanese versions, such as a topless woman character who’s covered…

A Pokémon Go Event In Japan Is Probably A Bad Idea Right Now

Yesterday, it was announced that Kyoto city was going forward with a real-world Pokémon Go event to be held on November 22. Today, there was a realization that, yeah, this is probably not a great idea. As Mainichi reports, the Pokémon Go City Spotlight was to be held in Kyoto as well as in Busan…

Burger King Trades Buns For More Meat

As video game news site Famitsu.com reports, Burger King is rolling out a new limited-time “Extreme” burger in Japan. Called Extreme Chou (超, meaning “super”, “ultra” or “extreme”) One Pound Beef Burger, the 510 gram burger features four beef patties and no buns, clocking in 1,236 kcal. Priced at 1,400 yen ($13.44), the burger will…

Track: The Emergency | Artist: BT | Album: These Hopeful Machines 

Here Are Japanese Launch Sales Figures For PlayStation 5 And Xbox Series X/S

Curious to know how the PlayStation 5’s launch went in Japan? What about the Xbox Series X and S? Well, good news, because Famitsu is reporting the first Japanese sales numbers for both new consoles. According to Famitsu, between November 12 and November 15, the PlayStation 5 sold 118,085 consoles in Japan. (Note these numbers…

A Poop-Based Game Released In Japan To Save Lives

There is a game called Unkore, and it features anthropomorphized anime-style versions of intestinal bacteria. While this might seem rather silly, it’s not. The goal is to help others, which is driven home with the game’s tagline: “There is a life that can save in the shit.” Unkore sounds like it could be a riff…

Married Couple Shows Off Slick Arcade Dance Moves

Riri and Penko are a husband and wife dance game team who perform some extraordinary routines. Riri is a dance game world champion, winning top prizes in competitions for Dance Dance Revolution, Dancerush Stardom, and Pump It Up. Together with Penko, the two compete as the Panda-san Team. Recently, the couple showed off a freestyle…

Track: Future Pop | Artist: Perfume | Album: Future Pop 

Turning A PlayStation 5 Into A Yu-Gi-Oh! Character

When the PlayStation 5 was first shown, fans had a good time ribbing it for the console’s looks. In particular were those who made comparisons with Seto Kaiba from Yu-Gi-Oh! Note the high, white collar and the black shirt. The character does look like a PlayStation 5—or maybe, a PlayStation 5 looks like Seto Kaiba.…

An Excellent EarthBound Jacket With Nintendo History

Next February, an EarthBound (aka Mother 2) embroidered jacket will go on sale in Japan. This type of jacket is called a sukajan (スカジャン), which are very much Japanese—yet their American roots and influence are undeniable. The tops appeared in Japan during the Post War Occupation. American troops began getting Japanese designs sewn into their…

Track: The Private Psychedelic Reel | Artist: The Chemical Brothers | Album: Dig Your Own Hole

Naruto Creator Will Start Writing The Boruto Manga

Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto will begin writing the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga starting with Chapter 52, which goes on sale this month. Up to now, Ukyo Kodachi has written Chapters One to 52, with Mikio Ikemoto handling the illustration duties. Kodachi has published novels and also written scripts for Gundam and Macross. Kishimoto, who…

Cute Animal Crossing Clothing To Wear At Home

It’s 2020. People are staying home for obvious reasons. But! That doesn’t mean we should forgo looking absolutely adorable. Japanese clothing brand Gelato Pique is releasing a line of Animal Crossing loungewear because it’s safer to be cute at home. Included are sets of character-themed hoodies and shorts, a hooded blanket with ears, and the…

Track: Asleep from Day | Artist: The Chemical Brothers | Album: Surrender