In Fukushima, Japan, a restaurant blew up in a freak accident. Street Fighter player Torimeshi, who signed a pro gaming contract last fall, lived right next door. In the above image, posted by Torimeshi, the red circle is his room. Thankfully, he was not at home with the restaurant blew up. Update 08/02/20 – 5:43…
Ghost of Tsushima’s Kurosawa Mode is a black and white cinema-style filter that pays homage to the filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. While it might seem like a surface-level nod to the Kurosawa films that inspired the game, the game reflects the famed filmmaker’s sensibility in more than just visual cues. Note: This article contains spoilers. Traditionally,…
Besides developing video games, Konami has long making arcade, pachinko, and other amusement hardware. Now, add gaming PCs to that list. The PC gaming brand is called Arespear and features the tagline, “Advanced revolution of esports.” The name is from Greek mythology, combining “Ares” with the word “spear.” Currently there are three entries in the…
Toshihiro Nagoshi, Sega’s executive director of the Yakuza games, has many good things to say about Ghost of Tsushima Ghost of Tsushima is a worldwide hit, and it has been well received in Japan. In a recent Sega livestream (via Hachima), Nagoshi was asked about his thoughts regarding the game’s success. “To be honest, we…
Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets made with mochi and sweet fillings to be enjoyed with tea. This week, Dragon Ball themed confections are going on sale at Family Marts across Japan. As evident in the ad copy above, which claims “Japanese sweets for men,” this appears to be aimed at dudes. (M’kay!) Priced at…
In April, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Remake. While speaking with Weekly Famitsu, the game’s developers revealed that part 2 is currently in production, picking up where the first remake left off. “While we are earnestly working on it [part 2],” co-director Naoki Hamaguchi told Famitsu, “we may make you wait, but please look…
Last year, the ultra-rare Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $195,000. That was the highest price paid for a Pokémon card. Until now. The Pikachu Illustrator card was given out to winners of a comic contest that was held in Japan in 1997-98. Thirty-nine of these cards were awarded, but only ten apparently still exist. Back…
Japanese arcades are places where people gather. But in the age of covid-19, that’s difficult, especially with machines so close together and players touching the same buttons and joysticks. The novel coronavirus has hurt business for arcades. Mikado, above, had to launch a crowdfunding effort to help make up for lost income. As noted on…
On July 18, actor Haruma Miura was found dead in his Tokyo apartment. He was 30 years old. As Mainichi Daily News reports, Miura made his debut as a child actor on a 1997 morning drama series, and went on to win the newcomer award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in…
In July 2019, Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 building was set ablaze, leaving 36 people dead. The studio has since been demolished. Today, Kyoto Animation issued a press release, asking fans not to visit the site. “Any entry into the premises of Kyoto Animation 1st Studio is prohibited without permission,” reads the release. “Since the vicinity…
In the Ultraman series Ultraseven, there is an elite defense force known as Ultra Garrison. Japanese clothing brand Takeo Kikuchi is selling a suit modeled after the group’s uniform. Here is a comparison with the Ultra Garrison uniform, courtesy of Pure Invention author Matt Alt. The suit has all sorts of neat little Ultraseven details.…
IA and ONE are popular Vocaloid singing voice synthesizer characters in Japan. To celebrate their birthdays, a pair of new figures have gone on sale in Japan. They’re relatively expensive and, well, apparently not very good. Each figure is priced at around 35,000 yen ($327). Above is concept art, and below is what fans are…
If you think finishing a Pokémon game takes a long time, try playing one as a pet fish. That’s exactly what one pet fish in Japan is doing. Mutekimaru Channel is tracking fish Mutekimaru (aka Maurice) as it makes its way through Pokémon Ruby. As Soranews notes, the fish is obviously not aware it is…
In Spider-Man, Peter Parker invented devices worn on his wrists known as web-shooters. Twitter user Tsukasa-3D invented his own shooters, but for shopping bags. Recently in Japan, even convenience stores have started charging customers for plastic bags and to avoid paying these charges, people need to bring their own. Using a 3D printer, Tsukasa-3D created…
This month, the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun resort in Kanagawa, Japan rolled out a special Evangelion themed hot springs. In Evangelion, the Second Impact is a huge explosion in Antarctica after which the oceans run red with “blood.” At this onsen (hot springs) resort, the water in the slides and cave baths are colored red. This…
As Japanese theme parks start to reopen, guidelines have been issued to (hopefully!) help ensure a safe experience for visitors, including visitors being asked not to scream on roller coasters. According to The Wall Street Journal, a video message tells park visitors, “Please scream inside your hearts.” Previously, Kotaku reported that haunted houses in Japan…
Last year’s hit anime Weathering with You is getting its own Honda motorbike. The company’s iconic Super Cub appeared in the animated feature film, and later this month, a real-world version is going on sale in Japan. The Weathering with You motorobike is available for the Super Cub 50 and the Super Cub 110 variants,…
MSI president and CEO Sheng-Chang Chiang, also known as Charles Chiang, has suddenly died. He was 56 years old. According to Yahoo! News Taiwan, MSI has issued a statement confirming Chiang’s untimely passing and adding that the company was assisting grieving family members. The Guru of 3D reports that on July 7, Chiang was discovered…
Today, Sega Toys has announced a miniature version of its iconic Astro City arcade cabinet. The latest in a string of mini hardware, it will be released in Japan this December and come packed with 36 games. The Astro City Mini is priced at 12,800 yen ($119). According to Sega’s official release, the Astro City…
Long-running manga Baki the Grappler recently got a new anime adaptation on Netflix. It follows the exploits of macho Baki Hanma in the underground fighting world. Imagine Baki for real, minus the brutal battles but with the muscles. Meet bodybuilder Naotaka Yokokawa. The resemblance between Baki and Yokokawa has been pointed out on Twitter, and…
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