On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, localizer and author Matt Alt stops by to discuss the influence Japanese pop culture has had on the world. About Matt Alt Matt Alt is a localizer of Japanese games and manga. Together with Hiroko Yoda he founded the localization company AltJapan and has authored multiple …

The epic conclusion to the Gundam VS Hello Kitty saga! 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of the 1979 anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, as well as the 45th anniversary of Sanrio’s most famous character, Hello Kitty. As such late in March of last year it was announced that the two companies behind these massive properties, Bandai and Sanrio, would be …

The (ridiculous) story continues. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1979 anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, as well as the 45th anniversary of Sanrio’s most famous character, Hello Kitty. As such late in March of this year it was announced that the two companies behind these massive properties, Bandai and Sanrio, would be teaming up in a fun promotional …

Cute cat vs. giant robot. Who will win? Late last month it was announced that the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam model from the 1979 series Mobile Suit Gundam (Kidō Senshi Gandamu) and the instantly recognizable Sanrio character Hello Kitty would be facing off in an epic battle as a way of celebrating the 40th anniversary of Mobile Suite Gundam and the …