On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan? Topics Discussed Whether we think it’s worth visiting Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka About Ryan’s experience at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan About Universal Studios Japan’s Cool Japan special event About the appointment system used …

Proof that Mario and Luigi live painful lives. Released in 1985 Super Mario Bros. is one of the most influential and important games in the history of video games. As such it should come as no surprise that even more than 35 years after its release the game continues to inspire people to create all sorts of content based on …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re exploring beliefs and traditions surrounding pregnancy in Japan, as well as how ideas about marriage have evolved in Japan since the Edo period. We also take a detour into the world of NES era game localization. About Dr. Amanda C. Seaman Dr. Amanda C. Seaman …

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 …

An overview of the information currently available on Universal Studios’ upcoming Nintendo-themed land: Super Nintendo World Almost five years ago a partnership was announced to bring the Japanese video game giant Nintendo to Universal Studios theme parks. The first iteration of Universal Studios Super Nintendo World is currently looking like it will open in Osaka, Japan in time for the …

 On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we take a look at the fascinating intersection between Japanese culture, society, and video games. About Dr. Rachael Hutchinson Dr. Rachael Hutchinson is an associate professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Delaware. She has taught classes on Japanese language, film, anime, manga, and …

Who knew you could play Mario with drums? The soundtracks from the 8-bit Super Mario Bros. games contain within them some of the most iconic and instantly-recognizable video game songs ever. As such, countless people have produced all kinds of covers of these songs, so of course, it takes quite a bit to produce a cover that manages to stand out from …

Which is your favorite? With all the excitement surrounding the April 1st press conference in which the name of Japan’s new Imperial era was announced–it’s going to be called Reiwa by the way–this year’s April Fools’ Day was definitely a bit overshadowed. However, just like every year, a long list of Japanese companies put out April Fools’ Day jokes in …

Which one are you looking forward to the most? Japan is about to get even more fun with several new theme parks planned to open over the next four years. Already a playground for kids and kids-at-heart, things are about to get even better with expansions planned for two of the country’s most popular theme parks and an entirely new …

Warning, you’re about to get Kirby songs stuck in your head. Have you ever wondered what music from the Kirby games would sound performed on an acoustic guitar? Probably not. But since your here, you might as well find out. Check out the video below. The Japanese guitarist in the video above goes by Nariyasu. Although his YouTube channel isn’t …

This guy gives Nyango Star a run for his money The masked Japanese YouTuber/drummer dainashi has released an epic and absolutely amazing video in which he shows off his impressive drumming skills by covering the entire soundtrack of that classic fighting game Street Fighter II. Although he may look like some sort of bizarre scrawny lucha libre wrestler, dainashi is …