Throwback - Gaming in Japan: 2014

ROBOTROBOT - Nakano Broadway, Tokyo

Oh hell yeah.

One of the best retro toy collections this side of Tokyo, with a bunch of classic gaming stuff. From Parappa the Rapper to Sonic to MGS, with quite a few ultra rare pieces.

Split over a few stores (similar to Mandrake) you'll need to do a bit of legwork to find this one, but absolutely worth taking some time out to hunt down.

http://www.robotrobot.com/hub/index.html
DD

Twitter - Jienihara

A bunch of reasons to be following crafter, dot artist and pixel lover @rurue0111 on Twitter.

Phenomenal original poster's and replicated pixel art on paper, card, plastic and tapestry.

Taito Station - Ameyoko, Ueno

Ueno's best selection.

You'd be hard pushed to persuade any gamer to take the short ride away from Akiba and go arcade touring in Ueno. Dramatically less variety and only a few actual video game arcades, Ueno can't offer what Akiba has, but does have some pretty strong communities.

Taito station gets it right though. 3 floors, UFO catchers, rhythm games and old school gaming on the top floor makes attracts a slightly different demo to those in Akiba. Most prominently as a date spot, with UFO catchers, rhythm and shooter games getting the youngsters in. The top floor with StreetFighter, Tekken and Gundam catering for the local hosts, hostesses and salarymen in the area.

Definitely the one to visit if you're around Ueno way.
DD

Twitter - Antonshiku

So many reasons to be following the phenomenal manga artist @touxi on Twitter right here.

UFO Catcher - Paper Mario

@ Shinjuku SportsLand

http://www.spolan.com/ssl-9/

MeetUp - Ikebukuro!

Games, grog and good times in one of Japan's arcade Mecca's - Ikebukuro!

Friday 26th

7pm ~

DonQuixote Seibu side

More deets at - http://meetu.ps/2yKsqn

Twitter - Mizuki Hosoyamada

A bunch of reasons to be following PuyoPuyo's @hosoyamada_mizu on Twit.

Despite being a long termer at Sega Japan, few of us would be familiar with his name. The 20th Anniversary of PuyoPuyo and the recent release of PuyoPuyo Tetris have given Mr. Hosoyamada more contact with the fans than ever - giving talks at promotional events and meeting and greeting Puyo players at last weeks TGS.

His tweets are all in Japanese, but definitely worth gettin out you dictionaries for.

Check some of his gaming credits:

Production
Puyo Puyo Tetris (2014) (Producer)
Puyo Puyo 20th Anniversary (2011) (Producer)
Puyo Puyo 7 (2009) (Producer)

Design
Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary (2006) (Director)
Sonic Gems Collection (2005) (Director)
Sonic Mega Collection Plus (2004) (Game Designer)
Sonic Adventure DX (Director's Cut) (2003) (Mission Mode Game Designers)
Sonic Battle (2003) (Planning Support)

Thanks
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) (Special Thanks)
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) (Special Thanks)

( Courtesy of http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,162198/ )
DD

Taiko no Tatsujin - Funashi promo

Full of Funashi.

Taiko rainin more joy on arcades this mint with their Don x Funashi crossover. Anyone landing in Japan since the best part of the beginning of the year will be well acquainted with Chiba Funabashi's mascot Funashi. His hyper bounding and screeching voice have made him a beloved "yurokyara" (mascot) in Japan and with his own line of sweets, TV specials and endorsing everything from Pizza to pesticides has finally reached the epoch of merchandising - Taiko no Tatsujin.

The prizes look pretty dope, Banapass users will have exclusive access to these highly limited and sort after goods. Choosing selected song and achieving certain scores will enter you into prize draws. A must for all Funashi / Don fans.
DD