Starsand Island Release Lineup Confirms Digital and Physical Launch
Starsand Island launches digitally worldwide alongside physical options for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of this week's Japanese releases.
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Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch 1 Japan Sales: July 2026 Data
Compare Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch hardware sales in Japan through July 2026, featuring total leads, monthly gaps, and aligned milestone data.
Kick Streamer Ozemi Under Fire Over Assault and Theft Allegations in Japan
Kick streamer Ozemi faces public backlash and police reporting following viral clips showing alleged assault and theft during broadcasts in Japan.
Arcade Archives V’Ball Launches August 13 on Modern and Legacy Consoles
Hamster is bringing Technos Japan's V’Ball to Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PS4 on August 13, with upgraded features for the Arcade Archives 2 series.
Japan Hardware Sales July 2026: Switch 2 Leads While PS5 Rises YoY
VGChartz Japan hardware sales estimates for July 2026 reveal year-to-date figures for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 1.
Recent Industry Updates: GTA 6 Price, FFXIV Switch 2, and Mobile Slump
Catch up on recent gaming developments from August 2026, including Take-Two's stance on GTA 6 pricing, FFXIV on Switch 2, and Japanese mobile market trends.
Ys III: Wanderers From Ys PS2 Version Receives Full English Translation
The Japan-exclusive PS2 release of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys is now playable in English thanks to a new fan-made translation patch released August 8, 2026.
War Thunder August Monthly Decals: How to Unlock New Emblems
War Thunder's August 2026 update adds new collectible decals for Japan, USSR, UK, Finland, China, France, USA, Poland, Germany, and Italy through September 10.
Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2: Character Creator Feature Added
A planned character customization feature has been added to the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV, according to recent reports.
Japanese Ministry Requests US Government Stop Using Pokemon and Mario IP
Japan has formally requested that the US administration cease using Pokemon, Mario, and Naruto in social media posts, citing concerns over brand damage.
Japan Reportedly Asks US to Stop Using Mario and Pokémon on Social Media
Unconfirmed reports claim Japan has asked the United States to stop using Mario, Pokémon, and other cultural icons in official social media posts.
Nintendo Warns Against Museum Ticket Resales And Transfers
Nintendo issues a warning against unauthorized ticket resales and transfers for the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, citing entry rejections and criminal liability.
Forza Horizon 6 Adds Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder to Horizon Japan
The 2022 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder arrives in Forza Horizon 6. Unlock the new convertible through the Festival Playlist until July 13, 2026.
War Thunder Removing Japanese Ho-Ri SPGs from Research Tree
Gaijin Entertainment is removing the Ho-Ri Production and Ho-Ri Prototype from War Thunder on September 1, 2026. Here is what you need to know.
PS1 Title UFO: A Day in the Life Makes Worldwide Debut on PS5
The 1999 Japanese PS1 title UFO: A Day in the Life launches on PS5 via Hamster's Console Archives this week. The game features original, unlocalized text.
Ball Boy Simulator Developer Adds Czech Support for Single Fan
A Japanese indie developer behind Ball Boy Simulator added full Czech language support to Steam after noticing just one wishlist from the Czech Republic.
Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC Launches Alongside Themed Train
The Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC is out now. Japan is celebrating the release with a special themed train running through September 25, 2026.
Beast Of Reincarnation PC Launch Brings Mixed Reviews
Game Freak's PC game Beast Of Reincarnation is out now, following Emma and Koo across a forsaken post-apocalyptic Japan to mixed reviews.
Suikoden Star Leap Confirms August 7 Launch Date in Japan
Suikoden Star Leap launches August 7, 2026, for iOS and Android in Japan, with PC and global mobile releases planned for a later date.
My Merry May with be Remaster Now Available on PC
MAGES. has released the science-fiction romance visual novel collection My Merry May with be on PC via Steam in Japanese, featuring a 20 percent launch discount.
Retro Game Master Considers Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 Games
Long-running Japanese comedy program Retro Game Master considers canonizing Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 games as retro in an upcoming broadcast.
Pokémon Winds & Waves Leads Latest Famitsu Most Wanted Chart
Pokémon Winds & Waves remains the most anticipated title in Japan, according to the latest Famitsu reader poll for August 2026.
Ancient Ys Vanished Audio Drama CD Launches November 25
A new drama CD based on the classic Ys I & II RPGs is set to release in Japan on November 25, 2026, priced at 3,500 Yen.
Super Mario Sunshine Inspires Nintendo's Summer 2026 Wallpaper
Nintendo has released its official summer 2026 wallpaper on its Japanese website, featuring artwork based directly on the key art for Super Mario Sunshine.
Japan Updates
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Arcade Archives V’Ball Launches August 13 on Modern and Legacy Consoles
Hamster is bringing Technos Japan's V’Ball to Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PS4 on August 13, with upgraded features for the Arcade Archives 2 series.
Ys III: Wanderers From Ys PS2 Version Receives Full English Translation
The Japan-exclusive PS2 release of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys is now playable in English thanks to a new fan-made translation patch released August 8, 2026.
War Thunder August Monthly Decals: How to Unlock New Emblems
War Thunder's August 2026 update adds new collectible decals for Japan, USSR, UK, Finland, China, France, USA, Poland, Germany, and Italy through September 10.
PS1 Title UFO: A Day in the Life Makes Worldwide Debut on PS5
The 1999 Japanese PS1 title UFO: A Day in the Life launches on PS5 via Hamster's Console Archives this week. The game features original, unlocalized text.