The smartphone game Dark Tales ~Mirror and Mad Princess~ was officially released on April 11, and the popular singer and talent Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed the theme song for the title.

The dark RPG tells a tale of the loss of childlike innocence and was pre-downloaded over 1 million times. The theme song, Magical Mirror, was written and composed by Yasutaka Nakata.

Fans of the genre won’t want to miss out on this mysterious mobile title!

Japanese indie game label Yokaze will exhibit many anticipated upcoming titles at the 2023 Taipei Game Show. The event will be held in Taiwan from February 2 until February 5, 2023.

ghostpia

ghostpia’s visuals mix warm, delicate art that would be fit for an illustrated children’s book with glitch and noise effects, for a strangely nostalgic visual novel vibe. The story takes place in a snowy town where immortal “ghosts” live. When Sayoko, a girl who doesn’t belong, meets Yoru, a newcomer to town, her world begins to change. Her thoughts begin to drift outside of the town, and certain events bring her back to a lost friendship. Filled with mystery and a bit of violence, this title is being touted as a movie you can read on PC.

Developer: Chosuido
Release Date: 2023
Platform: Nintendo Switch™/Steam, etc.
Website: https://ghostpia.xyz/

Recolit

Recolit is a pixel art mystery adventure game where players explore a strange town by following trails of light. After your spaceship crash lands in a mysterious place, you’ll have to help the residents of the town as you explore and progress through the story.

Developer: Image Labo
Release Date: 2023
Platform: Steam/itch.io (Others planned)
Website: https://image-labo.com/recolit/

Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino

Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino is a 3D adventure game set in a mysterious version of Japan. One day, a fox girl and her frog friend find themselves on a mysterious island shrouded by darkness but for a few floating lights. Torii gates, food stall lanterns, and neon signs give light and color to the island. Something is lurking in the shadows, inching ever closer. Kitsune can use light to temporarily blind these demons, giving her enough time to find safe routes and hiding places. Be sure to enjoy this curious tale when it releases in the future!

Developer: Rias
Release Date: TBD
Platform: Nintendo Switch™/Steam (Others planned)
Website: https://www.foxandfrog.net/

The card game SCOUT, designed by Kei Kajino and developed overseas by Oink Games, was nominated for the Spiel des Jahres Award in Germany on May 23, 2022. The yearly award is given to a card or board game and is known as the highest honor in the world of tabletop games. This is the second time in seven years that a Japanese-designed game has been nominated.

The Spiel des Jahres Award has been given out each year since 1979. There are three categories: Game of the Year, Kids’ Game of the Year, and Complex Game of the Year. Three board or card games are nominated from among those released in Germany in the previous year, and one is awarded the grand prize. The last Japanese game to be nominated was Machi Koro, a board game that has become extremely popular among Western audiences. The grand prize winner will be announced on July 16.

What is SCOUT?

You have suddenly been appointed as the leader of a circus. Using the members of your circus you must put together a show that will beat out your rivals. Everyone on your team has a specific role. To fill in the gaps on your team, try to scout members away from other circus groups! With the addition of just one extra person you may set off an incredible chain reaction that helps you create a show that no other circus will be able to surpass. Will you battle with your current members? Or will you wait it out and try to recruit different ones?

You will feel amazing when you make the right choices in this speedy card game!

A new version has just been released for players purchasing the game from outside of Japan. In Japan, the original version was released by One More Game.

Initial D The Arcade is the tenth game in the Initial D series. Released in February 2021, one particular song from the title has struck a chord with fans. After a long wait, SCRAMBLE EYES by MOTSU vs A-One, has finally been released on streaming services starting May 25!

SCRAMBLE EYES is a fast-paced track blended with sharp vocals and engaging rap. The speedy song is perfect for Initial D, bringing to mind being behind the wheel and driving at top speed. Fans have called the song addictive, and even those who aren’t a fan of the game have been applauding the track across social media. 

MOTSU and A-One have both provided comments following the song’s release.

MOTSU

The name SCRAMBLE EYES was inspired by the bright headlights plowing through the darkness during a particular stage in Initial D The Arcade.

I’d be so happy if the listeners could get the same tingling sensation I felt when I met A-One for the first time.

A-One

I’m so thankful to be able to create music for Initial D, a series that brought me so much joy as a child.

And collaborating with MOTSU? I absolutely adore him, so I put all of my energy into this track.

If you work hard and don’t back down, your dreams will come true.

But one of my dreams hasn’t come true yet–playing this song live!

MOTSU, let’s do it someday!

Please enjoy this track and really feel the speed and excitement as you race towards your goals!

In 2023, an anime adaptation of MF Ghost, the sequel to Initial D, is scheduled to premiere. The series takes place in the 2020s, when self-driving cars are normal Japan, and focuses on Kanata Livington, a Japanese driver who goes back to Japan after graduating at the top of his class at a racing school in England.

ARMA BIANCA, an online store specializing in original goods, is now taking orders for limited-time collaboration items between Touhou Project and One Night Werewolf!

Lineup

One Night Werewolf Collaboration – Pixel Art Ver.

Acrylic Stand

Preorder Purchase Bonus

Acrylic Keychain

Preorder Purchase Bonus

Pin

Preorder Purchase Bonus

T-Shirt

Hoodie

Clear Folder

Mug

Pen

One Night Werewolf is a card game where players take on the role of a Villager, a Werewolf, or a number of special characters with unique abilities. The goal is to figure out who the Werewolves are and to kill at least one in order to win!

The Touhou characters featured in the collaboration include Reimu Hakurei, Marisa Kirisame, Cirno, Youmu Konpaku, Sakuya Izayoi, Satori Komeiji, Koishi Komeiji, Remilia Scarlet, Flandre Scarlet, and Kagerou Imaizumi. 

POLARIS, the story game label started by NOMEETS, will get a second installment titled ‘Inside Blue’ this summer. Preorders will open at Spring Game Market 2022 on April 23 and April 24, 2022.

POLARIS is a story game label launched in the winter of 2021. Players become characters in the story, sometimes cooperating and sometimes betraying each other to arrive at their own unique endings. An incredibly immersive experience, the first work ‘RED LINE’ sold 400 units at Winter Game Market 2021, gaining tons of positive reviews. The title has over 300 different endings and a unique design like no other title before.

The second title ‘Inside Blue’ follows a group of high school students trying to solve a summer murder mystery in a small town. This is a massive change from ‘RED LINE,’ which was set in a world filled with humans and vampires in conflict. By interacting with townspeople, attending summer festivals, and enjoying vacation, how will you solve this bizarre and terrifying mystery? 

To commemorate the 4th anniversary of the popular smartphone game Azur Lane, the fashion shopping site ZOZOTOWN has launched a limited apparel collaboration exclusive on their website. The Azur Lane Black Collection will be available until March 18, 2022.

Azur Lane is a side-scrolling shoot ‘em up RPG set in an alternate timeline of World War II. Using cute female characters based on warships to battle, the game is popular with players of all ages. 

Items at a Glance

ZOZOTOWN × Azur Lane Hoodie

ZOZOTOWN × Azur Lane T-shirt

ZOZOTOWN × Azur Lane Acrylic Stand

ZOZOTOWN × Azur Lane Character Blanket

ZOZOTOWN × Azur Lane Tapestry

Bonus – Original Pin

Lottery Prize: Super Large 50cm Acrylic Stand (Not for Sale)

The Azur Lane Black Collection features seven popular characters from the game–Friedrich der Große, Vittorio Veneto, Belfast, Bremerton, Atago, Ajax, and Unicorn. The illustrations were provided by Modare, Yatsuha, and Rag Miwano and were created exclusively for the collection. In addition to apparel, fans can also pick up acrylic stands, blankets, tapestries, and more.

For every item purchased, customers will receive one original pin. A large acrylic stand will be given away to seven lucky winners, so good luck!

If you visit Japan, you’ll likely find yourself in a Village Vanguard shop eventually. The popular chain sells just about everything under the sun for low prices, from apparel and toys to books and DVDs. Until January 6, 2022, visitors to Village Vanguard Online can peruse a special Rilakkuma pop-up shop named ‘My Imaginary Rilakkuma.’ Most importantly, a super long Rilakkuma stuffed animal will only be available from this shop!

Big Long Huggable Plush (Rilakkuma/Kiiroitori)

Plushie Keychain (5 varieties)

Plushie (Korilakkuma/Kiiroitori)

Acrylic Stand (2 varieties)

Shopping Bag​

Rilakkuma is known for always being lazy, but can you imagine if he decided to actually work hard for a day? You might fall in love with him a little more. The acrylic stands read “You look beautiful today,” and “Let’s make today a wonderful day.” Will you be snagging any of these items? 

Ready to put your thinking caps on? Gather your best friends and head to Matsudo City in Chiba (about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station) for the real puzzle-solving game ‘The Little Wizard and Monsters ~Enter the Costume Contest, ya hear?~, taking place from December 4, 2021, until March 27, 2022. During the event, guests will have to search for clues in the area around Yabashira Station on the Shin Keisei Line, as well as the 21st Century Forest and Square Park. 

The 21st Century Forest and Square Park and Yabashira Station are both very familiar to those in their 20s and 30s who love pop culture, and this event was planned in the hopes that people would learn more about the area. While attempting to solve the puzzle, guests will find plenty of very Instagrammable spots and locations perfect for cherry blossom viewing as well!

Popular Japanese illustrator Yuki Tokuda, who is known for their adorable artwork, released a collection of items exclusively on Village Vanguard on Friday.

The Line-Up

Girl & Animals Mug | ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Densetsuno Usagi Tote Bag | ¥2,310 (Tax Included)

Ebiten iPhone Case  (12/12 Pro/12mini) | ¥2,530 (Tax Included)

Densetsuno Usagi Acrylic Key Ring | ¥715 (Tax Included)

Sankakukin Acrylic Key Ring | ¥715 (Tax Included)

Densetsuno Usagi Pin | ¥385 (Tax Included)

Sankakukin Pin | ¥385 (Tax Included)

Hitogata-kun Pin | ¥385 (Tax Included)

Sticket Sheet | ¥605 (Tax Included)

Yuki Tokuda is a Japanese illustrator whose line-up of original characters have proven extremely popular with people on Japanese social media, including Hitogata-kun, his unnamed girl character, and line-up of mysterious animals and creatures. His work spans books, illustrations, 3D sculptures, and more.

©ＹＵＫＩ　ＴＯＫＵＤＡ

NetEase’s multiplayer horror game Identity V is currently holding a crossover event with the anime series Death Note. Running until June 27, fans of the series can look forward to seeing some familiar faces in thrilling mind battles.

Death Note is a manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata which was serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003-2006. The manga has over 30 million copies in circulation. Its anime adaptation aired from 2006-2007. The story tells of a notebook called the Death Note where if you write someone’s name in it they die. It is one of the most well-known series both in Japan and overseas. One of the aspects of the series that draws people in most are the mind battles between its two intellectual protagonists; Light Yagami and L.

Ryuk is a Shinigami, or Death God, and is the one who drops his Death Note into the human world which is eventually found by the protagonist Light Yagami. He did this on on purpose because he was bored one day and wanted to see what would happen if a human had a Death Note. In the game, he will pursue the Survivors.

Light Yagami, the protagonist of Death Note, finds the notebook one day and after discovering its secrets, decides to rid the world of criminals and people he deems villains under the guise of Kira. He will try to escape the Hunters in the game.

L is the second main character of Death Note. Known as the world’s greatest detective, he is tasked with trying to discover why so many people are dying randomly in Japan and who this mysterious Kira is. He will fight against the Hunters.

Misa Amane is a fashion model and supporter of Kira. She also has her own Death Note and eventually becomes the Second Kira. In the game she will take on the role of an engineer and use her skills to make changes to the Manor.

A range of accessories, character actions, furniture, and more themed on Death Note are also rolling out as part of the crossover. Items include apples which are Ryuk’s favourite, Misa’s Death Note, Light’s pen, L’s handcuffs, and more.

Discover all kinds of mysterious during the event

The game is littered with mysterious to be discover and solved. Players can complete daily sign-ins to receive rewards such as Crossover Essence, collecting clues with L by participating in matches, and much more.

©大場つぐみ・小畑健／集英社・ＶＡＰ・マッドハウス・ＮＴＶ・Ｄ．Ｎ．ドリームパートナーズ

Japanese cosmetic brand Lovisia has released its New Styley collection in mid-April this year. The collection is based on the popular anime series Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed outside Japan, in promotion of the upcoming film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet.

Detective Conan Eyeshadow – Conan & Kid Gold and Brown | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Detective Conan Eyeshadow – Conan & Kid Gold and Brown | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Detective Conan Lipsticks – Clear, Coral Pink, Beige Pink, Scarlet Red, Nude Beige | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)