No one can deny that Japan is the paradise of gamers. Despite being a small country, the “Land of the Rising Sun” is the third-biggest game market in the world, with over 75 million players and the headquarters of big companies, including Sega, Capcom, and Nintendo.
Japanese players have very distinct tastes when it comes to video games, so it’s not a bad idea to research what’s popular before travelling or moving. Here’s a look into the most popular gaming trends in Japan.
RPGs and Chill Games
Since Japan is the birthplace of legendary series like Pokémon, Dragon Quest, and Persona, it’s not surprising that RPGs are the genre that most captivates Japanese players.
In February, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the remake of Square Enix’s cult classic, sold more than 310,000 copies, making it one of the best-selling games in the country this year.
As if that weren’t enough, other titles like Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth from Sega managed to outsell famous games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, highlighting the strength of RPGs as a genre in Japan.
Besides RPGs, many Japanese gamers like to grab a mug of coffee and enjoy casual games like Super Mario Wonder or strategy games like Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru! instead of shooters or multiplayer online games.
Consoles vs. Mobiles vs. PC
Regarding devices, most Japanese gamers prefer consoles like PS5 or Nintendo Switch and use smartphones for casual games, puzzles, and the occasional RPG or “gacha” game in their spare time.
Although there’s a growing interest in PC gaming, the sector is still relatively small, thanks to esports. According to the Japan Youth Gamers report, only 14 percent of Japanese gamers use a PC or are interested in getting one to play games.
Gambling: How Popular It Is for The Japanese?
Despite having very strict laws, gambling in Japan has a long history as one of the oldest forms of entertainment, with many young men and women trying their luck playing pachinko machines or betting in races.
Although physical casinos were once banned, gambling games never quite left, with many people turning to ビットコインカジノ (Bitcoin Casinos) from their mobile devices or desktops.
In 2023, the Japanese government approved plans for a casino in an Osaka resort that aims to open in 2029, so it seems that both tourists and locals will be able to enjoy exciting matches of blackjack, baccarat, and poker in person.
By Yourself, with Friends or with Strangers?
RPGs are mostly played solo, so it’s only natural that most Japanese gamers prefer to enjoy their games alone rather than with others. That said, there are some exceptions to this, such as Monster Hunter or Genshin Impact.
These games have strong social elements that incentivise players to cooperate in order to defeat enemies and gather materials more easily, making them very popular even among casual gamers.
Many Japanese gamers also prefer competitive games like Apex Legends or fighting games like Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros.
The competitive scene in Japan is pretty intense, with legends like Daigo Umehara, who became internationally famous for iconic moves like the “Daigo Parry” in the EVO 2004.
The Best Places For Gamers in Japan
There’s no better place for gamers than the Akihabara District in Tokyo. The so-called Electric Town has an impressive number of arcades, themed cafés, and second-hand shops with retro consoles and limited-edition items, making it a mandatory stop for any fan.
Those traveling through Osaka should also visit Super Nintendo World, a theme park based on Super Mario Bros. with many different attractions and food.
