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Community Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: famicomplicated on June 04, 2010, 02:29:02 AM

Title: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 04, 2010, 02:29:02 AM
Anyone interested in sending questions to the NWR Japan team may do so here. Either myself, Matt Walker, Danny Bivens or Minoru Yamaizumi will try our best to answer them.


Anything about Japan is welcomed, although games related would be preferred of course!


Edit: We'll answer them in the order they were asked, also we'd prefer questions with topics that are "safe for work" if you please!

Edit 2: Updated with the full Japan crew.  :D
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ShyGuy on June 04, 2010, 03:49:33 AM
Is it true that Godzilla wears a Roman Centurion's helmet?

What do people use the PSPs for?

Are their Japanese equivalents of sites like NWR, Kotaku, GoNintendo?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 04, 2010, 08:03:52 AM
Is it true that Godzilla wears a Roman Centurion's helmet?

What do people use the PSPs for?

Are their Japanese equivalents of sites like NWR, Kotaku, GoNintendo?

1- I've never heard of anything like that. Do you mean design influences?
2- ADHOC Monster Hunter Portable 2nd parties, usually among High School lads. (portable 3rd is one of the most highly anticipated games for the PSP)
3- That's 3 different questions right there!
An NWR might be something like http://www.inside-games.jp/category/nintendo/
Did you also know GameSpot has a Japan site? http://japan.gamespot.com/
As for blog-like sites, there are of course hundreds of those too.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: DAaaMan64 on June 04, 2010, 09:16:21 AM
Does the term "jailbait" or an equivalent exist in Japan?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on June 04, 2010, 09:24:31 AM
Are there enough people who speak English that someone who doesn't understand a word of Japanese would be able to get to someplace like Super Potato and get games there (or similar places)?

What do most Japanese people feel about Japan's silly ban on showing male or female genitals (requiring them to be blurred)?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Sundoulos on June 04, 2010, 09:35:45 AM
I've often wondered how the attitudes of many Japanese gamers compared to gamers in the west.  Is there anything equivalent to all of this gamer (I refuse to use the h-word) snobbery towards the Wii or Nintendo in general?  (e.g.  "the Wii is a kiddie console.")  Is the perception of Nintendo different at all?

I know that by some measures/estimates here, the perception is that Super Mario Galaxy underperformed in Japan.   NMSB, of course, sold much better.   Since Nintendo has tried to make greater efforts to tie the gameplay in Galaxy to NMSB with the opening 2D level, as well as including the instructional DVD video, is Galaxy 2 faring any better in the market?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 04, 2010, 11:27:00 AM
I know that by some measures/estimates here, the perception is that Super Mario Galaxy underperformed in Japan.   NMSB, of course, sold much better.   Since Nintendo has tried to make greater efforts to tie the gameplay in Galaxy to NMSB with the opening 2D level, as well as including the instructional DVD video, is Galaxy 2 faring any better in the market?

I can answer part of that question.
SMG2's 1st week has outsold SMG's 1st week.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: broodwars on June 04, 2010, 11:36:34 AM
I see in a lot of Japanese games, particularly RPGs, a tendency towards an emphasis on game elements that are simply not fun and never have been, such as grinding (1/128 drop rates, anyone?); fetch quests; and other similar time-wasting tasks.  Is this developer laziness or simply part of the Japanese gaming culture (much as they enjoy Dragon Quest with its glacial evolution)?  I find it hard to believe that a country so thoroughly dominated by Blue Ocean gaming also enjoys tedium so much.
 
Similarly, how do the Japanese tend to view things like achievements?  I've noticed in many Japanese games that their achievements tend to feel tacked on and arbitrary, and tend to lean towards grinding-type tasks.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: vudu on June 04, 2010, 02:17:36 PM
What's your favorite yaoi?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 04, 2010, 04:26:21 PM
I know that by some measures/estimates here, the perception is that Super Mario Galaxy underperformed in Japan.   NMSB, of course, sold much better.   Since Nintendo has tried to make greater efforts to tie the gameplay in Galaxy to NMSB with the opening 2D level, as well as including the instructional DVD video, is Galaxy 2 faring any better in the market?

I can answer part of that question.
SMG2's 1st week has outsold SMG's 1st week.

Given the massive difference in how many Wiis had been sold in Japan in 2007 versus now, it would be an incredible disappointment if it hadn't.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 04, 2010, 08:00:44 PM
Does the term "jailbait" or an equivalent exist in Japan?

Heh, I was almost going to not dignify that with an answer, but then it got me wondering, so I looked it up!

The answer is "yes", there is a word: 承諾年齢未満の子ども (SHOUDAKU-NEN-REI-MIMAN-NO-KODOMO)

Man, didn't take this thread long to go downhill did it!!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on June 04, 2010, 08:03:08 PM
Are their Japanese equivalents of sites like NWR, Kotaku, GoNintendo?
There's a direct equivalent of Kotaku (http://www.kotaku.jp/).
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 04, 2010, 08:06:40 PM
Are there enough people who speak English that someone who doesn't understand a word of Japanese would be able to get to someplace like Super Potato and get games there (or similar places)?

What do most Japanese people feel about Japan's silly ban on showing male or female genitals (requiring them to be blurred)?

I managed to get to Akihabara and find scores of games shops (including Super Potato) approximately 10 days after I landed in Japan. The only Japanese I knew then was "ichi, ni, san".
You just have to have an adventurous spirit in you and don't be afraid to get a little lost sometimes!

As for the second part of your question, not even gonna go there!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 04, 2010, 08:11:16 PM
"not even gonna go there!"

So you HAVE been there!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 04, 2010, 08:11:32 PM

Man, didn't take this thread long to go downhill did it!!

You're lucky I wasn't your first reply and instead asked my question in the Funhouse (while mentioning this thread) (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=30792.msg613098#msg613098).

But I do have a question that you should be able to answer and it is game related.

There are games like Rapelay that have made the news around here lately (GS employee fired for comments about the game), so I was wondering if those type of games are really popular in Japan, are there lots of different types of those games and do you play them?


As for the second part of your question, not even gonna go there!

pssst..... he ripped off my question. and reworded it a little ;D
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on June 04, 2010, 11:19:24 PM
Are you considered tall by the native Japanese?

Or to put it another way, have you ever executed a Gaijin Smash (http://outpostnine.com/gaijin_smash/) in your travels?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 05, 2010, 12:55:57 AM
I've often wondered how the attitudes of many Japanese gamers compared to gamers in the west.  Is there anything equivalent to all of this gamer (I refuse to use the h-word) snobbery towards the Wii or Nintendo in general?  (e.g.  "the Wii is a kiddie console.")  Is the perception of Nintendo different at all?

I know that by some measures/estimates here, the perception is that Super Mario Galaxy underperformed in Japan.   NMSB, of course, sold much better.   Since Nintendo has tried to make greater efforts to tie the gameplay in Galaxy to NMSB with the opening 2D level, as well as including the instructional DVD video, is Galaxy 2 faring any better in the market?

I think the hardcore (sorry) / casual gamer stereotyping is less prominent in Japan.
Young kids love Pokemon and the DS, then when they reach early teens and go into Junior High School they upgrade to a PSP and Monster Hunter. High School and beyond they'd get a PS3. (this is of course all generalising)

The Wii has mixed things up a bit though (as it has everywhere else) as long-time ex-Nintendo fans who have grown up, might go for a PS3 AND a Wii, possibly thanks to the Virtual Console and retro-style games.
Only the super hardcore Otaku might go for a XBox 360 to complete their collection of consoles, but I'd say those guys are rare.

As for snobbery, I don't see it really, people are just happy in their own camps playing games they like, it stems from Japanese culture of doing your hobby with other people who like the same thing.
Sorry to give an image of everyone holding hands singing "We are the World" but it kinda is like that from my observations.

Your 2nd question was kindly answered already!
I really hope Galaxy 2 continues to show Japanese people 3D Mario games aren't scary and confusing and can be a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 05, 2010, 01:14:51 AM
I see in a lot of Japanese games, particularly RPGs, a tendency towards an emphasis on game elements that are simply not fun and never have been, such as grinding (1/128 drop rates, anyone?); fetch quests; and other similar time-wasting tasks.  Is this developer laziness or simply part of the Japanese gaming culture (much as they enjoy Dragon Quest with its glacial evolution)?  I find it hard to believe that a country so thoroughly dominated by Blue Ocean gaming also enjoys tedium so much.
 
Similarly, how do the Japanese tend to view things like achievements?  I've noticed in many Japanese games that their achievements tend to feel tacked on and arbitrary, and tend to lean towards grinding-type tasks.

That's a good observation and can be answered by looking at the Japanese cultural belief of "perfecting ones art" through constant repetition and practice.
Samurai's would spend days riding their horses shooting arrows at wicker targets till they could hit it every time. (OoT?) Same for Karate masters who repeat the same basic moves ad-nasuem. (Wax on, wax off..)
This mentality still exists today, people love "collecting everything" or "levelling everything up", even if it means repeating the same monotonous tasks thousands of times, the reason being they will have perfected their character and be the best they can be.
If you have a level 100 Celebi or DQ character, people will know how much effort has gone into that and can bow to your awesomeness.

Of course, in my opinion I think there are ways of doing that without boring the player to tears, but at least I (kinda) understand why those game-play elements exist in certain Jpse games.

Hope that makes sense!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 05, 2010, 01:27:16 AM

But I do have a question that you should be able to answer and it is game related.

There are games like Rapelay that have made the news around here lately (GS employee fired for comments about the game), so I was wondering if those type of games are really popular in Japan, are there lots of different types of those games and do you play them?


I didn't know Rapeplay existed until it appeared in the Western press.

I was aware of dating games etc, but as far as I can tell they are relatively innocent, more akin to getting your first kiss from a girl than anything else.
These games exist for the lonely/weirdo Otaku market, I have no idea how widely popular they are, but you don't see them in the Media Create charts.
"Love Plus" on the DS being a recent exception to that rule.
I've seen quite a lot in the PSP section of game stores, possibly because the late-teen market is most prominent there. Who knows.

To answer the last part of your question, "hell no".
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 05, 2010, 01:35:55 AM
Are you considered tall by the native Japanese?

Or to put it another way, have you ever executed a Gaijin Smash (http://outpostnine.com/gaijin_smash/) in your travels?

I'm 181cm (about 6ft for the imperial dinosaurs) and I'm considered "TAKAI" (tall) by many.

It's not that no one is the same size as me here, when I'm on the train people all around me are of similar height, it's just the national height average is lower, so "average" Japanese people consider me tall.

Back in the UK, I'm more in the "average" height percentile, so I'm not considered tall, just average.

Also the female average height is even lower, so it really feels like every woman I meet is short!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 05, 2010, 01:48:04 AM
sugoi na
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 05, 2010, 02:19:35 AM
Can you hold a special contest skewed towards me winning the big grand prize of a week long trip to Japan on the NWR dime?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on June 05, 2010, 11:55:44 AM
If you have a level 100 Celebi or DQ character, people will know how much effort has gone into that and can bow to your awesomeness.

Maybe that is why it seems like Japanese gamers on the GTS always ask for Level 100 Pokemon (eve if all you want is something common like a Starly).
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 05, 2010, 09:30:22 PM
Can you hold a special contest skewed towards me winning the big grand prize of a week long trip to Japan on the NWR dime?

Sure thing!
Tickets to enter the contest cost $5000 each. PayPal directly to me.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ThePerm on June 14, 2010, 12:27:42 AM
i found this video on youtube

i really wanna hear what Iwata says when he's being native, and not what gets filtered, and fed to us through planning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8mYdB2Ggh8&feature=related

somebody translate it!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 19, 2010, 03:45:07 AM
i found this video on youtube

i really wanna hear what Iwata says when he's being native, and not what gets filtered, and fed to us through planning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8mYdB2Ggh8&feature=related

somebody translate it!

Just talking about Nintendo's financial results, DS sales etc. Incredibly boring..

He's a nice guy even when talking in his native tongue, were you expected the Japanese equivalent of the f-bomb being dropped?!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ThePerm on June 19, 2010, 04:34:14 AM
no no no, its just there is always a communications gap between translations, i think if he is in his own country speaking his own tongue he can be a little bit more candid and less gaurded/prepared. Everyone knows that the western market is an afterthought for Nintendo. Even if its bigger. I just want details on how he is with his base consumers. I don't speak japanese, but iv adjusted to how it sounds when people speak it. It is interesting that he has a different accent when speaking english then japanese. Hard to explain.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on June 19, 2010, 02:02:40 PM
The accent part is not surprising, I see that a lot with people who are talking in a language that is not their primary one. I think it's more interesting when Miyamoto speaks English since he rarely ever does it (and I don't think he is as fluent in it as Iwata is ad that is probably why he usually sticks to Japanese).
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ThePerm on June 19, 2010, 05:17:16 PM
actually, it sounds like Iwata also sounds different in the Iwata asks video then he does on the news show. He talks much more smoother in those.

I wonder if he moved a lot growing up. I have lived in Arizona most of my life, but i lived in Georgia till age 10. I have an Arizona accent, but occasionally i will get inflected with a Southern one.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on June 22, 2010, 02:46:29 AM
How's the mayo?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on June 22, 2010, 09:08:41 PM
What level of interest is there in Japan for Western-developed titles?  Is it a niche, or a super-niche?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 22, 2010, 09:12:35 PM
Whats the HYPE level like in the land of the Rising Sun now that it's gonna be doing it in 3D from the palm of your hand?



Oh, and those wannabWii's from Sony & MS too.... does anyone care?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 24, 2010, 09:00:01 AM
actually, it sounds like Iwata also sounds different in the Iwata asks video then he does on the news show. He talks much more smoother in those.

I wonder if he moved a lot growing up. I have lived in Arizona most of my life, but i lived in Georgia till age 10. I have an Arizona accent, but occasionally i will get inflected with a Southern one.

Maybe he's more comfortable in the Iwata asks segments, as they're probably done at Nintendo HQ with predetermined questions..

On the News he's in more of a "I'm a CEO representin' on national TV" kinda mode.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 24, 2010, 09:01:53 AM
How's the mayo?

Not very good. (No Hellman's!)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 24, 2010, 09:05:33 AM
What level of interest is there in Japan for Western-developed titles?  Is it a niche, or a super-niche?

If a Japanese guy buys Gears of War, I'd say that's the equivalent of an American guy buying a Japanese date sim.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 24, 2010, 09:11:07 AM
Whats the HYPE level like in the land of the Rising Sun now that it's gonna be doing it in 3D from the palm of your hand?

Impossible to judge yet, get back to me in a few months time.


Quote
Oh, and those wannabWii's from Sony & MS too.... does anyone care?

The only thing I can be sure of is that Kinetic will fail, if that even gets released in Japan. That's not a hit against the tech, just the fact that it's an accessory for a system which is practically unknown of here.


As for Sony's Move, it will be very interesting to see how well that goes down, as of yet I couldn't possibly comment.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 24, 2010, 12:45:11 PM
Whats the HYPE level like in the land of the Rising Sun now that it's gonna be doing it in 3D from the palm of your hand?

Impossible to judge yet, get back to me in a few months time.


Quote
Oh, and those wannabWii's from Sony & MS too.... does anyone care?

The only thing I can be sure of is that Kinetic will fail, if that even gets released in Japan. That's not a hit against the tech, just the fact that it's an accessory for a system which is practically unknown of here.


As for Sony's Move, it will be very interesting to see how well that goes down, as of yet I couldn't possibly comment.
I will be sure to copy/paste the same exact 2 questions again in the Fall since it's still too early to tell :)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on June 28, 2010, 10:21:06 PM
What level of interest is there in Japan for Western-developed titles?  Is it a niche, or a super-niche?

If a Japanese guy buys Gears of War, I'd say that's the equivalent of an American guy buying a Japanese date sim.

That's pretty much what I figured.  Thanks for the response!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on June 28, 2010, 11:03:46 PM
Is that just for games from western publishers, or does it include games developed in the west and published by a Japanese company (like Sony's Ratchet & Clank games)?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: vudu on June 29, 2010, 01:37:11 PM
I see in a lot of Japanese games, particularly RPGs, a tendency towards an emphasis on game elements that are simply not fun and never have been, such as grinding (1/128 drop rates, anyone?); fetch quests; and other similar time-wasting tasks.  Is this developer laziness or simply part of the Japanese gaming culture (much as they enjoy Dragon Quest with its glacial evolution)?  I find it hard to believe that a country so thoroughly dominated by Blue Ocean gaming also enjoys tedium so much.
 
Similarly, how do the Japanese tend to view things like achievements?  I've noticed in many Japanese games that their achievements tend to feel tacked on and arbitrary, and tend to lean towards grinding-type tasks.

That's a good observation and can be answered by looking at the Japanese cultural belief of "perfecting ones art" through constant repetition and practice.
Samurai's would spend days riding their horses shooting arrows at wicker targets till they could hit it every time. (OoT?) Same for Karate masters who repeat the same basic moves ad-nasuem. (Wax on, wax off..)
This mentality still exists today, people love "collecting everything" or "levelling everything up", even if it means repeating the same monotonous tasks thousands of times, the reason being they will have perfected their character and be the best they can be.
If you have a level 100 Celebi or DQ character, people will know how much effort has gone into that and can bow to your awesomeness.

Of course, in my opinion I think there are ways of doing that without boring the player to tears, but at least I (kinda) understand why those game-play elements exist in certain Jpse games.

Hope that makes sense!

I think this subject is interesting enough to warrant a full-blown editorial (or blog, if you prefer) if you have the time and inclination.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ThePerm on June 30, 2010, 09:04:42 PM
its also interesting because repetition goes against time management and conservation of movement.

then again

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_memory#Fine_Motor_Memory
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on August 05, 2010, 11:20:08 PM
I think this subject is interesting enough to warrant a full-blown editorial (or blog, if you prefer) if you have the time and inclination.

Ask and ye shall receive! (eventually)

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/23829 (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/23829)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: vudu on August 06, 2010, 05:25:01 PM
Wow--thanks!

I'd also like a pony!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: balzzzy on August 09, 2010, 05:08:05 AM
Why do certain games in Japan get dubbed "too difficult" for the North American market? I can understand reasons like Japanese specific anime/manga games, cultural differences, lack of funds and the game didin't do well. But I enjoy challenges. What are they basing the difficulty on and whom are they basing the difficulty against? Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden 2 were chaotic, but I think a lot of people enjoyed that. I found this article (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NoExportForYou) to be an interesting read. On a side note there are games like Soma Bringer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJjVzcZ-KY) for the DS where I can see no good reason at all for not releasing the game here in North America. The game was so good that a local, dedicated team of people have been translating it and have near completed it. However, the only way to play this game version is through a card such as the R4.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on August 10, 2010, 11:05:22 PM
Why do certain games in Japan get dubbed "too difficult" for the North American market? I can understand reasons like Japanese specific anime/manga games, cultural differences, lack of funds and the game didin't do well. But I enjoy challenges. What are they basing the difficulty on and whom are they basing the difficulty against? Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden 2 were chaotic, but I think a lot of people enjoyed that. I found this article (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NoExportForYou) to be an interesting read. On a side note there are games like Soma Bringer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJjVzcZ-KY) for the DS where I can see no good reason at all for not releasing the game here in North America. The game was so good that a local, dedicated team of people have been translating it and have near completed it. However, the only way to play this game version is through a card such as the R4.

Great questions, although I don't have all the answers, I can give you some.

As you know, certain games often get released in Japan way ahead of the NA and EU markets, which is why sometimes Jpse publishers use this as a "testing phase" for their games. If they get feedback from fans that they loved the game BUT it was way too difficult in certain parts, they can then make slight tweaks to the game before they release the English version. Some people may see this as "dumbing it down", but in fact they are possibly trying to make it less annoying for the western market, who may not have the patience that Jpse gamers do (see my latest Editorial for more on that) and it may get poorer reviews as a result.

One famous example is Majora's Mask where the original version didn't have the "save owls", which made the game a lot more difficult and time-consuming, compared to the tweaked western version which did.

In fact I'd argue the opposite, that Jpse gamers prefer games slightly easier than us. Take Yoshi's Story (N64) as an example, that was actually made more difficult because Nintendo thought it wasn't challenging enough, they even added extra collectables which affected the ending, something that us westerners like in our games. (apparently)

As you mentioned, the original Ninja Gaiden games were also a lot more difficult than their Japanese originals, doing crazy-harsh things like taking out continues and unfair damage from enemies.

As for games like Soma Bringer not coming to the west, your guess is as good as mine. As you probably know, it's usually down to financial reasons, not enough sales potential, don't want to waste money to translate the game and publish it abroad if it won't sell etc etc
Heck, even Nintendo did it with Sin and Punishment (which was in English anyway) and more recently the Starfy games, absolutely no reason for not bringing them over.
Talking of fan translations, I'm sure you're aware of famous examples like Mother 3 and the Fatal Frame 4 English patch, it's scary when fans go to more effort than the publishing houses themselves...

I wonder if there are any Japanese gamers that are frustrated that a certain western game doesn't get released in Japan!
The only example that comes to mind was Grand Theft Auto, but now they're seeing releases here thanks to Capcom.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 04, 2011, 08:19:21 PM
Hey guys, with the Japan team now at 3 people, I'd like to reboot this thread to help with a new feature that could be happening soon....

Keep your questions succinct, clean and interesting if you please!

J-C
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: leroypantweather on March 08, 2011, 03:04:15 PM
Two questions:


Could you describe japan's arcade scene.  Is it still thriving, is it more of a retro machine type of thing, or are people still flocking to play the latest stuff competitively at the arcade.






Are public bathrooms in Japan as weird as I hear?  I recall on one of 1up's podcasts they were describing how one of the urinals at the bathroom was shaped like a clown face and when you peed in it the clown laughed at you and swayed its head. And when you were finished it flashed a camera as if to be taking a picture of your junk.(all in good fun i presume).  Another feature they mentioned was that some bathrooms had a sound tunnel of sorts so you could hear the women in the bathroom from the mens room. Or that there are one sided windows above the urinals and on the other side on the window is the women's bathroom mirror.   Can you confirm any of this or have you run into similar things?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: vudu on March 29, 2011, 10:04:51 PM
Talk about your experiences with video game-themed bars.  (Did Matt ever get into the Dragon Quest bar?) (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/21131)  Ooh--and love hotels!  We want to hear about those, too!

I'd like to hear general stories about Akihabara and such.

What did you guys do when you first moved to Japan?  I'm sure you went out and bought all sorts of random Japanese-exclusive Famicom and Super Famicom games, right?  Anyone blow their entire paycheck on a copy of Radical Dreamers just because they could?

Come to think of it, I really just want to hear about the retro scene in Japan.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 30, 2011, 07:01:53 AM
Thanks for the questions guys!
Keep 'em coming, we could be recording a new Famicast very shortly - last call for Japan questions!

J-C
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on April 25, 2011, 09:55:51 PM
Question: what is the current state of PC gaming in Japan? Is there some kind of stigma attached to it? Is it becoming popular and mainstream? Or is it just plain ignored?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on April 26, 2011, 09:51:43 AM
What is the Capsule scene like?
Do drinks actually come with figurines on their bottle caps or is bottle cap figurines just a Video Game in game collection craze?
Have you ever been to one of those Pod hotels that look like sleeping in individual Submarine bunks?
What is the Craziest candy you found?
Does McDonalds actually look like the Marketing picture when you recieve it?
Do you have to clean your street?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on April 28, 2011, 11:49:16 PM
I can answer a question or two.

Do drinks actually come with figurines on their bottle caps or is bottle cap figurines just a Video Game in game collection craze?

Yes they sometimes come with drinks, but the drink are still sealed with a normal cap. I have two myself.

(http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/9219/topsn.jpg) (http://img585.imageshack.us/i/topsn.jpg/)

I didn't go to Japan so I could go to Macdonalds, but I did go to a Japanese equivalent of fast food called Yoshinoya (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinoya) which has a American counterpart (http://www.yoshinoyaamerica.com/)(California, Nevada, Arizona, and New York). In japan at least from my recollection it tastes and looks better than the pictures(Most due to the lack of touching up of pictures (http://www.google.com/search?q=yoshinoya&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=ivnsm&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=bzO6Td-aFann0QHbhcBz&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CBEQ_AUoAQ&biw=1101&bih=963)). I wish we had it here in NZ. I used to be able to make the beef bowl back in Japan, but I just can't get it right since leaving.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on April 29, 2011, 12:13:32 AM
I like to have some of those cap figurines.  Its a shame we don't do fun stuff like that here in the States.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on July 22, 2011, 12:52:31 AM
Hey guys, it's coming time again for another Famicast and again we're asking for your Japan-flavoured questions!

It could be about the Jpse eShop, new 3DS games like StarFox or something random you've always wondered about Japan in general.
We'd prefer them game-related, but as usual we'd accept the occasional (hopefully tasteful) off-topic question!

Post your questions here or send them to famicast@nintendoworldreport.com


Cheers!


J-C
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on July 22, 2011, 09:25:22 AM
How many games have you bought from a Vending Machine?  How do the Prices compare?  What is the Weirdest thing you bought from a Vending Machine?

Is their Really a 4 Patty Big Mac?

How often is it that Revision versions of games get released in the Japanese Market?

Is it relatively easy to get pre-made Cos-Play outfits and accessories for Videogame Characters?

Have you seen a Sega Pico in Action?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on July 26, 2011, 02:40:06 PM
Looking forward to the new podcast! In addition to the last question I asked, is it my imagination or has there been a noticeable uptick in the popularity of "western" genres like FPS and sandbox titles and, if so, why do you think that is?

Also, is it true that some Japanese vending machines sell rhinoceros beetles? And, erm....why would they do that?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on July 27, 2011, 01:13:53 AM
Have you ever eaten this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxQmOR_QLfQ)?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on July 27, 2011, 02:51:44 AM
Holy ****, that is a neat little eatable science trick.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on July 27, 2011, 04:43:34 AM
Have you ever eaten this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxQmOR_QLfQ)?

The polite answer to that would be "no".

Hey, even Oldboy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv_OxuZzIxY) didn't!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on July 28, 2011, 04:52:56 AM

Jonnyboy117 asked these questions in the Famicast Ep 3 talkback:

If you have a significant other in Japan, is that person Japanese or a foreigner like you?
I can't answer for the other Famicast crew, but as for me: Yes, and yes, Japanese

Have you found being a foreigner an asset or hindrance in getting dates/attention?
Two very different questions! Any non-Japanese face gets some degree of attention, some might say different races of people get different kinds of attention in Japan for whatever reason.
As for getting dates, this belief that Japanese girls giggle and swoon over any white guy that comes though the gates at the airport is getting less and less relevant each passing year. Thanks to thousands of slimy douchebags coming to Japan with that very belief, Japanese girls are catching on. While that may have been true in 1990, I'd say much less so now. If you can't get dates in your home country, don't expect some magical power when you arrive in Japan!

In your relationship, has the cultural divide been a significant issue?
Not in my case. But one example I've heard from others is when the girl/boyfriend couldn't speak English every well, or at all, and when it came to the "meet the parents" situation there were problems.
But that'd be the case for any international relationship, no?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 28, 2011, 12:40:35 PM
I am what i believe to be called a coco-jin <sp>. Is it true that us black people have god-tier status in Japan or is that all a myth being fed to me to make me want to go to Japan even more than I already do?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on July 28, 2011, 12:44:46 PM
I am what i believe to be called a coco-jin <sp>. Is it true that us black people have god-tier status in Japan or is that all a myth being fed to me to make me want to go to Japan even more than I already do?
From the Japanese classes that I've taken at least historically the Paler the better in Japanese culture by my understanding.  There is a whole group of more European looking Indigenous people that what we think of traditionally as Japanese went to war with and made second class citizens in there earlier history.  I find it odd that someone who is naturally of dark coloring would hold a higher slot in society.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 01:51:35 PM
The polite answer to that would be "no".

Hey, even Oldboy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv_OxuZzIxY) didn't!
What's the impolite answer? Actually, what Oldboy ate is different than what I linked (read the description on the video). And he actually ended up eating four of them for the filming.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on July 28, 2011, 10:04:25 PM
I am what i believe to be called a coco-jin <sp>. Is it true that us black people have god-tier status in Japan or is that all a myth being fed to me to make me want to go to Japan even more than I already do?
There are some girls who love koku-jin (black people) and others who prefer haku-jin (white people), the same as anywhere I guess!
I have no idea about the god-tier status you were talking about, I'm not a Japanese history buff at all.


However Ceric is onto something with the paler-the-better idea. The ideal image of beauty for a Japanese lady is to make her skin look and feel like the "white of a peeled egg" (Japanese reference, not mine)
Women often cover their skin and carry black umbrellas on sunny days to prevent any kind of suntan from occurring.
Some ladies, especially middle-aged housewives, are SO white I'd put them even beyond any basement-dwelling white person into something near to "Vampire-like" levels of white.


The polite answer to that would be "no".

Hey, even Oldboy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv_OxuZzIxY) didn't!
What's the impolite answer? Actually, what Oldboy ate is different than what I linked (read the description on the video). And he actually ended up eating four of them for the filming.


Impolite answer would be a string of expletives ending with "no".
The Oldboy thing disappointed me because he was being such a girl about it and took more than one take!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2011, 10:09:03 AM
I just saw a friend of mine on my G+ Stream that has nothing to do with NWR and isn't a Nintendo fan post up that Video of the Dancing Squid.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: apdude on July 29, 2011, 11:58:43 AM
However Ceric is onto something with the paler-the-better idea. The ideal image of beauty for a Japanese lady is to make her skin look and feel like the "white of a peeled egg" (Japanese reference, not mine)
Women often cover their skin and carry black umbrellas on sunny days to prevent any kind of suntan from occurring.
Some ladies, especially middle-aged housewives, are SO white I'd put them even beyond any basement-dwelling white person into something near to "Vampire-like" levels of white.

I think that is an Asian thing not just Japanese because I even see that here with Asian ladies driving around wearing big visors over their faces that look like welding masks.  I saw something similar in Taiwan as well.

As a side note:

I thought that white was a color representing death in Japan.  Hence the reason our "Great White Fleet" sailing off the cost of Japan was a pretty bad PR move since it was a bad omen.  Any truth to that?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2011, 01:08:24 PM
However Ceric is onto something with the paler-the-better idea. The ideal image of beauty for a Japanese lady is to make her skin look and feel like the "white of a peeled egg" (Japanese reference, not mine)
Women often cover their skin and carry black umbrellas on sunny days to prevent any kind of suntan from occurring.
Some ladies, especially middle-aged housewives, are SO white I'd put them even beyond any basement-dwelling white person into something near to "Vampire-like" levels of white.

I think that is an Asian thing not just Japanese because I even see that here with Asian ladies driving around wearing big visors over their faces that look like welding masks.  I saw something similar in Taiwan as well.

As a side note:

I thought that white was a color representing death in Japan.  Hence the reason our "Great White Fleet" sailing off the cost of Japan was a pretty bad PR move since it was a bad omen.  Any truth to that?
You know I thought the white thing was another Asian thing as well.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: gypsyOtoko on August 01, 2011, 05:31:13 AM
Following up on something I saw in the other thread, and copying JC:
Jonnyboy117 asked these questions in the Famicast Ep 3 talkback:

If you have a significant other in Japan, is that person Japanese or a foreigner like you?
My wife is Japanese.

Have you found being a foreigner an asset or hindrance in getting dates/attention?
It's not blatantly obvious for me, but for whatever reason after breaking up with my high school sweet heart I couldn't get anyone in the US to date me. I moved to Japan and had 2 relationships before meeting my wife. So - yep, I'd say being a foreigner helped me in Japan.

In your relationship, has the cultural divide been a significant issue?
Nope, but I'm incredibly used to Japanese culture and she's incredibly used to Western culture.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on August 24, 2011, 05:44:16 PM
So the pricing for the next Gundam PS3 game and Ninokuni PS3 have come out - 8300 yen for Gundam, and Ninokuni at 8800 yen. Based on that, how does game pricing work in Japan? Is 6000 yen a standard with big increases for major franchises?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 06:05:15 PM
I think the standard Wii game is 5,800 yen. RPG's tend to cost more regardless of the system.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Stogi on August 24, 2011, 06:49:06 PM
The paler-the-better in Asian cultures has to do with classes and the type of work those classes would do. The darker your skin, the poorer you were, since only the poorest of people planted and harvested vegetables (mainly rice) as it is an extremely hard job. In contrast, high society either worked indoors or not at all, keeping their skin pale. The palest of those were thought to be the richest.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 16, 2011, 04:44:25 AM
As you may know, the Famicast crew are currently at TGS 2011 in full force, covering all the Nintendo games at the show. We even have an brand new member of the team, our very first Japanese Japan corespondent! (Regular forum visitors will probably be able to work out who)


So with that in mind, send us your questions for the inevitable special edition of the Famicast, what games do you want to know more about, what do you want to know about the show specifically?


We're bound to forget to talk about something, so the more questions we have the better!


JC
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on September 20, 2011, 10:34:26 AM
I have a question for the next podcast, admittedly, it's not game related.

With the majority of Nuclear power plants off-line, how has it impacted on your daily life especially during the summer? What kind of issues are going to pop up coming into Autumn and Winter?

I have seen some of the more quirky inventions like a shirt with battery powered computer fans installed in them and businesses allowing the staff to go more casual o account of the heat.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Stardust on October 02, 2011, 10:01:06 PM
So, I have a big question for the Famicast.


In America, mobile gaming has gotten quite enormous. People are enchanted by the fact that they can buy an ongoing "mini-game" so to speak for as cheap as one dollar. Just to name a few like Angrybirds, Cut-the-Rope, and Fruit ninja.


Firstly, are these mobile games (maybe not the games I mentioned but just mobile games like on a cell phone like the iphone) as popular in Japan as they are in America? And if they are, do you think that it will also "ruin the handheld gaming" as some people are led to believe? And if they are not really worth mentioning (mobile games that is) why is that for japan?


Thanks a lot if you're reading this on the show! Great job Famicast, I'll be looking forward to the next episode.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on October 03, 2011, 02:40:56 AM
And related to that, how different did TGS feel this year? I understand there was a very significant mobile presence there this year.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ymeegod on October 15, 2011, 12:47:22 AM
How well can you guys read Japanese and how long did it take.  I might take up Japanese just to get a basic understanding. 
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 15, 2011, 11:24:22 PM
You can learn hiragana (ひらがな) and katakana (カタカナ) in a few days if you have some good learning materials.
After that, with some easy words to practice on, you could read basic phonetic Japanese in a few weeks if you stick with it!

Kanji (漢字) on the other hand is a life-long task, if you really go for it, say learn several kanji a week, it could still take a few years before you reach High School standard.
Even Japanese people don't know "all" kanji, they just know the basic 800-1000 or so (sometimes less) but there are thousands more technical and complex kanji that only the learned elite might know.

Because I don't study kanji at all, I only know about 200 kanji which gets me by in daily life.

I guess it all depends on why you want to learn it, do you only want to read game titles or game menus in Japanese, or do you plan on coming to live/study here?

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ymeegod on October 18, 2011, 01:51:55 AM
Planning on learning enough for high school standard and figured it's going take 3-5 years for me to learn.  Goal is to be able to play some of these damn imports like my poor Valkyrie Chronicles III and Ni no Kuni: The Jet-Black Mage (thank god the PS3 Ni no game is coming stateside).

Why can't the bloody Japanese developers just add subtitles :(.  I'm Amercian and I shouldn't required to learn anything!  I'm pretty sure that's a law.

Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on November 14, 2011, 09:41:26 AM
As you may know the 2nd Annual NWR Live Podcast Telethon for Child's Play will be happening on Saturday, November 19 @ 12:00pm (Noon) Eastern time.

The Famicast crew are scheduled to have an hour of live Japan-chat, and we hope you'll chip in to make that happen!

Go here for all the details! (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/sitenews/28313)



If you have any questions you'd like to ask us directly LIVE, get thinking now! You may even get the chance to win something too!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on November 15, 2011, 12:41:32 PM
If we ask about your onsen experiences live on the air, will you answer...? :P: :
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on November 16, 2011, 07:41:28 AM
If we ask about your onsen experiences live on the air, will you answer...? :P: :

For charity - yes!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on December 26, 2011, 10:03:05 AM
OK so this isn't technically a question, but let's pretend someone asked: "Hey can I play with the Famicrew online at MarioKart7?"
I'd answer, "yes!"


Community details:

"Famicast A-GO-GO"
46-6777-0554-7409
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 02, 2012, 02:45:23 PM
Did you get the New Years SwapNote from Nintendo with the new stationary?

and can you swapnote one of us so we can have it too?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: FZeroBoyo on January 04, 2012, 12:19:35 PM
(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwm9n2EfUn1qkvbwso1_r1_500.png)


Any truth to that?                             
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on January 04, 2012, 12:33:10 PM
Any truth to that?                             

We have a non-True Believer here.  The crew actually talked about this on Annual Gift Man Approaches.

Your probably talking about the 2 weeks thing.  I don't think they talked about that.
Though I tried to convince my Wife to let us stop and get some KFC on my way to my Mom's for Christmas to celebrate the Japanese way.  She didn't go for that.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on January 04, 2012, 11:34:31 PM
Any truth to that?                             

We have a non-True Believer here.  The crew actually talked about this on Annual Gift Man Approaches.

Your probably talking about the 2 weeks thing.  I don't think they talked about that.
Though I tried to convince my Wife to let us stop and get some KFC on my way to my Mom's for Christmas to celebrate the Japanese way.  She didn't go for that.

Your arteries no doubt thanked you!

I actually like KFC...although I'm addicted to fried chicken in general, so...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: FZeroBoyo on January 05, 2012, 03:27:20 PM
Ah. Must've missed that. Will go back to it, then. Thanks.                       
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on January 06, 2012, 09:19:24 AM
I believe one of us (not me) mentioned that you may even have to pre-order your chicken a month in advance!


Did you get the New Years SwapNote from Nintendo with the new stationary?
and can you swapnote one of us so we can have it too?


I believe Daan "NintenDaan" Koopman was setting up a friendcode swapathon for that very purpose!
It's not that amazing though...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on January 06, 2012, 12:24:28 PM
I would be happy to help pass it out for those who missed out. I already got a copy from Blacknmild.

3222 5727 4873 and PM me your match code.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 06, 2012, 01:21:43 PM
Did you get the New Years SwapNote from Nintendo with the new stationary?
and can you swapnote one of us so we can have it too?

I believe Daan "NintenDaan" Koopman was setting up a friendcode swapathon for that very purpose!
It's not that amazing though...

I agree that it is nothing really special at all, but shortly after asking, Daan made a thread about it in talkback which had a very surprisingly large amount of request from longtime lurkers. He then passed it to me and I passed it on just as he did, so all is taken care of :)
thanx.

But you really should join our swapnote circle if you have't already.... just really wish we could re-swap so everyone can share the best ones they receive.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on January 06, 2012, 06:15:17 PM
Did you get the New Years SwapNote from Nintendo with the new stationary?
and can you swapnote one of us so we can have it too?

I believe Daan "NintenDaan" Koopman was setting up a friendcode swapathon for that very purpose!
It's not that amazing though...

I agree that it is nothing really special at all, but shortly after asking, Daan made a thread about it in talkback which had a very surprisingly large amount of request from longtime lurkers. He then passed it to me and I passed it on just as he did, so all is taken care of :)
thanx.

But you really should join our swapnote circle if you have't already.... just really wish we could re-swap so everyone can share the best ones they receive.

By the by, thanks again for sending it to me. It's like passing along an STD, only it's a good thing!

...

Okay, maybe that wasn't a particularly good analogy.  :-[
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on January 11, 2012, 06:09:46 AM
I'd be happy to add anyone who's had a letter read out on the Famicast. (gotta filter out any non-believers right?)
Send me a PM with your code if you want in.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on January 20, 2012, 06:32:48 AM
OK people, it's that time again!
Send in your questions for the next Famicast, lets start the new year with some good ones!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on January 20, 2012, 12:45:46 PM
Have you heard of this??
Quote
Speaking of American-style pizza, Domino's Japan is pretty damn sneaky (in a good way for foreigners). They have an English site filled with special deals that you can only get on the English website - deliberately catering to foreigners. I felt so baller getting a medium pizza and 1.5 liter coke for ¥500.
I checked out the Domino's Japan english site and it seemed like the pizzas started at ¥1500. Can you figure out if there's a secret knock or something?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 20, 2012, 01:15:58 PM
So people in Japan pay even less than in the US for that? That same deal would be 990 yen in the US.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on January 20, 2012, 01:20:19 PM
No, pizzas are some kind of bizzarre luxury food in Japan and you can easily end up paying 50 dollars for some bullshit with corn and mayo on it.

After living in Japan for a while, the idea that there's a secret knock to get something a little more American style and American-priced is almost unbelievable to me.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on January 20, 2012, 02:02:46 PM
No, pizzas are some kind of bizzarre luxury food in Japan and you can easily end up paying 50 dollars for some bullshit with corn and mayo on it.

After living in Japan for a while, the idea that there's a secret knock to get something a little more American style and American-priced is almost unbelievable to me.
That sounds like my Mom's description of Pizza from when she visits Germany.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on January 21, 2012, 12:38:13 PM
What's the Japanese reaction to the Vita been so far? Do you know people who have one, do you get the impression folks are waiting for a price drop, etc.?

Also, what are your most anticipated games for this year? Bonus points if it's some wacky Japan-only thing that'll never see the light of day here!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on January 21, 2012, 09:03:27 PM
I have vast experience with ordering pizzas in Japan, I can tackle that no problem!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on January 21, 2012, 09:29:46 PM
Does Pizza Hut support the rebellion as much as it appears?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on January 21, 2012, 10:09:16 PM
Yeah, definitely holler if you can find a pizza for that sort of ridiculously low price.

Also, what city/prefecture are y'all in?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on February 02, 2012, 08:49:31 PM
Do you have any perspective on this situation (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/world/asia/with-risk-japanese-city-takes-on-once-accepted-fact-of-life-its-gangsters.html?partner=rss&emc=rss)?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on February 02, 2012, 09:45:56 PM
When I was in Japan I had a run in with the Yakuza in Ikebukuro. A bunch of us were coming out blind drunk from "dinner", heading towards Karaoke for more drink. One of us were more drunk than the rest of us and he decided to judo throw a man sized traffic cone place there to convert the road to a pedestrian thoroughfare at night. Unfortunately, on top of the cone happen to have a jacket owned by the local Yakuza member. A group of them boil out of nearby buildings in a very noisy fashion. I quickly get tapped on the shoulder by a friend and one word comes out of his mouth "Yakuza".

I managed to straighten myself some which is a small miracle considering how drunk I was. There were a lot of shouting, demands are made. Someone was going to get hurt right there, right now if someone didn't apologize. After a very tense minute of rapid fire apologizes with much bowing from one of us they let us be on our way.

Looking back, in a sense they were doing society a favor by help keeping the local order. But they weren't cops, they had no rules or guidelines as to how to act. No real accountability other to themselves. Only there to keep order out of their own self interests, not for the public good. In the end they are not much more than thugs from a bygone era doing something real cops should have been doing.

I can tell you exactly what the cops were doing that night. They were sitting inside their well lit police box. The Japanese police are legendary in their uselessness and that might have change in the past decade to the point they can finally be an effective agent for order, supplanting the Yakuza in that role.

I have a question for the crew. How much TV do you watch if any. What shows stand out to you and why? Are they still showing Friends in Japanese?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 02, 2012, 11:10:23 PM
Do you have any perspective on this situation (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/world/asia/with-risk-japanese-city-takes-on-once-accepted-fact-of-life-its-gangsters.html?partner=rss&emc=rss)?

When I clicked the link, I thought that was a young Hiroshi Yamauchi in the pic.
"Nintendo.... the early days"
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on February 03, 2012, 07:33:09 AM
RE: The Yazuka


It's a funny and tricky situation indeed, do their "good deeds" outweigh the intensely illegal/evil things they do? Probably not. Is the Japanese government doing enough to curtail them? Probably not!
They are only openly visible in certain places in Tokyo, for most people (myself included) we hardly ever see them or know they exist.
There are many things that happen in Japan "because that's how it's always been done", you can see that in pretty much every single aspect of Japanese life and culture, games included.
I think the Yazuka are one of those age-old "traditions" that have just gone left unchecked for hundreds of years, and no one in any higher authority is in any race to change that anytime soon. (I wonder why...)
For those interested in learning more about the Yazuka, in English, you wanna be following this guy, Jake Adelstein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Adelstein).
He wrote a cool book about his undercover life with them, he's also pretty active on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/#!/jakeadelstein)




As for the TV question, I think I'll save that for the Famicast, I know Matt Walker and I have VERY different opinions on that matter...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on February 19, 2012, 10:12:26 AM
How many ways do you guys sort your garbage?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on February 20, 2012, 04:11:31 AM
How many ways do you guys sort your garbage?
Burnable, 3 times a week (food etc)
Non-burnable, once a month (unwanted small metal items like umbrellas)
Recyclable - once a week (Papers, cans/tins, glass)
Harmful - once a month (Batteries etc)
Big items, on request (sofas , TVs, pay to get them picked up)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 06, 2012, 06:26:46 AM
In response to Fatty_the_hutt's question on the Famicast 9 thread.

Quote: "it has been just ove a year since the tsunami. What are your impressions of how Japan has recovered (or not)? Has the ordeal left any lasting effects on the national psyche?"

I think Japan is doing what it does best, stoicism in the face of massively traumatic events!
Things are being rebuilt, cleared and repaired at an exponential rate, but yeah maybe people are worried about another "big one" coming, possibly even during this month. (March 2012)
Then there's the massive one supposed to happen on the Tokyo plate in the next 30 years (90% chance), so we all have that to look forward to..
Thinking positively though, that 3/11 one was a good wake up call for people who might have become complacent. People are buying emergency gear and getting better prepared, which is only a good thing in my opinion!
One piece of advice, don't live on any reclaimed land near the sea.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on March 06, 2012, 10:41:58 AM
Thanks for the reply.
My mistake, it has been almost a year since the Japan earthquake and tsunami. March 11 was the date.  :-[
Is there some Japanese ritual I must go through now to cleanse my shame and return honour to my family? Please advise.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on March 06, 2012, 04:18:05 PM
Snorting Wasabi powder with a dollar bill would be a good start.  :cool;

Quite frankly Japan is doing an amazing job considering the level of damage and lives lost. Japan is always a nation rebuilding whether it's war(certain cities have virtually no buildings predating WW2) or natural disasters like earthquakes(Hence the flexible wooden homes of old). Here what's happening in New Zealand in contrast.

Christchurch had a second earthquake just before Japan's earthquake which had made the CBD unusable and entire suburbs unlivable. Lives were lost, but the progress has been extremely slow. The CBD is still fucked up, demolition work is no where near complete. The rebuild goes in starts and fits. We didn't honor our fire fighters and recuse workers properly for some reason. The government made a good initial showing, but had no follow through. We have some sort of pencil pushing CEO whose job seems to defy description, but he is very good at playing golf, taking vacations and pay rises for no progress while earning more than the PM. Insurance companies paying keep away. I could go on, but it's a cluster ****. Welcome to the leaning hotel of Christchurch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Grand_Chancellor,_Christchurch)!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 07, 2012, 08:52:56 AM
Quite frankly Japan is doing an amazing job considering the level of damage and lives lost. Japan is always a nation rebuilding whether it's war(certain cities have virtually no buildings predating WW2) or natural disasters like earthquakes(Hence the flexible wooden homes of old).


Exactly this.


Sad news about NZ, although I have a feeling the British government would be just as inept in a similar situation if it ever were to happen in the UK!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on March 07, 2012, 11:32:17 AM
Snorting Wasabi powder with a dollar bill would be a good start.  :cool;
Done and ouch. Beats ritual self-disembowling, I suppose.
 
Sucks to hear about Christchurch. Maybe there's hope on the horizon. Didn't it take New Orleans about two to three years to recover from the Hurrican Katrina?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on March 07, 2012, 04:08:22 PM
I think last I checked New Orleans was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.  What sad is they really weren't the worst hit.  Just the most notable.  That's for another day.

Here in the US we have terrible disaster management.  We can respond within a day however to anywhere else in the world.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on March 18, 2012, 11:41:22 PM
Tell us more about this perfect fruit (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-17359461) craze.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on March 19, 2012, 12:08:11 AM
I not sure that you would call it a craze since it's more of an on going thing that pops up in a news story from time to to. 10 years ago it was the whole square water melon thing. On the street fruit is fruit, although always expensive regardless of how perfect they might be. I was never given a perfect fruit and at the time I wouldn't have known if it was. I would have just eaten the damn thing or turned it down without realising the significance(Cultural misunderstandings Ahoy!). Now if you want to talk about a perfect steak I once had in Japan that is another story.

Ask them about tabehodai and Nomihodai.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 19, 2012, 02:55:04 AM
Tell us more about this perfect fruit (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-17359461) craze.


Ask them about tabehodai and Nomihodai.

I like both these topics, we will try and answer them on Famicast 10 :D
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on March 19, 2012, 10:18:29 AM
Actually been talking to Broodwar on Twitter some and I was wondering what your guys take on the story side of Japan Culture.  Mainly it seems that in Japanese Media there seems the idea of a strongly linked episodes and like.  I'm having a hard time putting this into words but, it amounts to stories where you couldn't watch the episodes out of order and if you came in later you would be lost.  You see this in the games as well.  Manga seems to be the same way.  I was wondering if this had a clear cultural base to it.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on March 19, 2012, 12:59:10 PM
Actually been talking to Broodwar on Twitter some and I was wondering what your guys take on the story side of Japan Culture.  Mainly it seems that in Japanese Media there seems the idea of a strongly linked episodes and like.  I'm having a hard time putting this into words but, it amounts to stories where you couldn't watch the episodes out of order and if you came in later you would be lost.  You see this in the games as well.  Manga seems to be the same way.  I was wondering if this had a clear cultural base to it.
ehhh, I don't think this idea is Japan-centric. Plenty of examples in western media too: Lost, Twin Peaks, Doctor Who (more the older, episodic ones but there are multi-part stories now too), pretty much any comic book series.  That's just a couiple off the top o my head.


and of course, Two and a Half Men. Impossible to pick that up in the middle. Just so much rich, rewarding history there.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on March 19, 2012, 01:27:50 PM
Actually been talking to Broodwar on Twitter some and I was wondering what your guys take on the story side of Japan Culture.  Mainly it seems that in Japanese Media there seems the idea of a strongly linked episodes and like.  I'm having a hard time putting this into words but, it amounts to stories where you couldn't watch the episodes out of order and if you came in later you would be lost.  You see this in the games as well.  Manga seems to be the same way.  I was wondering if this had a clear cultural base to it.
ehhh, I don't think this idea is Japan-centric. Plenty of examples in western media too: Lost, Twin Peaks, Doctor Who (more the older, episodic ones but there are multi-part stories now too), pretty much any comic book series.  That's just a couiple off the top o my head.


and of course, Two and a Half Men. Impossible to pick that up in the middle. Just so much rich, rewarding history there.
All those are acted shows.  By my understanding the Acted shows in Japan are mostly things like Quiz Shows and like.  I haven't heard of a Lost or Two and Half Men equivalent in Japan.  Its like they have the media sets swapped from the western side.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on March 22, 2012, 04:54:15 PM
From the Japan eShop Round-Up (03/21/2012) thread:
 
Quote from: The_Dan_X
This week, I went with the freebie, Beauty Clock, for my weekly download. ... you can really feel the connection with your lady friends. The bottom screen lets you know her name, where she lives, blood type, height and size (including bust size and weight), occupation, favorite spot, and even a special message.

Blood type? Really? Wow.
I am ashamed to say that I want this clock application badly. It'll never come outside of Japan I am sure.
In Japan, it's commonly believed that blood type defines your personality, character, and compatibility (kind of like astrological signs elsewhere), so you'll often see people's profiles with that information. I guess that would be another good Famicast topic.

Boys?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 22, 2012, 10:33:14 PM
From the Japan eShop Round-Up (03/21/2012) thread:
 
Quote from: The_Dan_X
This week, I went with the freebie, Beauty Clock, for my weekly download. ... you can really feel the connection with your lady friends. The bottom screen lets you know her name, where she lives, blood type, height and size (including bust size and weight), occupation, favorite spot, and even a special message.

Blood type? Really? Wow.
I am ashamed to say that I want this clock application badly. It'll never come outside of Japan I am sure.
In Japan, it's commonly believed that blood type defines your personality, character, and compatibility (kind of like astrological signs elsewhere), so you'll often see people's profiles with that information. I guess that would be another good Famicast topic.

Boys?

I'll field this question guys... but feel free to chime in if I get something slightly incorrect.

Truth is that Japan is actually run by Vampires. The Yakuza are the human protectors and front men for the Vampire overlords that have ruled over Japan for as long as Japan can remember. By putting out the "belief" that blood type connects to personality and then waiting for technology to advance enough so that people can openly broadcast their blood type as an attraction point, the Vamp Overlords have effectively had their cattle mark themselves for consumption.
Rumor has it that most Vamps like their blood aged like fine wine, and tend to prefer anything in a age range of 52-56, so a 52 O+ might go good with a rare Kobe Steak, and it also explains why Asian women are typically pretty youthful in appearance until they hit that magic age and then almost all that aging catches up to them over night. It's because they have been drained for their aged essence in a long accepted ritual that is practiced at night by highly trained Yakuza elders.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on March 23, 2012, 03:30:55 AM
Truth is that Japan is actually run by Vampires. The Yakuza are the human protectors and front men for the Vampire overlords that have ruled over Japan for as long as Japan can remember. By putting out the "belief" that blood type connects to personality and then waiting for technology to advance enough so that people can openly broadcast their blood type as an attraction point, the Vamp Overlords have effectively had their cattle mark themselves for consumption.
Rumor has it that most Vamps like their blood aged like fine wine, and tend to prefer anything in a age range of 52-56, so a 52 O+ might go good with a rare Kobe Steak, and it also explains why Asian women are typically pretty youthful in appearance until they hit that magic age and then almost all that aging catches up to them over night. It's because they have been drained for their aged essence in a long accepted ritual that is practiced at night by highly trained Yakuza elders.


Eerily accurate!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on March 23, 2012, 05:09:57 PM
BnM, I want a Japanese Vampires and The Yakuza Swapnote comic
please and thank you.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on April 05, 2012, 05:21:32 PM
Anybody ordered anything from amazon.co.jp? I hear you can order and then pay & pickup at the nearest conbini...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 06, 2012, 11:15:43 PM
BnM, I want a Japanese Vampires and The Yakuza Swapnote comic
please and thank you.

I wouldn't know where or how to begin a swapnote on the topic.

....but I am long overdue for one.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on April 06, 2012, 11:32:25 PM
BnM, I want a Japanese Vampires and The Yakuza Swapnote comic
please and thank you.

I wouldn't know where or how to begin a swapnote on the topic.

....but I am long overdue for one.
Traditionally you start with someone in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Who starts without knowing that they were not the Yakuza or Vampires.  Throughout the episodes they slowly discover that they are doing things for the Yakuza upon that revelation they slowly start noticing other oddities that are not explained by being Yakuza and piece together that they are Vampires.

You can also take the approach of just lobbing them into the whole thing and see how the character deals.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on April 22, 2012, 04:00:35 AM
Actually been talking to Broodwar on Twitter some and I was wondering what your guys take on the story side of Japan Culture.  Mainly it seems that in Japanese Media there seems the idea of a strongly linked episodes and like.  I'm having a hard time putting this into words but, it amounts to stories where you couldn't watch the episodes out of order and if you came in later you would be lost.  You see this in the games as well.  Manga seems to be the same way.  I was wondering if this had a clear cultural base to it.
Ceric, I couldn't quite get at what you were asking here. But we may tackle Japanese TV in a general sense in the next show.

Which leads me onto my next point: New questions for the Famicrew please, we'll be recording soon!

Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on May 02, 2012, 05:33:00 PM
I missed the boat on the last episode, but I have a super-serious question that needs addressing.

You've covered Japan's obsession with the perfect fruit. Now where do they stand on the perfect beef? Is genuine kobe all that it's made out to be, or is the rest of the world just being bamboozled?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on May 02, 2012, 07:11:06 PM
I had a perfect Beef Medallion once in Japan. It was so good I haven't been able to enjoy a beef steak of any sort since. Kobe is the genuine good stuff, unlike "Angus".
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on May 09, 2012, 02:06:46 PM
Following Twitter today, it seems Danny was violated today (He had his umbrellas stolen.)  Danny mentioned that putting his name on the umbrellas may help and Minoru responded that he should put is Icon on it as well.  Danny thought that might be even better.  Now to my question what is an Icon?

The first thing that comes my mind is its like Reboot and all Japanese citizens are just inherentally born with the symbol.  Which when tapped in the right conditions transforms them into the appropriate state.  I quickly dismissed this.

My next thought was something along the line of a Family Seal like in Feudal Europe with a signet ring.  This makes sense.  I have even seen a Reading Rainbow episode where someone who specialized in making Asian stamps made one for LeVar Burton.  Then the question becomes if its a family crest type of did how would our Bachalor Extrordinary Danny Biven have one since he isn't native?

After all that going to go back to the point.  I know some characters in Japanese are very intricate.  I would assume names are the same way so having a stamp for them would be easier.  This Icon sounds like something very different. What is an Icon?  How do you get an Icon?  Are you required under law to have an Icon?  How does this work for the people who have migrated to Japan?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on May 09, 2012, 08:35:37 PM
He wasn't violated, he forgot he was playing musical chairs with umbrellas in the rain.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on May 10, 2012, 02:18:24 AM
Most everyone here in Japan has a personal, family, and/or business ink stamp called a hanko and it's basically used instead of signatures. I use it when I recieve a package or approve a document or something.  Yes, even a white devil can get one. I ordered mine for like 15 dollars. I don't believe you're required to have one but it would be weird if you didn't. Unless you are a white devil.

The more elaborate it is, the more classy and expensive it is. I'm a cheapskate so mine is only two simple characters (タイ)

Edit: Japanese people never steal anything except umbrellas and panties. You must guard them vigorously!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on May 10, 2012, 09:09:37 AM
Most everyone here in Japan has a personal, family, and/or business ink stamp called a hanko and it's basically used instead of signatures. I use it when I recieve a package or approve a document or something.  Yes, even a white devil can get one. I ordered mine for like 15 dollars. I don't believe you're required to have one but it would be weird if you didn't. Unless you are a white devil.

The more elaborate it is, the more classy and expensive it is. I'm a cheapskate so mine is only two simple characters (タイ)

Edit: Japanese people never steal anything except umbrellas and panties. You must guard them vigorously!

Which is why Super is Commando right now.  Had them on the train but doesn't know where there at now.

So what does your hanko mean?

Wikipedia Entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanko_%28stamp%29)

I get the point but thats a lot of different ones.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on May 10, 2012, 11:19:44 AM
Since SUPER is such a cheapskate, I have no idea what he i referring to. ;D

It reads タ(TA)イ(I), it's pretty straight forward. I was just mildly disappointed he didn't go for (ス)SU パ(PA), but then that might have costs him a little bit more for the dashes and the fact that isn't his real name.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on May 10, 2012, 12:31:47 PM
I'm thinking about getting one for my family name and like.  Since my last name is Shook I figure I use the Japanese for Shook as in the past tense of Shake.  Though I don't have any idea what it is.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on May 10, 2012, 08:08:42 PM
I'm thinking about getting one for my family name and like.  Since my last name is Shook I figure I use the Japanese for Shook as in the past tense of Shake.  Though I don't have any idea what it is.

The Jpse for that is SHAKE-SHAKE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axPl6SlDOJo)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on May 11, 2012, 02:19:05 PM
Is it really shake-shake?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on May 11, 2012, 07:28:11 PM
Is it really shake-shake?

Hehe. It's actually "FUTERU" (That means "shaking")
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on May 28, 2012, 04:28:23 AM
Have any of youse guys taken any of the Japanese language national proficiency tests? If so, what level? How was it?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on May 31, 2012, 01:30:06 AM
Have any of youse guys taken any of the Japanese language national proficiency tests? If so, what level? How was it?
I took the old level 4 one years ago and passed pretty easily. You only need about 100 kanji and basic listening skills to pass.
They're since changed the whole system, it's now from 1-5 (1 being fluent) and I couldn't comment on that as I haven't taken it.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on May 31, 2012, 04:40:53 AM
Yeah, I heard the old 4/now 5 test was pretty easy... I also heard the deal was the gap between the old 3 and 2 was too big, so they added an in-between one. I'm not sure what test to take, but I think I'm going to do the N4 first. I think I might have a shot at the N3 but I'm not sure. I already missed the deadline for the summer test, so it looks like I'm going to take it in the winter, so lots of time to practice, I guess.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on June 22, 2012, 04:40:11 AM
New Famicast in the works! We need some ideas for our next "Life in Japan" segment!

What part of Japan life/culture would you liked discussed next episode?


Keep it classy people!  :cool;
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on June 22, 2012, 08:52:06 AM
Quirks in Japanese tools brought on by the limitation of Natural Resources in Japan.
The Business Card phenomon and how that is effected in a Digital World.
The Typical Work Day in Japan Life.
Adult Clubs in Japan, especially ones stemming from you place of employment.
General building flow as compared to Euro/American tradition.
Commercials in Japan or better yet How are Japanese people motivated to make purchases. General themes used, style of media, etc.
Driving/Car Ownership in Japan.
City Layout Generals in Japan.
Whats the Year to Year to the Government in Japan. (Like here I need to pay Property taxes which is handled by the bank and I have car registration etc.)
What is the Japanese take on Armed Forces and not officially having one.
Is Japan mostly city or rural.
How has your views on housing changed since moving to Japan?
Did Danny ever stay in that Pod hotel?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on June 22, 2012, 06:40:43 PM
How bad is piracy in Japan? Are people generally willing to pay for content, or does it get ripped off half to hell?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on June 24, 2012, 01:39:08 AM
How about this (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_253/7530-Phoenix-Wrights-Objection)?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on July 12, 2012, 08:57:34 PM
In a lot of Manga when someone takes bath they have a hat that protects from soap running down into their eyes.  I was wondering what they are called.  I think that would be good for my son because he won't just look up when he's getting his hair washed..
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: AnGer on July 26, 2012, 01:13:44 PM
How do japanese people react when you're playing a video game in public (on a portable game system or a smartphone)? Do they brush it aside stoically or do they give you the looks that say "what a nutjob"?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on July 26, 2012, 09:31:31 PM
Nobody cares, lots of people play DS on the train or whatever. Plus, Japanese people usually prefer to mind their own business, I think.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on July 28, 2012, 03:28:20 AM
How do japanese people react when you're playing a video game in public (on a portable game system or a smartphone)? Do they brush it aside stoically or do they give you the looks that say "what a nutjob"?
30-year old guy playing Mario Kart on a train? Aint no thang.
50-year old guy reading manga porn on a train? Aint no thang.
60-year old lady playing Brain Training on a train? Aint no thang.
A married couple kissing (briefly) on a train? Sideways glances/stares.
#OhJapan
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on July 28, 2012, 01:12:22 PM
How do japanese people react when you're playing a video game in public (on a portable game system or a smartphone)? Do they brush it aside stoically or do they give you the looks that say "what a nutjob"?
30-year old guy playing Mario Kart on a train? Aint no thang.
50-year old guy reading manga porn on a train? Aint no thang.
60-year old lady playing Brain Training on a train? Aint no thang.
A married couple kissing (briefly) on a train? Sideways glances/stares.
#OhJapan
I Heart you, Japan.
Those kissers need to get a room, Dammit!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: AV on August 02, 2012, 11:45:15 PM
I have heard that japanese businesses are very much in a cultural bubble and only care about Japanese market even if they sell to other parts of the world. How much of this is true? Does this japanese bubble mentality explain some of the odd / stupid/ decisions as of late? Is this why Nintendo of Japan has so much power and Nintendo of America/Europe/Australia are very restrained compared to Japan because they don't care about the other markets and live in this bubble?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ShyGuy on August 07, 2012, 11:15:39 PM
So I hear that Japanese people don't call their country Japan, they call it Nippon. Is that true?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on August 08, 2012, 01:13:16 PM
Yeah, they call it Nippon or Nihon. The English word comes from a mangled version of the old Chinese name for Japan. Check it out, there's a whole article about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_Japan
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ShyGuy on August 08, 2012, 07:40:52 PM
That explains where the old racial slur 'Nip' comes from! Thanks, Cat Drugs!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on August 09, 2012, 07:03:48 PM
Always Nihon, except sporting events when they usually chant NIP-PON! *clap clap clap* NIP-PON! etc.

I think Nippon is the old fashioned name, like Britannia for Britain.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on August 10, 2012, 02:00:24 AM
Nippon-Ichi Software 8)

Yeah I always felt like Nippon sounded more old-timey or nationalistic, Nihon is softer and more modern. I guess it's not just me?

Comedy option: Yamato
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on September 05, 2012, 04:00:49 AM
YO WHO'S GOING TO TGS??
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 05, 2012, 05:04:33 AM
As of now, just me and Danny.

What TGS Nintendo games would you like to hear us talk about on the next FC?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on September 05, 2012, 05:09:32 AM
I'd like to volunteer myself to help with TGS coverage. I owe Jonny/NWR a favor.
 
edit: and of course I'd like to meet you guys!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 05, 2012, 09:22:02 AM
I'd like to volunteer myself to help with TGS coverage. I owe Jonny/NWR a favor.
 
edit: and of course I'd like to meet you guys!
I actually didn't know you lived in Japan!
We can definitely meet up on one of the days, plus of course it'd be awesome to have another set of hands at the show! :D
PM/email me to arrange the details!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: oohhboy on September 05, 2012, 12:48:01 PM
You never saw his CatDrugs (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=38665.0) thread did you? Let him show you his pokemans.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on September 06, 2012, 12:45:37 AM
You never saw his CatDrugs (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=38665.0) thread did you? Let him show you his pokemans.

And now we know why the Japanese tell you never to trust anyone on the internet...

Regarding Nintendo games at TGS, I thought Nintendo proper pulled out of the event? If it's just Nintendo-platform games you're asking about though, I'm really interested to hear about MH4 and Layton v. Phoenix Wright.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on September 06, 2012, 12:56:46 AM
Nintendo didn't "pull out" as they never attend TGS, the closest they came was when Iwata delivered the keynote address one year to unveil the Wii Remote.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on September 06, 2012, 01:06:07 AM
Point taken!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on September 12, 2012, 12:46:23 AM
This might be an interesting topic. (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20111124im.html)
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/487570_10151223234027037_855384675_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on September 12, 2012, 04:08:45 PM
Video review please! (http://www.jtt.ne.jp/shop/product/germa_pen/)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on September 12, 2012, 04:24:11 PM
This might be an interesting topic. (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20111124im.html)
...
But I have Canned Heat in my Heels...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 13, 2012, 02:33:00 AM
Video review please! (http://www.jtt.ne.jp/shop/product/germa_pen/)
Danny's on it!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 19, 2012, 07:25:19 AM
TGS is tomorrow guys, a new Famicast soon after - excite get?

Send in your requests/questions for games to play/talk about - ASAP!  :D

-JC
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on September 19, 2012, 05:56:15 PM
How many laps around the conference hall is the Monster Hunter 4 line doing?

Are there any really quirky 3DS games there that have a hope in hell of being localized?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: the_dan_x on October 17, 2012, 10:03:22 AM
So, we're planning on recording a new episode of the Famicast this weekend. If you guys have any questions that you want answered on the show, please feel free to ask!!!! There should be lots of cool game to talk about, so be sure to tune in and listen...or download and listen...to the enhanced edition to see funny and/or sexy pics.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: azeke on October 17, 2012, 10:48:17 AM
So, we're planning on recording a new episode of the Famicast this weekend. If you guys have any questions that you want answered on the show, please feel free to ask!!!! There should be lots of cool game to talk about, so be sure to tune in and listen...or download and listen...to the enhanced edition to see funny and/or sexy pics.
I've seen how in a few Game Center CX shows they keep referring to Korea, China as Asia. As in "Arino's trip to Asia", "i've been to Asia". I think they even referred Malaysia or Philippine as Asia.

Do they not consider themselves as Asia or what? Or everything on the west of japan island is considered Asia? Then why Malaysia is Asia?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on October 17, 2012, 11:29:20 AM
Maybe its the same way I see some people in the UK talk about going to Europe even though they are part of Europe (so maybe they just mean mainland Asia)? I should also point out that Malaysia IS west of Japan.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: noname2200 on October 18, 2012, 06:11:34 PM
So my questions are: how many AKB48+Me preorders has James put in, and which of their songs is his favorite?

On a far less important note, how much advertising did Bravely Default receive? I believe its Square-Enix's most successful new IP in at least five years, so I'm wondering if that's due to heavy marketing or if the umpteen demos and Nintendo Directs are responsible.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: AnGer on November 02, 2012, 05:11:09 AM
I have another question for the Famicrew:


Earlier this year, when Okami Zekkeiban (aka Okami HD) was announced, Capcom said that they would bring the retail version only to Japan due to the "fact" that japanese people prefer retail games over downloadable games – as opposed to America and Europe, where downloads are (at least according to them) more popular. Thus, I'd like to ask whether this statement is true and if it is, I'd like to know why.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: MegaByte on December 17, 2012, 11:18:23 PM
Okay, new topic: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20756516
Maybe it has something to do with Iwata fruit?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: azeke on December 18, 2012, 12:02:23 AM
Okay, new topic: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20756516
Harumafuji is one my favourite sumo wrestlers.

Loved when he was still Ama and still at miniscule 120 kg weight while beating guys much heavier than him.

I didn't kept track of latest championships and last tournament i watched Harumafuji was still an ozeki, but this promotion to yokozuna was just a matter of time. His class and style are clearly deserving of title of grand champion.

It's kinda pity all yokozuna's since 2000s were mongolian.

PS. Treat it as a fun subject for NWR to discuss, sumo is fun.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on December 26, 2012, 11:15:03 AM
COMIKET is this weekend, where independent artists show off their homegrown creations. Comics, music, yaoi by the truckload, and ~*( GAMES )*~.

Here are the groups that are showin' games:
http://nyu-media.com/comiket-83-circles/
http://nyu-media.com/comiket-83-doujin-games-preview-video-released/

Anything jumping out that I should check out? Honestly the only thing on my plate so far is body pillows Yatagarasu.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on December 30, 2012, 07:11:27 AM
I picked up a bunch of swag and comics today, content ranging from adorable to unforgivable. Tomorrow is the day with all the games. If you would like me to check out a certain table/group, post here or tweet at me. I'll have all day.

On the checklist: yatagarasu, easy game station (makers of recettear), katawa shoujo jp table
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on January 12, 2013, 10:47:39 AM
We just recorded some good stuff, please look forward to the next Famicast (http://i.imgur.com/as1FS.gif)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ShyGuy on January 12, 2013, 10:50:41 AM
Pika?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 12, 2013, 12:32:47 PM
Let me guess, you talked about fighting games and the latest stuff you got playing those crane games. LOL
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on January 13, 2013, 05:00:12 AM
Let me guess, you talked about fighting games and the latest stuff you got playing those crane games. LOL
We talked about your great posting. LOL :evil;
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on January 13, 2013, 08:04:28 PM
Ty and Danny listened patiently and ocassionally grunted while Daan went on, and on, and on, and on, and on......
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Xord on February 09, 2013, 02:26:57 PM
So now that Project X Zone is coming to the west.. Is that game any good
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 02, 2014, 09:58:06 AM
Time to blow the cobwebs off this thread!

Danny will have to be punished severely for this neglect.
Post suggestions of what should be done.

Or you could ask a "Life in Japan" style question, that'd be cool too!

Does this post mean I'm back?

Mmmmmaybe... ;)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on September 12, 2014, 02:35:08 PM
If famicomplicated is back, does that mean I will start listening again?
Mmmmmaybe...... ;D
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 12, 2014, 04:35:10 PM
What I want to know is whether this means Jon Lindemann's James Charlton impression will make a comeback.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 12, 2014, 08:52:23 PM
What I want to know is whether this means Jon Lindemann's James Charlton impression will make a comeback.
Remind me to do my impression of an American doing an impression of a British guy on the next podcast I may...or may not be appearing on.  :-X

If famicomplicated is back, does that mean I will start listening again?
Mmmmmaybe...... ;D
If I do appear on the Famicast, you have my permission to start listening again.  ;D

Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 26, 2014, 08:40:58 PM
Come on guys we need some Life in Japan(tm) ideas for the next show!


Danny, Ty and myself just finished recording FC41, but we need some for the next show. We will hopefully start doing 2 episodes a month if we have enough content, so it all falls on you guys to give us stuff to talk about!


Like I mentioned on the last "live" episode (FC40), I will give an awesome (small) prize to the best questions and suggestions!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on September 29, 2014, 11:23:32 AM
Hey you Japanese 3DS owners. I have a Smash Bros. question:

Does the 3DS version have single cart/download play with local friends, like Mario Kart 7 does?
I doubt it but a guy can dream, can't he?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on September 30, 2014, 12:24:55 AM
Hey Fatty! been a while! :cool;

Unfortunately the answer is what you probably expected....Nope.
I guess if friends don't have it they can d/l the demo and you can all play with those 5 characters... :-\
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on September 30, 2014, 12:29:29 PM
Much appreciated for the reply, famicomplicated. Really enjoyed the last famicast, glad you're back.

It's not friends (what are those?) I am worried about playing with, it's the kids. I am staring down the barrel of possibly buying three copies of Smash 3DS. And who am I kidding, it would largely be in aid of my own amusement: I want to play Smash with them on 3DS! Time to sit them down and talk about how interested they are in the game and whether they would be willing to pony up a little allowance money they're currently hoarding, cheap little bastards!
Uh, wait, sorry. Ignore that last part.  :-[
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 01, 2014, 12:08:03 AM
Much appreciated for the reply, famicomplicated. Really enjoyed the last famicast, glad you're back.

It's not friends (what are those?) I am worried about playing with, it's the kids. I am staring down the barrel of possibly buying three copies of Smash 3DS. And who am I kidding, it would largely be in aid of my own amusement: I want to play Smash with them on 3DS! Time to sit them down and talk about how interested they are in the game and whether they would be willing to pony up a little allowance money they're currently hoarding, cheap little bastards!
Uh, wait, sorry. Ignore that last part.  :-[

Glad that you're glad that I'm back!

I'd say without a doubt the WiiU version would be best for you there. They can just practice with the 3DS demo for now.
If they play the demo to death and are craving for more (and can't wait 2 months), then you can start turning over their rooms for hidden stashes of pocket money!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: azeke on October 02, 2014, 04:20:26 AM
How expensive is life in Japan?

Things like groceries, rent, do you pay for TV and stuff.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on October 02, 2014, 12:09:12 PM
I have discussed the matter with son #1. He stated we could still play the demo if we wanted to brawl together until the Wii U version comes out (just like you suggested, famicomplicated!) . But he was adamant I get the cartridge so we all could swap it around. I whined about my desire to download have the game always available on my system. Our conclusion: 2 copies, one download, one physical. Better than 3 copies!


Still undecided, though. For sure I will get a cartridge tomorrow. I will have to think about the download.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 03, 2014, 12:31:25 AM
How expensive is life in Japan?
Things like groceries, rent, do you pay for TV and stuff.


I guess it's all relative!
I mean, I've been living here for 10 years, my salary is in Yen, I buy things in Yen, I think in Yen. So for me everything is reasonably priced, with the exception of fruit for some reason which is incredibly high!


But for someone living in a country with a poorer economy like the US, I could see it being considered "expensive" for a majority of things!
If you're from a super-high economy country like Australia and New Zealand, then many things would be considered "cheap", especially videogames!


It's funny you mention rent though, I still consider that to be very high and very unfairly priced. When you move somewhere you have to pay rent FOUR OR FIVE TIMES OVER in advance just to move in, and you will never see that back. Therefore for a 80,000yen apartment (average size/price for Japan) you will have to pay up to 400,000 up front ($3,700 American dollars!).


As for TV, some people pay the NHK (national broadcaster) fee, but most don't (they lie and say they don't watch TV). You can also pay for cable and/or satellite for some US channels like BBC News, FOX and MTV Japan.


Hope that's a satisfying enough answer for ya!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 03, 2014, 08:39:26 PM

Still undecided, though. For sure I will get a cartridge tomorrow. I will have to think about the download.

Glad I don't have to make these kinds of decisions yet! My boy is still happy with educational iPad apps and watching TV for now...
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ClexYoshi on October 04, 2014, 04:51:43 AM
I was actually hoping to get a life in Japan segment on possibly one of the most serious epidemics that is sweeping Japan and the way Video Games tie into it.


I'd like to hear Danny and Ty's perspectives on the issues of the seriously declining birth rate, and the tough dating scene with the stereotype of Japanese women demanding too much of their partners who in turn are too submissive these days and merely shelter theselves in synthetic relationships. What are your experiences with Love+ and Dakimakuras? what's it like going to the sorts of resort towns and places that try to cater to the likes of people who date their dating sim synthetic partners? does being a Gaijin and chilling around Roppungi truly make it easier to date? As a married man who's managed to do what many of the younger members of the populace have failed to do, what is your perspective on this staggering issue, James? Does Ty own an B. Orchid Dakimakura?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 07, 2014, 12:53:28 AM
I'd like to hear why Danny plays Love+ and Dakimakuras?

Does Ty own an B. Orchid Dakimakura?

Episode agenda DONE. There ya have it! :cool;

NB: That quote may or may not have been edited slightly by me.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 10, 2014, 01:28:22 AM
 :cool; :cool; IMPORTANT FAMICAST ANNOUNCEMENT! :cool; :cool;


Hello Fami-peeps,


We have decided to "up the ante" with the Famicast, and we're going to try doing one "live" episode and one "studio" episode a month. The quotes are because the episodes are neither live nor recorded in a studio, but you get the idea! The plan at the moment is to do the live episode near the middle of the month, and the regular one near the end (as it's always been).

Keep checking NWR and the Famicast twitter account (https://twitter.com/thefamicast), then we'll let you know a couple of days before recording a live show. The live shows are done via Google Hangouts and should allow you all to join in the show by sending us interesting/helpful/trolling messages and questions.

If all that sounds like hard work, then of course you can just listen to the audio version a few days later as usual. We will also try and have archives of the raw video stream for you to watch if you want to watch Danny kick his rubbish bin over, fall off his chair etc etc.

Hopefully this interests you guys, cos we love doing this show and in the end it's all for you!

As always, comments, suggestions, donations are welcome!

-JC
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Ceric on October 10, 2014, 03:44:38 PM
When in general are going to be the live recordings?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: ClexYoshi on October 13, 2014, 05:51:26 AM
I'd like to hear why Danny plays Love+ and Dakimakuras?

Does Ty own an B. Orchid Dakimakura?

Episode agenda DONE. There ya have it! :cool;

NB: That quote may or may not have been edited slightly by me.

Mr. Charlton, you magnificent bastard...!

Looks like Minoru talking about "F***ing b*tches" and talking about Christmas Day KFC might have a rival for favorite Famicast moments...!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 14, 2014, 12:21:53 AM
When in general are going to be the live recordings?

10pm Japan time, usually on the weekend.
I believe that's 2pm in the UK and 12 midnight in Australia.

If you guys could you help us out and add your time zones that'd be awesome!


We just did one last night, so check the Famicast twitter feed for a link to the raw YouTube file.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 14, 2014, 12:23:55 AM
Mr. Charlton, you magnificent bastard...!

Looks like Minoru talking about "F***ing b*tches" and talking about Christmas Day KFC might have a rival for favorite Famicast moments...!

Haha, that Minoru one is one of my faves too!
We'll have to try and make this year's Christmas episode even better, gotta make Annual Gift Man proud!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on October 14, 2014, 10:46:50 AM
We'll have to try and make this year's Christmas episode even better, gotta make Annual Gift Man proud!
As long as he remembers to remove his shoes, that dirty-soled bastard.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on October 15, 2014, 10:01:49 AM
All you Famicast super-fans out there be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube feed, that way you can watch the video version of the live shows a few days before the audio version hits iTunes et al!


For example, episode 42 can be watched right here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx-bl5iJZ9U&feature=youtu.be) and is all about the New 3DS that...one of us got.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on November 10, 2014, 02:45:14 AM

Mini-san Kannichiwa :cool;

Thanks to all who listened to us on the telethon, was awesome having the 84play guys on again, and a first for John Ricciardi. The hour just flew by, lots of great Japan talk! Look forward to the podcast version over on the RFN feed sometime later this week, or possibly next week as we are probably on the final third as usual!

Now onto regular business!
The next LIVE episode, recorded LIVE over the internet will be coming shortly!
Make sure you follow @thefamicast (https://twitter.com/thefamicast) on Twitter and/or subscribe to the YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzDkZqC_FfutnGpjbvvUvQ/feed), then you can ask us question and/or make fun of Danny LIVE on the interwebs! How exciting is THAT!?

You might want to save your more thoughtful existential questions for the "studio" episode at the end of the month though, you can post those right here in the forums, or to our email address famicast@nintendoworldreport.com


Please understand!
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on November 20, 2014, 10:29:55 PM
Hey Fami-people!

Hopefully you've all listened to and/or watched the November "live" episode (ep44) by now, well actually we have two in a way, because we had the telethon segment too! Talking of which, that segment should be appearing in your Famicast iTunes feed, in case you missed it or didn't have the hard drive space to download the massive telethon eps in full  :P:

Anyway, now onto the November "studio" episode! We haven't finalised our plan yet, but we're definitely going to be having a letters/Life in Japan segment, so this week would be a good time to get your thinking caps on for an interesting topic! If it's Christmas/New Years related we'll probably save it for the next month, but we'll take anything you got!  ;D


Crazy to think we'll have done 3 episodes in a month, two of which were live, fun times!  :cool;


Please to enjoy and understand.


-JC
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on December 15, 2014, 09:02:20 PM
Annual Gift Man approaches!

(http://codebloo.net/stuff/simpsons/simpsons-annualgiftman.jpg)



In order to appease him, feed the Famicast mailbox with Japan-related Christmas questions.


If you do not, he may kill us all.
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: Shaymin on December 15, 2014, 09:32:25 PM
Are the Christmas movies, TV specials, etc in Japan as lame as the ones in North America?
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on February 04, 2015, 02:02:37 AM
 :cool; :) CALLING ALL FAMI-FANS! :) :cool;


If you have listened to episode 49 you'll know by now that we have a super-special episode planned for episode 50, special guests and features galore!


The listener feedback section of the show will (hopefully) be dedicated to you guys who have supported us the last 4 years. That means we need comments, feedback, favourite memories/episodes and anything else appropriate for a navel-gazing anniversary episode!


Take a look back to how we started out (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/famicast?start=40&sort=date&year=0), has the show got better or progressively worse? It has to have got worse since I stopped hosting right?  :P:

Send your stuff here, or to the regular email address (famicast@nintendoworldreport.com)


As always, thanks for listening and for your continued understanding!


-JC
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on February 18, 2015, 12:58:23 AM
Here's a treat for Famicast fans. This is the image I sent to Tony (the Famicast artist) that he used to turn into the podcast artwork you see today!


Me, Danny, Ty and Minoru:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7tT5kG_s72tMlY2VVlZelVpVlU/view?usp=sharing


More explanation on Famicast 50 :-)
Title: Re: Questions for the NWR Japan crew
Post by: famicomplicated on February 22, 2015, 08:39:51 PM
Famicast season 1 is over! Here's the complete list of episodes (from 1-50) that the Famicrew have been on:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7tT5kG_s72tdVNLcFFfM1NISEk/view?usp=sharing

Looks like me and Ty and..er...tied. huh huh.

Famicast 51 LIVE edition should be with you this week, in editing now :)