Bon Bon Show

Aaron and Kirk dive into Sekiro: No Defeat, the anime film adaptation of FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed action game. Kirk shares his experience attending the theatrical release in Tokyo, breaking down key lore, stand-out characters like Isshin Ashina and Hanbei, and why the game’s rhythmic combat translates so well to animation. They discuss stacked Japanese voice cast credits, fresh narrative expansions, and how the film handles missing game content like Hirata Estate. Perfect for die-hard FromSoftware fans and anime newcomers alike!

Show Notes & Links

In Episode 26 of The Bon Bon Show, Aaron and Kirk dive into the electric energy of in-person gaming conventions as Kirk recaps his experience attending Tokyo Game Show 2026!

Celebrating 30 years of TGS and marking 15 years since Kirk’s very first show back in 2011, the guys compare how the floor culture at Makuhari Messe has evolved, why physical convention energy beats pre-recorded streams, and the valuable lessons Kirk learned about ticket tiers and survive-the-floor strategies. Plus, Aaron shares his favorite memories from SDCC, NYCC, EVO Japan, and a chance encounter with Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono!

In this episode, we cover:

Read Kirk’s full TGS 2026 blog recap

Flashback to TGS 2011 

Get in touch: Visit bonbonshow.com or email us at [email protected]!

Question for the comments: What is your favorite gaming con, anime expo, or local festival memory? Let us know below!

In this episode, Kirk and Aaron dive into the Video Game History Foundation’s massive new digital archive documenting the history of E3.

The hosts reminisce about growing up in the 90s, scrounging for gaming magazines, and watching early coverage on G4. They explore why E3 broke away from CES, discuss how game preservation matters as physical media fades, and contrast early spectacles with modern direct streams (Nintendo Direct, State of Play). Finally, they look ahead to Kirk’s upcoming trip to Tokyo Game Show 2026.

Revisit E3 Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

Revisit E3 like you’ve never seen it before

We want to hear from you!

Outro music by Amacha’s Music Studio

In this episode of our Japan Tour Series, Aaron and Kirk dive deep into Hiroshima, a prefecture close to Kirk’s heart from his grad school days and a place filled with unforgettable memories for both of them. Tune in as they share their favorite spots, delicious food, and must-visit spots!

Men Yohaku Ramen!

Kure Portpia Park

Hatchoza Movie Theatre

Shukkeien Garden

We want to hear from you!

Outro music by Amacha’s Music Studio

All aboard for a taste of the stratosphere! In this episode of The Bon Bon Show, Aaron and Kirk transition from train spotters to dreaming big as they explore Japan’s most exclusive, ultra-luxury “cruise trains” including the breathtaking Train Suite Shiki-Shima, where tickets can clear over 1.5 million JPY. Kirk shares the hilarious reality check he experienced after spotting one of these rolling five-star hotels in Omiya, sparking a deep dive into rival premium liners like West Japan’s Twilight Express Mizukaze and Kyushu’s Seven Stars. But don’t worry if your budget is more down-to-earth; we also highlight incredibly scenic and affordable sightseeing trains (Kanko Ressha) like the Yufuin no Mori and Saphir Odoriko. Grab your champagne (or your commuter pass) and join us to discover how the other half rides the rails in Japan!

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Join Aaron and Kirk on The Bon Bon Show as we deep dive into Pragmata, the stunning new IP from Capcom that proves original sci-fi is still alive and well. Kirk shares his spoiler-free journey through this cinematic lunar adventure, comparing the heartfelt bond between Hugh and Diana to iconic duos like Joel and Ellie (Last of Us) or the Mandalorian and Grogu. We explore the game’s long development history and why Capcom’s decision to launch a fresh, ambitious title is a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by live-service titles and sequels. Whether you’ve played the demo or are curious about this “short but impactful” masterpiece, tune in to find out why this is a must-play title for 2026.

We want to hear from you! Sent us a voice message – https://voicemail.bonbonshow.com

Who reigns supreme in the Japanese skies? Join Aaron and Kirk as they compare Japan’s two biggest international carriers. It’s a battle between Star Alliance and Oneworld as we share our personal experiences, flight stories, and why we think one is clearly better than the other. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love aviation, this is an episode you can’t miss!

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Join Aaron and Kirk as they explore the vibrant culture of watching professional sports in Japan. Recorded on March 22, 2026, this episode covers the duo’s personal experiences with the J-League (Football), NPB (Baseball), B-League (Basketball), and even Ice Hockey in Hokkaido. Discover why Japan offers one of the best spectator environments in the world—highlighting the affordability, top-tier public transport, and family-friendly atmosphere that makes every match day special.

We want to hear from you! Sent us a voice message – https://voicemail.bonbonshow.com

In Episode 19 of the Bon Bon Show, recorded February 1, 2026, Aaron and Kirk prove that picture books aren’t just for children! We dive deep into the world of Japanese Train (Densha) Books and explore why these colorful pages are actually a goldmine for adult Japanese language learners and travel enthusiasts alike. If you are studying Japanese, planning a trip to Japan, or just love trains (Densha Otaku), this episode is for you. Aaron shares how reading to his 2-year-old son helped him master new vocabulary, understand Japan’s geography, and even learn specific train industry terminology—all without the stress of difficult Kanji Books

Mentioned in this Episode:

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What are EkiTags, how do you collect them? Why are they cool? That and more will be covered in episode 18 of the Bon Bon Show.