In From Japan

In the final regular episode for 2020, Jason and Erroll discuss Erroll's final thoughts on Yakuza 7, various Japan game and Japanese media news, and reflect a little on the first year of their podcast.

Note: We have a Year 1 survey for what you'd like to see from us in the future, so make sure to go check it out! https://forms.gle/UCAzhyTGchirZMBF8

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing

18:19 J-List

34:49 Recommended Content:

Review: Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack Feels Like an OOPArt by Jenni Lada, Siliconera

Starting Screen | Long Farewells Ne'er Were Necessary—But Here I Go Anyway by Nadia Oxford, USGamer  

Skies of Arcadia – Developer Interview Collection by shmupulations

Why You Should Play Collection of SaGa | Feature by Lucas White, Prima Games

How Familiars.io's Creator Fit Multiplayer Monster-Taming Into a Single Tweet by Matthew Olson, USGamer

Review: Monster Sanctuary Is a Satisfying Metroidvania by Jenni Lada, Siliconera 

6 Reasons You Should Ditch Netflix Streaming by Mike Williams, PC Mag

Orientalism, 'Cyberpunk 2077,' and Yellow Peril in Science Fiction by George Yang, Wired

What I Learned About Death And Loss From Monster Rancher 2 As A Child by Andrea Shearon, The Gamer 

Funimation Shows to Consider Watching via the New Switch App by Jenni Lada, Siliconera 

40:53 News Rundown

41:05 Bad-Ish News

45:16 In Other News

1:15:05 Main Topic

No Listener Questions

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll & Jason talk about how Erroll still isn't done with Yakuza 7 (yet), some of the stuff from The Game Awards 2020, and Jason has a brief power outage.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing: Erroll: Erroll: Taiko No Tatsujin Rhythmic Adventure Pack, Yakuza 7 || Jason: My Hero One’s Justice, Dark Souls Remastered

15:24 J-List

24:30 Recommended Content:

The Baroque Beauty of Valkyrie Profile, Tri-Ace's Greatest RPG by Kat Bailey, USGamer

Why You Should be Skeptical of Rosy Video Game Industry Numbers by Brendan Sinclair, USGamer

USG Game of the Month: Yakuza: Like a Dragon Shows Us Why Broken Gangsters Make Great RPG Characters  by Kat Bailey USGamer

Yakuza: Dead Souls Was Originally About Repelling Aliens by Sato, Siliconera

A beginner's guide to Valkyria Chronicles By Graham Russell, Michibiku

Games Made Under Crunch Conditions Don't Deserve 'Best Direction' Awards by Ian Walker, Kotaku 

Games You Should Play Over the Holidays by Siliconera Staff

28:13 News Rundown/Bad-Ish News

        In Other News

58:18 Main Topic

No Listener Questions this week

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Monti Velez of Uppercutcrit joins Jason and Erroll to discuss a bunch of Japanese game news and how Yakuza: Like A Dragon deals with social issues like immigration and homelessness.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Guest: Monti Velez @friedmonti on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing: Guest: Monti: Yomawari, Yakuza 7  || Erroll: Taiko No Tatsujin Rhythmic Adventure Pack, Yakuza 7 || Jason: Yakuza 0, Dark Souls Remastered, My Hero One’s Justice, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

20:34 J-list

28:13 Recommended Content:

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers - 'Team Organization and Character Change' gameplay by Sal Romano, Gematsu via Youtube

The Men's Mental Health Forum by GameSpot & The Nerd Council

Mega Man X3's Instruction Booklet Is a Perfect '90s Snapshot of Web 1.0 by Nadia Oxford, USGamer 

I Thought Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light Would be Too Archaic. I Was Wrong by Kat Bailey, USGamer

Interview: Atelier Ryza 2 Producer On Why You Should Play Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout First by Sam Watanuki, The Gamer

How American Geeks Fell In Love With A Mascot For A Japanese Gaming Store by Bella Blondeau, The Gamer

Is It Ethical To Date A Pokemon? By Bella Blondeau, The Gamer

System-By-System Guide to Getting Into Imports By Graham Russell, Michibiku 

Puppets, Saturday Mornings, and Acceptance: How Bugsnax Helps Me Reflect on My Life by Erroll Maas, Parallax Media  

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Review – Humanizing Me As An Immigrant by Monti Velez, Uppercut Crit 

30:36 News Rundown

30:44 Bad-ish News

34:41 In Other News

1:21:01 Main Topic: Monti's Yakuza Review and experience playing it as an immigrant

1:41:36 Listener Questions

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll & Jason talk about The World Ends With You sequel announcement, some next-gen stuff, and weekend sales.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing:

17:04 J-List

22:28 Recommended Content:

30 Years Ago, the Super NES, Final Fantasy 4, and a Broken Jaw Changed My Life by Nadia Oxford, US Gamer

Why Gaming Needs This - Accessibility - GameSpot

Broken PS5s and Xbox Series Xs: Should You Be Worried? - Generation Next, GameSpot

Why The Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity Team Made A Breath Of The Wild Prequel by Brian Shea, Game Informer

Masahiro Sakurai Shares His Impressions on the PlayStation 5  by Kite Stenbuck, Siliconera

Override 2: Super Mech League - Ultraman gameplay trailer by Sal Romano, Gematsu via YouTube 

Video Game Remakes Are Better Than Film Remakes by Ben Reeves, Game Informer

 24:13 News Rundown

 24:24 Bad-Ish News

 27:42 In Other News

 1:09:50 Main Topic: Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gaming Deals

No Listener Questions this week

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll & Jason talk to Mario Rivera of DualShockers about the Capcom Hack and Related Leaks, Sakuna of Rice and Ruin selling like hotcakes in Japan, and the Japan-developed/Japan-Influenced game award nominees.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Guest:  Mario Rivera @ThatMarioRivera on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing:

Guest: Mario Rivera: Persona Royal, Yakuza 0 || Erroll: Kamen Rider Memory of Heroez, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron is Back,  General PS5 impressions || Jason: Yakuza 0

19:49 J-List

28:00 Recommended Content:

https://pastebin.com/Cd8UHBJF

30:36 News Rundown

30:41 Bad-Ish News

34:45 In Other News

1:28:50 Main Topic Japan Developed Game Award Nominees

!:40:35 Listener Questions:

Sarah: What’s your favorite RPG or RPG series? What in your opinion makes an RPG great, or standout among other RPGs?

Music Used:

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll and Jason talk to Xyger from My Xbox & Me about games they've been playing, next-gen launches, Xbox Series X issues, and what Next-Gen Japanese support could be like.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Guest:  Xyger @Xyger1337 on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing: Erroll: Kamen Rider Memory of Heroez, || Jason: Tales of Crestoria, Final Fantasy IV, Destiny 2 || Guest: Xyger: Yakuza: Like A Dragon

20:20 J-List

23:01 Recommended Content:

https://pastebin.com/rqpPtYJi

Cross-Gen Games - Scott the Woz

PlayStation 4 imports guide: what you need to know by Graham Russell, Michibiku

Review: Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Can Grow on You by Jenni Lada, Siliconera

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Review – Humanizing Me As An Immigrant by Monti Velez, Uppercutcrit

Interview: How Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin’s Devs Grew Their Own Rice for Research By Ishaan Sahdev, Siliconera   

Why Pokémon Sword & Shield Expansions Replaced A Third Game by Brian Shea, Game Informer

Phil Spencer Talks Xbox, Halo, Elden Ring, and More by Tamoor Hussain, GameSpot

23:57 News Rundown

24:08 Bad-Ish News

40:16 In Other News

1:06:33 Main Topic: Next-Gen Japanese Support

1:21:37 Listener Questions

Music Used:

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll and Jason talk to Ian Preschel (of A + Anime and formerly of OKBeast) about Yakuza: Like A Dragon/ Yakuza 7, Kamen Rider, and what living in Japan was like for him.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Guest: Ian Preschel @ianwhynot on twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

3:38 Japanese Games We've Been Playing: Erroll: Pokemon Sword: Crown Tundra, Taiko switch demo with controller || Jason: Bleach: Brave Souls, Tales of Crestoria, Grandia HD || Guest: Ian: Yakuza: Like A Dragon

12:39 J-List

19:35 Recommended Content:

https://pastebin.com/pVC0HL2k

Axe of the Blood God: How the PlayStation 4 Changed Gaming by US Gamer

History Of PlayStation by GameSpot

13 Sentinels has a surprisingly hopeful message by Autumn Wright, Polygon

'Yakuza: Like a Dragon' might never have happened without 'Yakuza 0' by Imran Khan, Inverse

How Final Fantasy 14 Became Square Enix's Playground For Experimentation by Cian Maher, The Gamer

We're Coming Up To Winter, Which Means It's The Perfect Time To Play Pokemon Diamond & Pearl by Cian Maher, The Gamer

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Review - The Power Of Friendship by Michael Higham, GameSpot

Yakuza Like A Dragon Review by Xyger, My Xbox & Me 

Talking Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia with its Executive Producer by Benjamin Maltbie, Siliconera

22:46 News Rundown/bad-ish news

25:50 In Other News

1:17:44 Main Topic: Living in Japan, Learning Japanese, and watching Super Hero Time (Kamen Rider & Super Sentai

1:59:19 Listener Questions

Music Used:

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This week, Erroll & Jason talk about Final Fantasy 16, the Age of Calamity demo, and all the other announcements from the surprise Nintendo Direct Mini.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

0:00 What We've Been Playing: Erroll: Pokemon Crown Tundra, Age of Calamity Demo || Jason: Robotics; Notes, Bleach: Brave Souls

18:36 J-List

27: 22 Recommended Content:

Persona 5 the Animation Is a Great Cliff Notes Experience by Jenni Lada, Siliconera

Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Is A Masterclass In Absurdism by Cian Maher, The Gamer

If You're Playing Genshin Impact For More Than An Hour A Day, You're Playing It Wrong by Cian Maher, The Gamer

Why Touhou Luna Nights Is A Better Metroidvania Than Bloodstained by Jessica Ramey, The Gamer

This Malaysian Psychologist Did A Ph.D. On Video Games. Here's Why Her Work Is Both Inspiring And Important  by Adrian Lai, IGN SEA

Preview: Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia Borrows From Similar Games by Jenni Lada, Siliconera 

Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia - Preview by Negative Legend, YouTube

Xbox Series X|S – Official Next-Gen Walkthrough – Full Demo [4K] by Xbox, YouTube

31:32 News Rundown/Bad-Ish News

38:06 In Other News

1:12:48 Main Topic: Nintendo Direct Mini

No Listener Questions this week

Music Used:

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s

This is us discussing our impressions of the Burn the witch anime. This is the first time we've done anything like this, so please don't be too hard on us!In From Japan Twitter or send them to [email protected]

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.comCo-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on TwitterPodcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected] Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Music Used:

Opening: "Halloween Dash!" Spooky Action Game Music By HeatleyBros: https://youtu.be/hvZxWep3fH4

Background Music: "8 Bit Nightmare" Trippy Battle Chiptune Game Music by HeatleyBros: https://youtu.be/A82y2wCdiX0

This week, Erroll and Jason talk about Halloween events, PS5 updates, and the Fire Emblem 30th Anniversary news.

Host: Erroll Maas @ErrollM on Twitter www.errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com

Co-Host: Jason Courtar @Shin_Megane_kun on Twitter

Podcast Twitter: @infromjapan Podcast email: [email protected]

Parallax Media: www.parallaxmedia.one

Timestamps:

15:47 J List

18:14 Recommended Content:

https://pastebin.com/iK3KwHKz

Starting Screen | We've Already Forgotten What Real Console Wars Looked Like by Nadia Oxford, US Gamer 

Axe of the Blood God: A Closer Look at Yakuza: Like a Dragon by US Gamer

Genshin Impact's Sidekick Is Annoying As Hell, But Also Good by Nathan Grayson, Kotaku

The Best Horror Games for Absolute Wusses by Jessica Howard, Paste Magazine

Tactics Ogre Future Discussed With the Game's Creator Yasumi Matsuno by Kite Stenbuck, Siliconera

Review: Zoids Wild: Blast Unleashed’s Roar Will Only Impress Kids by Jenni Lada, Siliconera

Pokémon Games Offer A Road Map for the Future by John Maher, Polygon

AOC's Massive Twitch Stream Has Even Greater Implications for US Politics by Imran Khan, IGN

AOC Streaming Among Us Works Because It's Genuine by Michael Higham, GameSpot

20:37 News Rundown/ Bad-ish news

22:12 In Other News

1:13:42 Main Topic: Fire Emblem 30th Anniversary Shadow Dragon 7 the Blade of Light port/localization & Artificial Scarcity

1:24:47 Listener Questions

GrillaBeats Kanji Japanese Type Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzyNY...

Outro: Daybreak 8-bit Community by DontGoChinaTownMe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIvqgT2rC3Y

Background Music:

Luigi's Mansion Credits 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFKiq...

Jubilife City 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkez...

Windfall Island 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH_hw...

K.K. Cruisin 8 Bit Remix by Bulby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVR1...

Mountain Pass Calm Adventure Game Music by Heatley Bros: .

Yo-Kai Watch 4 Ending 8 Bit Remix by Clawnyan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFamFGuFeT8&t=33s