Japan Game Junk

In this episode I go in way too deeply to discuss crane games (claw machines, UFO catchers) in Japan. Where to go, how to do it, and a bit of history to enjoy!

It seems this episode is so long it has the majority of my latest album, "Potato Chiptune Up", in the background, which you can check out on BandCamp if you like:

https://kdicaprio.bandcamp.com/album/potato-chiptune-up

And here are some examples of different kinds of catchers I described in the episode:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n6MEtYenwnw

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CvfqZv3l0XU

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D4twXs43eoI

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LvcASs2ZdAs

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5DVXAXJwZ3g

In this episode I talk a bit about my time living in a Kyoto homestay over 20 years ago and a specific talk I had with the head of the household who worked at the main Nintendo office in that city. I explain how I understood how consoles are developed and timed for release, and why it works.

In this episode I describe the gaming center in Chiba called Daikeien (大慶園). It's a rich guy's dream come true and exactly what any gamer would do if having a huge pot of cash and wanting to show off.

Look into Daikein for yourself here:

http://www.daikeien.jp/

In this episode I describe the names of popular Pokemon that are different in Japan than in English, the puns and double meanings behind them, finishing off with one I find to be especially interesting and which is probably very new for most people to learn!

In this episode I go in deeply to discuss the song 恋のディスコクイーン (Koi no Disco Queen) as featured on the soundtrack for 龍が如く０ (Yakuza 0). It's wonderful, wistful, and deeper than you think.

Listen to the song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3jo_uMcGxE

After store visit descriptions, Wikipedia recitations, and console buying guides, I explain how JGJ podcast episodes will be presented for the time being!

In this episode I speak a bit on the experience of the Nintendo 64 game console, its collectability, and a guide on the price to pay for one (as of September, 2026) if looking for one in Japan.

In this episode I speak a bit on the experience of the Nintendo Virtual Boy game console, its collectability, and a guide on the price to pay for one (as of September, 2026) if looking for one in Japan.

In this episode I speak a bit on the experience of the Sega Mark III and Master System game consoles, their collectability, and a guide on the price to pay for one (as of August, 2026) if looking for one in Japan.

In this episode I speak a bit on the experience of the Cassette Vision game console, its collectability, and a guide on the price to pay for one (as of August, 2026) if looking for one in Japan.