Localization director Jennifer O’Donnell joins me to chat about game localization, the process of bringing a game from one region to another. What makes a great localization? What other skills do you need besides translation? We take a deep dive into this important industry. I also chat about a trio of big new updates: Splatoon 3’s Chill Season, Golf in Nintendo Switch Sports, and Mario Kart 8’s newest tracks!

Follow our guest on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JENTranslations

Blog: https://j-entranslations.com/home/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:05) - Game localization w/ Jennifer O’Donnell

Games

(21:10) - Splatoon 3’s Chill Season

(27:25) - Golf in Nintendo Switch Sports

(29:29) - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3

News

(31:36) - The Game Awards 2022

(37:15) - Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters coming to Switch

(37:56) - Mario Strikers Battle League’s final update

(38:45) - Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection gets a date

(39:38) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (紙装甲 kami soukou)

(40:03) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/mariosfun1/status/1601540913406574592

(40:35) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

Pokemon card expert Graceon joins me again on the podcast to chat about the myriad of Pokemon shops in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City. Whether it be the games, cards, Go, or just snacks, it has something for everyone! I also share my final thoughts on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, plus reactions to the latest happenings in Japan.

Follow our guest on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceonpokemon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceCosplayer

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:17) - Pokemon shops in Sunshine City w/ Graceon

Games

(25:00) - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet final thoughts

News

(41:22) - The Super Mario Bros Movie Direct

(45:54) - Nintendo Arcade Archives games on sale

(48:29) - Tetris: The Grandmaster available on Switch

(49:24) - Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope releases in Japan

(50:25) - December game merch rundown

(51:41) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (ガー不 gaafu)

(52:10) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/osu_pokemon/status/1596518313953492992

(52:36) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

Chris from KaniPro Games joins me to chat about Digital Games Expo 2022, one of the biggest indie gaming events in Japan. We talk about what it’s like to be both a visitor and an exhibitor, the culture of indie games in Japan, and our favorite titles we played. I also share early thoughts on Pokemon Scarlet / Violet and Tactics Ogre Reborn. Plus, news about what new Nintendo merch you should buy!

Wishlist Violet Wisteria from KaniPro Games on Steam:

Violet Wisteria on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2018610/Violet_Wisteria/

KaniPro Games on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaniProGames

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:19) - Digital Games Expo 2022 w/ KaniPro Games

Games

(22:44) - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

(33:47) - Tactics Ogre Reborn

News

(41:01) - Indie World November 2022

(42:36) - Nintendo Q3 report

(45:39) - New Nintendo merch in Japan

(47:03) - Mother Museum, new Earthbound exhibit in Tokyo

(47:47) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (バッタ batta)

(48:11) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/sirubiacos/status/1592417760935833600

(48:52) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

The Daily Status of Bayonetta 3 joins me to chat about, of course, Bayonetta 3! We dive into Platinum Games’ newest action title after a very long wait. Plus, I chat about the city pop-infused Bonito Days, and the addictive Marvel Snap. This week’s feature is about Surugaya, which is among the best used games shops in Japan. Get ready for some Sega Pico talk!

Be sure to follow our guest!

The Daily Status of Bayonetta 3: https://twitter.com/DailyBayonetta

(0:00) - Intro

Games

(1:25) - Bayonetta 3 with The Daily Status of Bayonetta 3

(20:10) - Bonito Days

(26:28) - Marvel Snap

Feature

(35:45) - Surugaya used goods shop

News

(48:14) - Japanese sales data

(50:27) - Pokemon TCG: VStar Universe

(51:02) - Shinonome, Edo-period roguelike

(51:39) - The Callisto Protocol canceled in Japan

(52:29) - Front Mission 1st Remake coming November 30th

(53:19) - Rieko Kodama passes away

(53:57) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (小足/小パン koashi/kopan)

(54:35) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/ezume_90/status/1583857936170127361

(55:02) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

Kansai resident KyotoGamer joins me to chat about Super Nintendo World, the Mario theme park attraction at Universal Studios Japan! We talk about how Nintendo turned a theme park into a real life video game, what to eat, and tips for your visit. In the games, I discuss the Japan only Custom Robo V2 and close the book on Tunic. Plus Pokemon news, more Japanese games come to the west for the first time, and mascot basketball!

Be sure to follow our guest!

KyotoGamer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyoto.gamer/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:20) - Super Nintendo World w/ KyotoGamer

Games

(33:06) - Custom Robo V2

(41:10) - Tunic final thoughts

News

(47:15) - The Super Mario Bros. Movie

(49:11) - Splatoon X Pokemon Splatfest

(50:37) - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet news, Pokemon TCG price increase

(53:25) - Sonic Frontiers collab, Sonic vs. Pac-Man basketball event

(54:43) - Tokidensho Angel Eyes now available

(55:23) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (死体蹴り shitai keri)

(55:47) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/pokeyugami/status/1579405543864930304

(56:17) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

NintendoLife contributor Andrew J. Rue joins me to chat about the Kirby Cafe, the official restaurant for the pink puff located in Tokyo! We discuss the menu, Whispy Woods’ fashion sense, and what you need to do before you visit. I also look at the Zelda-inspired Tunic, and rave about Splatoon 3’s first exciting month. And we can’t forget Wiglett!

Be sure to follow our guest!

Andrew J. Rue on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWinnerIsMii

Andrew’s NintendoLife article on the Kirby Cafe: https://www.nintendolife.com/features/kirby-cafe-tokyo-we-go-full-mouthful-mode-beneath-the-worlds-tallest-tower

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:14) - Kirby Cafe w/ Andrew J. Rue

Games

(23:55) - Tunic

(32:20) - Splatoon 3 one month later

News

(48:07) - Wiglett

(49:40) - Wild Hearts

(50:57) - Pino X Puyo Puyo

(51:45) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (連打 renda)

(52:13) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/Qpe_xis/status/1574890295237672960

(52:36) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

The biggest Japanese gaming event of the year is here: Tokyo Game Show! PlayStation Universe senior editor Ernest Lin joins me to talk about this year’s TGS. We look at huge upcoming titles like Sonic Frontiers and Resident Evil Village VR, discuss how to properly line up, and the best free tote bags. Plus, I look at retro 3D platformer Frogun and the recent remake of Panzer Dragoon. And I go deep into this month’s Nintendo Direct and State of Play!

Be sure to follow our guest!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erniichan

PlayStation Universe Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSUdotcom

PSU Official Site: https://www.psu.com/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:20) - Tokyo Game Show 2022 w/ Ernest Lin

Games

(43:19) - Frogun

(51:00) - Panzer Dragoon Remake

News

(59:36) - Nintendo Direct September 2022

(1:14:59) - State of Play September 2022

(1:16:40) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (非対称型ゲーム hitaishogata gemu)

(1:17:12 ) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/ktwfc/status/1569703700058324992

(1:17:35) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

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Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

Pro Splatoon player ProChara joins me to chat about Competitive Splatoon! We talk about what it takes to be at the top level, how to improve your game, strategies against Japanese teams, and the best member of Deep Cut. And of course, I dig deep into Splatoon 3. Plus, as rumors swirl, I share some predictions on a September 2022 Nintendo Direct.

Be sure to follow our guest!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProChara

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProChara

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/prochara

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:18) - Competitive Splatoon w/ ProChara

Games

(25:49) - Splatoon 3

(42:38) - September 2022 Nintendo Direct predictions

News

(59:00) - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet September trailer

(1:02:23) - Nintendo Live updates

(1:03:43) - Grafaiai

(1:04:56) - Armed Fantasia and Penny Blood

(1:06:05) - Record of Lodoss War Chronicle and Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden

(1:07:32) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (ぬるゲー nurugeii)

(1:08:03) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/henlyh/status/1566395429721239553

(1:08:39) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]

Japanese video game collector OngakuGamer joins me to chat about the Boku No Natusyasumi series, a uniquely Japanese franchise about a child experiencing summer vacation in 1970s Japan. We dig deep into the history of the franchise and its first western release with Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation. I also look at three Kirby titles on Switch: Kirby’s Dream Buffet, Kirby’s Super Star Stacker, and Kirby’s Avalanche. Plus, new Pokemon, new Switch games, and new reasons to play Fortnite.

Be sure to follow our guest OngakuGamer on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ongakugamer/

(0:00) - Intro

Feature

(1:33) - Boku No Natsuyasumi series w/ OngakuGamer

Games

(19:24) - Kirby’s Dream Buffet

(29:16) - Kirby’s Super Star Stacker

(35:40) - Kirby’s Avalanche

News

(40:34) - Pokemon Worlds 2022 announcements

(44:10) - Splatoon and Baskin Robbins collab in Japan

(45:26) - Masahiro Sakurai’s YouTube channel

(46:13) - Disgaea 7 announced

(47:43) - Wave Race 64 on Nintendo Switch Online

(48:25) - Sega Genesis Mini 2, Space Channel 5 and Comix Zone movies

(50:11) - Dragon Ball Super and Fortnite collab

(53:02) - Soul Hackers 2 3D display in Shinjuku

(53:52) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (着地がり chakuchigari)

(54:23) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/off_kurosaki/status/1559843351280910336

(55:06) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

JRPG streamers Becca and SweisSenpai join me to chat about a duo of Switch games: Live A Live and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. I also share my final thoughts on Triangle Strategy, the first of many SRPGs released by Square Enix this year. And I return from the shores of Yokohama to bring you a report about the Bandai Namco Cross Store, featuring a new Pac-Man shop! Plus news about Pokemon, Splatoon, and those sweet, sweet sales numbers.

Be sure to follow our guests:

Becca on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/becks171

Becca on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Becca_Sizemore

SweisSenpai on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/SweisSenpai

SweisSenpai on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SweisSenpai

(0:00) - Intro

Games

(1:37) - Live A Live and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 w/ Becca and SweisSenpai

(26:20) - Triangle Strategy final thoughts

Feature

(37:05) - Bandai Namco Cross Store in Yokohama

News

(51:42) - Pokemon Presents August 2022

(58:56) - Splatoon 3 Direct

(1:08:07) - Nintendo Q2 2022 financial report

(1:10:18) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (台パン daipan)

(1:10:49) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/Kazumasa_yskn/status/1556138301949886466

(1:11:12) - Closing

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyogamelife

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuRpKHGfsC3_45I3QVocxA

Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/

Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

Send questions and suggestions to: [email protected]