PC

Sure, Sell Your Game With A Sex Doll (NSFW)

Love Gal is an upcoming Japanese adult computer game that, according to its tagline, isn’t an anime or a doll. “It’s a true, real-time 3D game!” So why have a doll promote it, then?


January 4, 2012
In Real Life

Japanese Shinto Tradition Goes Geek

During New Year’s, Japanese people visit shrines and temples. There are many traditions observed during this period, such as omikuji — a type of fortune telling. In the last few years, one ancient tradition in which people write wishes on wooden plaques is now taking a decidedly otaku bent.


December 7, 2011
In Real Life

Your Inside Peek At Akihabara’s Most Famous Retro Game Shop

Two of my favourite Tokyo people, CheapyD of CheapAssGamer fame and Scott Popular of Scott Popular fame, provide an inside look at iconic retro game shop Super Potato.


November 9, 2011
In Real Life

Let’s Tour Akihabara’s Newest Nerd Hotspot

The newly built Akiba Culture Zone is a seven-floor building. It’s the geek district’s newest landmark, a mere four minute walk from the station. What wonders await inside?


November 7, 2011
In Real Life

When The Street Isn’t Safe For Work

I’ve said it before: Japanese adult game and anime makers are masters of the in-store promotion. It’s a mastery that would do 1970s grindhouse cinema owners proud. Many in-store promotions are NSFW. What happens when those hit the streets?


November 3, 2011
In Real Life

The Depressing World Of Unemployed Nerds

You might have a job. You might be between jobs or you might be out of one entirely. Same goes for many in Japan. But what they spend their unemployment cheques on might differ from what their counterparts do elsewhere.


October 31, 2011
In Real Life

Big Weapons. Skimpy Outfits. Nerd Chaos.

Two words: fan service. Queen’s Blade not only features some of the most famous females from frighting games, it features them in revealing poses. So you can imagine what Queen’s Blade cosplay looks like.


October 18, 2011
News

Akihabara Stabbing Massacre Inspiring New Motion Picture

June 2008 was tragic. Then 25-year-old Tomohiro Kato went on a stabbing rampage in Tokyo’s geek district, leaving seven dead and 10 injured. He was sentenced to death earlier this year. Not exactly the feel-good backdrop for a movie.


September 6, 2011
Nintendo

This Is The Arcade, Totally Reinvented

In the past decade, retro game bars have popped up across Japan. Part of the appeal is that these water holes have game consoles you can play while getting s**tfaced. There are other places where you can game with maids or talk with game voice actors who serve you alcohol. But what about a place you can bring your own games, your own gaming machines? There’s that, too.


July 18, 2011
In Real Life

Eat Curry. With Your Plastic Girlfriend.

Some people have flesh and blood girlfriends. Others have pillows. And some have plastic toys. One curry restaurant in Tokyo’s geek district is sensitive to this.