Cool Japan: Game 2

■Cool Japan: Game 2

NHK Cool Japan: "Games" Part 2.

It used to be considered a Japanese specialty, but some people might think that's not the case anymore...but that's completely wrong!

Thanks to people staying home because of the coronavirus, the entire gaming industry, including Japanese game manufacturers, has seen increased sales over the past two years, with some companies even recording their highest sales figures ever .

"Video games"

40 years since home video games were first introduced in Japan .

It originally developed by incorporating American technology.

Even after all this time has passed, and games can now be made in any country in the world, people still say that "Japanese games are unique."

Raising simulation games, otome games, train-themed games.

Japan's strength lies in continuously creating things that are unique and unlike anything else.

Starting with egg-like devices that allow you to raise characters, the art of raising fictional things became a uniquely Japanese pastime.

And fitness games are successful because they target adults.

To create things that both children and adults can enjoy.

A characteristic of Japan that is also found in anime and manga.

I believe that its uniqueness and strengths are actually still very much alive.

"The Game of Life"

A classic example of Cool Japan: American-born games that evolved in Japan.

At first, some people thought that a game involving money was vulgar, but it has now become a firmly established and enjoyable activity for families.

One of its features is that the contents of the spinning tops change every year, but another key point is that "many parts remain the same."

For example, instead of dice, they used roulette, which was new at the time, or a three-dimensional game board shaped like a car. The currency was still dollars.

Even adults playing it today will find it nostalgic and think, " Oh yeah, I remember that !"

reason this game has lasted 50 years is because it strikes the perfect balance between new and old elements .

"Game music"

Game music has now become a genre in itself, on par with anime songs.

Music genres have evolved alongside the advancement of digital technology.

It's amazing to think that two genres of music known by adults and children all over the world are Hollywood movie soundtracks and Japanese video game music.

This is because composers of the past never cut corners, even when creating music for children; rather, they poured in the country's finest talent and deepest affection to create a unique world.

I believe that their growth to the point where they hold concerts all over the world is the result of considerable effort, investment, and accumulated experience.