

Tokyo Game Life
Tokyo Game Life
Tokyo based video game podcast focusing on Nintendo and gaming culture in Japan's capital.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2023 • 1h 10min
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with Dale Plays Games, Genki, KyotoGamer, Zelda's Launch in Japan
A Tears of the Kingdom super episode! Dale Plays Games, Genki, and KyotoGamer all join me to chat about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We also share our experiences scavenging Lawson for banana milk, and whether or not you should go to Nintendo Tokyo on launch day.
Follow our guests!
Dale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dale_DPG
Open World Japan: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenWorldJapan
Dale Plays Games: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb537MftK4UBd6NCqoKurjA
Genki:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Genki_JPN
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GenkiGamer
KyotoGamer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyoto.gamer/
Save on EPOS Gaming Audio Gear (Code: EPOSFRIEND15):
https://www.eposaudio.com/gaming
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:16) - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom w/ Dale Plays Games, Genki, KyotoGamer
(35:17) - Ad break
(36:43) - Our favorite moments from Tears of the Kingdom
Feature
(47:31) - Tears of the Kingdom launch in Japan
News
(1:06:36) - Tears of the Kingdom sells 10 million opening weekend
(1:07:45) - Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season
(1:08:44) - Pac-Man 99 ending in October
(1:09:31) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

May 7, 2023 • 57min
Retro Zelda Art Preservation with History of Hyrule, Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot Camp, The Super Mario Bros. Movie in Japan
Zelda art preservationist History of Hyrule joins the pod to talk all about old school Zelda art. Magazines, strategy guides, board games, there’s a ton of hidden Zelda art out there and we get into finding it and making it available in the 21st century. I also dish out the best strategies for Advance Wars 1 + 2 Reboot Camp, report on The Super Mario Bros Movie experience from Japan, and decide whether or not I should take a half day train ride to a Slowpoke Park.
Follow our guest:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryofHyrule
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/historyofhyrule
Save on EPOS Gaming Audio Gear (Code: EPOSFRIEND15):
https://www.eposaudio.com/gaming
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(1:05) - Retro Zelda Art Preservation w/ History of Hyrule
Games
(36:38) - Advance Wars 1 + 2 Reboot Camp
(46:43) - The Super Mario Bros. Movie in Japan
News
(52:40) - Tears of the Kingdom has leaked (no spoilers!)
(53:21) - Slowpoke Park opens up in Kagawa
(53:21) - Game and Watch Tetris prototype resurfaces
(54:46) - This Week in Tokyo
(55:57) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Apr 23, 2023 • 57min
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Predictions with Dale Plays Games, Namco Tokyo in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
YouTuber Dale from Dale Plays Games and Open World Japan joins me to chat about our predictions for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom! Will Zelda be playable? Is there time travel? Where is Tingle? All the answers will be revealed. I also explore the newly opened Namco Tokyo which may be the future of Japanese arcades!
Follow our guest:
Dale Plays Games: https://www.youtube.com/@dale_dpg
Open World Japan: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenWorldJapan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dale_DPG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dale_dpg/
Save on EPOS Gaming Audio Gear (Code: EPOSFRIEND15):
https://www.eposaudio.com/gaming
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:23) - Tears of the Kingdom Predictions w/ Dale Plays Games
(5:48) - Predictions start
(25:39) - Ad break
(26:55) - More Predictions
Feature
(40:56) - Namco Tokyo in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
News
(52:40) - Zelda marketing in Japan
(54:30) - Sega buys Rovio and re-releases Pulseman
(55:56) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Apr 9, 2023 • 48min
Atelier Series with OngakuGamer, Kuru Kuru Kururin, Amazing Bomberman
Game collector OngakuGamer returns to chat about the long-running JRPG franchise, Atelier! Having recently broken out into the mainstream, we talk about the history of the series, its unique premise, and whether or not we actually understand the alchemy system. And thoughts on the puzzle/action titles Kuru Kuru Kururin and Amazing Bomberman, plus more Zelda than you can shake a stick (with a boulder on it) at!
Follow our guest on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/ongakugamer
Save on EPOS Gaming Audio Gear (Code: EPOSFRIEND15):
https://www.eposaudio.com/gaming
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(1:29) - Atelier Series w/ OngakuGamer
(23:09) - Ad break
Games
(24:36) - Kuru Kuru Kururin
(30:28) - Amazing Bomberman
News
(34:52) - Mr. Aonuma plays Tears of the Kingdom
(42:10) - Creatures Inc. gets a new president
(43:00) - Pokemon Stadium coming to NSO
(44:04) - Nintendo and DeNA form Nintendo Systems
(44:41) - King of Fighters XIII and Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening coming to Switch
(46:00) - This Week in Tokyo
(46:56) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Mar 26, 2023 • 42min
Grappin with Ahmin Hafidi, Dagashiya Game Museum, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Final Thoughts
Indie game developer Ahmin Hafidi joins the podcast to chat about his newest title, Grappin! We explore the origins of this Metroid Prime inspired first person adventure title, how artists James Turner and Takaya Imamura got involved, plus why those grappling hooks are just so fun. I also share some closing thoughts on Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and explore the older than old school arcade/museum Dagashiya Game Museum in Tokyo!
Check out Grappin here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1708320/GRAPPIN/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grappingame
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:30) - Grappin w/ Ahmin Hafidi
(17:15) - Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe final thoughts
Feature
(26:57) - Dagashiya Game Museum
News
(37:30) - Namco Tokyo opening up in April
(38:31) - March 2023 NSO games
(39:44) - April 2023 Splatfest
(40:20) - Mario coming to Lush, Lego Donkey Kong
(41:17) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Mar 12, 2023 • 49min
Final Fantasy VII Feature Phone Games with Naoya Shinota, Super Mario Bros. 3 e-Reader Levels, Fire Emblem Engage Final Thoughts
Naoya Shinota joins the pod to talk about the Final Fantasy VII Feature Phone games! A significant part of the FFVII mythos is locked to these unique Japanese mobile titles, and we dig into everything about them. Plus, I dive into the e-Reader levels for Super Mario Bros. 3 and final thoughts on Fire Emblem Engage!Follow our guest here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaoyaShinota(0:00) - IntroFeature(1:35) - Final Fantasy VII feature phone games w/ Naoya ShinotaGames(28:22) - Super Mario Bros. 3 e-Reader levels(35:11) - Fire Emblem Engage final thoughtsNews(46:14) - Pokemon Presents 2023(52:06) - New Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi game announced(53:17) - This Week in Tokyo(53:27) - ClosingSocial media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelifeWebsite: https://tokyogamelife.com/Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Feb 26, 2023 • 54min
Violet Wisteria with KaniPro Games, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Gaming at Tokyo Skytree
Chris from KaniPro Games joins the podcast to chat about the launch of the retro action/platformer, Violet Wisteria! We talk about the experience of launching a game and what’s next. I also check out Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and run down all the cool gaming related activities at Tokyo Skytree!
Check out Violet Wisteria here:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2018610/Violet_Wisteria/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaniProGames
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:35) - Violet Wisteria
(21:33) - Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Feature
(33:04) - Tokyo Skytree
News
(45:06) - Tears of the Kingdom leaks and gummies
(48:28) - Splatoon 3’s Fresh Season and new merch
(51:10) - Vanillaware 20th anniversary event in Tokyo
(51:47) - This Week in Tokyo
(53:27) - Closing
Social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelife
Website: https://tokyogamelife.com/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Feb 12, 2023 • 1h 17min
Marufukuro Hotel with Andrew J. Rue, Atelier Ryza, Nintendo Direct February 2023 Analysis
Nintendo Life contributor Andrew J. Rue joins the podcast again to chat about the Marufukuro Hotel, Nintendo’s old HQ turned into a stylish lodging. Get the details on what to see, do, and eat before you book your room. I also check out the craftapalooza that is Atelier Ryza, race some horses in Pocket Card Jockey Ride On, and analyze the latest Nintendo Direct!
Follow our guest on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWinnerIsMii
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(1:57) - Marufukuro Hotel w/ Andrew J. Rue
Games
(32:21) - Atelier Ryza
(45:11) - Pocket Card Jockey Ride On!
News
(50:27) - Nintendo Direct February 2023 analysis
(1:15:52) - 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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Jan 29, 2023 • 45min
Mega Man Feature Phone Games with RockmanCosmo, Fire Emblem Engage, Tokyo Game Dungeon
Game preservationist RockmanCosmo joins the pod to chat about the Mega Man Feature Phone games! We chat about the history of Japan’s unique feature phone gaming era and why some games from big franchises like Mega Man can be lost forever. And get ready to dye your hair two colors as I share thoughts on Fire Emblem Engage, plus the news including my visit to indie games event Tokyo Game Dungeon!Follow our guest on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/RockmanCosmo(0:00) - IntroFeature(1:15) - Mega Man Feature Phone Games w/ RockmanCosmoGames(30:22) - Fire Emblem EngageNews(44:35) - Tokyo Game Dungeon 2023(47:22) - Dokapon Kingdom Connect(48:12) - Yggdra Union coming to Steam and the west(49:00) - Baten Kaitos remake rumor(50:15) - Surugaya Akiba’s huge stock of new Nintendo games(51:06) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (グラボ gurabo)(51:36) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/tyomateee/status/1617122804557844482(51:59) - ClosingSocial media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyogamelife/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tokyogamelifeWebsite: https://tokyogamelife.com/Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Jan 15, 2023 • 53min
Japanese Arcades with Kid Shoryuken, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Tactics Ogre Reborn Mid-Game Thoughts
Tokyo resident and YouTuber Kid Shoryuken joins me to chat about Japanese arcades. What are the best arcades in Tokyo? What are some underrated games? How can they adjust to the changing market? We get into all that and more. In the games, I chat about the amazing Pikmin 3 Deluxe and return yet again to Tactics Ogre Reborn. Plus quick thoughts on two fun exhibits in Tokyo: Mother Museum and Mika Pikazo’s Revenge Pop!
Follow our guest on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KidShoryuken
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadPanicGaming
(0:00) - Intro
Feature
(1:13) - Japanese Arcades w/ Kid Shoryuken
Games
(25:32) - Pikmin 3 Deluxe
(38:32) - Tactics Ogre Reborn mid-game thoughts
News
(43:48) - Mother Museum and Mika Pikazo’s Revenge Pop exhibits
(45:49) - Two indie game events coming to Tokyo this spring
(47:02) - Pocket Card Jockey Ride On coming to Apple Arcade
(48:47) - Playstation’s new Project Leonardo controller
(49:41) - Splatoon themed instax Mini Printer
(50:18) - Yusuke Kozaki’s Pokemon designs
(51:00) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (初動系 shodoukei)
(51:31) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/GameSurugaya/status/1612671350610743297
(52:10) - 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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com