

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

Jan 1, 2023 • 1h 42min
Game of the Year 2022 with Still Loading Podcast, Perfect Catalogue Gaming Encyclopedia
Josh from the Still Loading Podcast joins me to chat about Game of the Year 2022. What game(s) will take the top prize? We rave about our favorite games of the year, both new and retro titles! In the feature, I flip through the Perfect Catalogue series of gaming encyclopedias. Plus, news about Slowpoke parks and what plushie you need to buy next.
Follow our guest on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StillLoadingPod
Podcast: https://www.stillloadingpodcast.com/
(0:00) - Intro
Games
(1:33) - Game of the Year 2022 w/ Still Loading Podcast
Feature
(1:27:00) - Perfect Catalogue gaming encyclopedias
News
(1:35:50) - Super Potato Taisho store closing in Osaka
(1:36:40) - Slowpoke park in Kawaga prefecture
(1:37:23) - Gen V Pokemon Fit / Sitting Cuties plushies
(1:38:41) - Masahiro Sakurai in semi-retirement
(1:39:49) - Japanese Gaming Phrase of the Week (落ちゲーム ochi gemu)
(1:40:14) - Japanese Tweet of the Week: https://twitter.com/_Bprod/status/1604812949847056384
(1:40:40) - 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

Dec 18, 2022 • 41min
Game Localization with Jennifer O'Donnell, Nintendo December 2022 DLC
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Dec 4, 2022 • 53min
Pokemon Shops in Sunshine City with Graceon, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet Final Thoughts
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Nov 20, 2022 • 50min
Digital Games Expo 2022 with KaniPro Games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Tactics Ogre Reborn
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/
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

Nov 6, 2022 • 56min
Bayonetta 3 with The Daily Status of Bayonetta 3, Bonito Days, Marvel Snap, Surugaya Used Goods Shop
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Oct 23, 2022 • 57min
Super Nintendo World with KyotoGamer, Custom Robo V2, Tunic Final Thoughts
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Oct 9, 2022 • 53min
Kirby Cafe with Andrew J. Rue, Tunic on Switch, Splatoon 3 One Month Later
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Sep 25, 2022 • 1h 18min
2022 Tokyo Game Show with Ernest Lin, Frogun, Panzer Dragon Remake, Nintendo Direct September 2022 Analysis
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/
Like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!
Send questions and suggestions to: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Sep 11, 2022 • 1h 10min
Competitive Splatoon with ProChara, Splatoon 3, September 2022 Nintendo Direct Predictions
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: tokyogamelife@gmail.com

Aug 28, 2022 • 56min
Boku No Natsuyasumi Series with OngakuGamer, Kirby's Dream Buffet, Kirby's Super Star Stacker
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/