Winding their way through the endless mega-city streets and neon-saturated avenues of Japan’s urban playgrounds is a gaming culture that is as vibrant as it is varied. There is an inimitable spirit of innovation, creativity and community that permeates the country’s gaming landscape. The next few paragraphs will offer a flavour of a fascinating story that is both steeped in the country’s heritage and glows with a current of excitement. I’m going to take you through Japan’s gaming culture, explore its unique draw, and take a look at the impact it’s having across the world.
The Evolution of Japanese Gaming Culture
Gaming culture behind the screens is similarly multi-layered and complex as any good RPG storyline, which means you won’t have to wait long for this story to unspool its entanglements. From the corner shops turning over fuzzy-coloured consoles to the first arcade cabinets at the edge of town, and from the original 8-bit toys to the gaming bureacracy of Sony and Nintendo, Japan has pushed the technology forward. In the 1980s, it was arcades – sweaty banks of Space Invaders and flashing Pac-Man machines that pumped out the tinniest of cover versions of famous pop songs. Then it was consoles, with the Japanese Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) first leading the charge in the 1980s.
Well, these days, years later, gaming still plays a huge role in Japanese life. New gaming spaces such as online and mobile apps have appeared, but social cafes and arcades are still wonderful spaces, where people get together not just to play, but to build friendships and communities.
Exploring Gaming Cafes
Japan’s gaming cafés are a warm cultural phenomenon with a unique selling point. They provide a cafe environment where people can ‘hang out’ and enjoy just about as many of the latest video games on the market – while sipping from a well-brewed cup of coffee or a plate of other delicacy. The establishment revolves around creating a chill spot where gamers can enjoy their pastime and socialise.
The décor of these cafés are generally mis-en-scènes, from retro 80s themed retro cafés to futuristic cyber décor. Besides the advanced game consoles and internet machines, all gaming corners are usually well equipped so as to guarantee patrons a hi-tech and immersive gaming experience; in a similar vein, themed menus are usually available, offering themed snacks and drinks to cater for the whole experience.
The Allure of Arcades
But in Japan, arcades are still open for business. They’re far from retro and deserted, instead pulsing with humanity 24 hours a day. They’re replete with novel and nostalgic games, from claw machines and old-school rhythm games to the latest virtual reality experiences, while others host tournaments for eSports.
There is one aspect of arcades that is so strong that people go there even if they weren’t planning to play, often just to observe how others play, and learn tips for their own games, and just sometimes, even challenge others to a game. That is, the social aspect of arcades, which fosters a strong sense of community among the players. This is why Japan’s arcades are so incredibly popular.
Personal Stories from the Heart of Japan
A visit to a gaming cafe or arcade – what many travellers regard as a bucket list experience in Japan – is the perfect example of what I have in mind. Behold Sarah, a traveller from the US, who posted a series of images when she visited a variety of gaming cafés in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. She captured shots of neon streets and the individual ‘cabinets’ where players work their magic, as well as more intimate shots of their gaming Валентино сапоги relax. Her ultimate find: a retro-themed cafe where she plays vintage Nintendo titles that she grew up with.
And there’s Tom, a Kazakhstani gamer who went to an arcade in Osaka to take his shot in a game as part of one of the more traditional competitive tournaments you’ll find, and then stick around for a while to get to know the locals. He said: I felt like a fish in water
They have their stories, too: locals such as Yuki, a Tokyoite who says she loves to go to a gaming cafe whenever she wants to meet friends. ‘Gaming cafes have really good atmospheres for meeting other people, having a chat, and taking it easy after work,’ she said. She never plays games by herself.
The Impact on Japanese Society
The impact of gaming culture dominates society. The economic factors are visible as gaming cafés and arcades draw in tourists from across the globe who inject local economies. Socially, they are also important spaces for community and friendships.
However, culturally, there are so many stories you can tell via gaming, and so many forms that it takes. It helps generations to connect – you still see people of all ages indulging in games together. It keeps Japanese development at the forefront of technology – the people pushing the envelope are always Japanese, always trying to go beyond what the reality is.
Tips and Recommendations for Visitors
Is there an etiquette you should follow if you want to visit Japan and partake in its gaming culture on the ground? Here are some tips. 1. Be on time No one takes kindly to a tardy customer, so if you meet friends for a trip to the arcade, don’t be late. The loyalty card systems in many games clubs here mean they know where you are anyway, so turn your phone off on the subway. That way everyone knows who turned up late. 2. Put away your mobile phones Ok, putting phones away is good manners everywhere, but in Japan it’s particularly important, since a lot of the gaming experience is about immersion – if you’ve got your phone out, you’re missing half the fun. Most clubs ban phone calls anyway, but that’s only to stop people who play too loudly. 3. Don’t speak in a loud voice Although similar in etiquette to the previous point, it’s worth repeating. Imagine you’ Ghost Squad, say – and readying yourself for battle with a maniac on a dark street. Then, right as you take him down, your voice booms out: ‘KERSPLODE. Get dead, muthafucka.’ Aren’t you glad you were in your living room? 4. One player per game card It has to be said: this isn’t the friendliest place in the world if you want to share your games. Most cafes sell a one-hour entry ticket that includes three games. That’s about as flexible as it gets. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find plenty of likeminded players who will split the time with you. 5. Kids can be annoying Young children can be really annoying sometimes. Here you have this immersive battleground to talk into, and along comes a 14-year-old to blow his games allowance on games you’re interested in. Worse, he’s good, so you can’t even boot him off: he’ll just take you down too. 6. L-fighters can be weird Arcades are very male dominated in Japan, despite the country’s generally liberal attitudes and government incentivization of gaming as a creative industry. This is why the women who do compete are often called l-fighters. They display their dominant gaming passion like a badge of honor, or maybe it’s a weakness. 7. Overnight trips are a serious commitment Like many forms of Japanophile geekery, gaming cafés are full of people who’ve come in from the suburbs – often by carrying their beloved Nintendo handhelds on the train – with the intention of logging an overnight stay. And I don’t mean day-turned-night: they mean night-turned-morning. 8. Don’t bring your own food Some cafés lure customers in with an unexpected range of on-site microwave devices, ready to heat up your own food, to be the best part of the experience. Others don’t. So be careful. 9. Wear flip flops A lot of Japanese cafés are more sheltered than actual arcades, with underground locations that may boast Sega frying pans but not much else in the way of outside air. Jet lag can hit you at the most unexpected moments. 10. Don’t go to Akihabara If you want a real taste of gaming culture, then Akihabara is the heart of the matter.
- Looks for Popular Spots There are many gaming cafes and arcades in Tokyo and one of the most famous districts is Akihabara which concentration most of the business here in Tokyo. And also, in Nipponbashi, Osaka you can easily find a lot of cafes. Make sure you check out these areas to find the hidden gems and popular spots!
- Try All The Genres: If rhythm games aren’t your jam, then pick up a fighting game. If Street Fighter isn’t your thing, then pick up a RPG. Then pick up a FPS. Then check for games you never thought would be worth your time. Try them all out if you can.
- Talk to locals: Chat to other gamers, and many of them will be happy to share tips or tales, and
- Respect the Space: Taking photos and shooting video is tempting but look out for signs regarding if this is allowed. Keeping a respectful distance is imperative.
- Sip and Savour the Food and Drink: Many cafés specialize in gaming-themed treats. Use lingering over food and drink as an opportunity for immersion in the culture.
Conclusion
Japanese gaming culture is diverse, vibrant and informed as much by history and innovation as it is by a sense of community and connection. It is a favorite destination for avid travelers, gamer tourists and Japangpas owing to its entertainment value and the equally captivating social experience it presents.
Welcome world? Ready to set off on your journey? Put on your backpack, take your companion, step inside this fascinating world and live the ‘drama’ of Japan’s gaming culture yourself.s and mammons in the real world mmo, or sip coffee and play old school games – the adventure awaits.