Maria: Kimitachi Ga Umareta Wake
A mystery visual novel released exclusively in Japan in 1997, Maria puts you in the shoes of a doctor unraveling the dark past of a teenage girl with multiple personalities. The graphics and pacing show their age, but the story is intriguing enough to keep you going.
Magic Knight Rayearth (Game Boy)
A surprisingly simplified spin-off RPG with its own original story. Magic Knight Rayearth for Game Boy is a short and easy adventure. But is it worth your time over the Saturn version?
Angelique Duet
Our first impressions on Angelique Duet, the remake of the original otome game! Guardians, dates, and a race against your rival Rosalia to rule the universe.
Magic Knight Rayearth
A surprisingly polished action RPG based on the beloved anime and manga series. Even if you're not a fan of the original work, Magic Knight Rayearth for Saturn is well worth your time.
Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu
Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu is a unique PS1 monster-collecting RPG that stands apart from Pokémon with its fusion system, where merged creatures become hybrids of their parents. Discover what makes this 1998 classic special, from its strategic gameplay to its rich lore.
NARUTO & BORUTO Ninja Village: A ninja adventure at Awaji Island
Discover what it's like to visit NARUTO & BORUTO Ninja Village at Nijigen no Mori! Conquer mazes by making ninjutsu hand seals, explore anime scenery, collect stamps at ninja altars, and watch light shows on Hokage Mountain. Check out practical tips on how much time to set aside, how to get to Awaji Island, and what to expect from this immersive experience perfect for fans of all ages.
Chocobo no Fushigi na Dungeon (Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon)
I share my first impressions of Chocobo no Fushigi na Dungeon, a Japan-exclusive Mystery Dungeon game released for PlayStation 1 in 1997. This was the first Mystery Dungeon title to feature Chocobo and Moogle, Final Fantasy's beloved mascots!
A real-world RPG adventure at Dragon Quest Island
We visited Dragon Quest Island at Nijigen no Mori park on Awaji Island and experienced a real-life JRPG adventure. From creating our characters to exploring a meticulously crafted village, solving quests, battling monsters, and facing the demon Zoma, this unique 2-3 hour interactive attraction truly brings the beloved game to life.
Japanese Proxy Services in 2026: Buy with Clarity
Buying from Japan in 2026 can still feel confusing once shipping, proxy fees, packing, restrictions, and import charges enter the picture. This guide explains how Japanese proxy services work, what costs to check before buying, how shipping estimates and consolidation can help, and when importing an item may not make sense.
How to Calculate Shipping from Japan: Clear and Quick Estimate
Shipping from Japan can change depending on package weight, dimensions, destination, method, and route availability. This guide shows you how to use Negai Japan’s Cost Calculator to get a clearer estimate before you order, compare eligible Japan Post methods, read the Fastest and Cheapest badges, and understand what is not included, such as import duties and local charges. Registered users can also save an estimate for 30 days and return to it later.
Donkey Kong Country at Universal: The new area that stole the show from Mario
December 2024 brought the expansion we'd been waiting for to Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country arrived with a bang at Universal Studios Japan. A roller coaster that rivals Mario Kart, interactive bongos, and an environment that transports you straight to DK Island. Spoiler: even those afraid of roller coasters will fall in love!
From hanafuda to Switch: Our epic adventure at Nintendo's new Museum
After more than 130 years of making history, Nintendo has finally opened the doors to its own museum in Kyoto. Giant controllers, unique prototypes, hanafuda workshops, and much more await you in this temple of gaming nostalgia. Is it worth facing the ticket lottery? Spoiler: yes, and we'll tell you all the details!