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July 16, 2024
 

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Brian Ashcraft

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Brian Ashcraft
Brian Ashcraft is a senior contributing editor at Kotaku and has been writing about video games for The Japan Times since 2007. He is also the author of two books, "Arcade Mania!" and "Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential." A graduate of Cornell University, Ashcraft has called Osaka home for over a decade.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Dec 23, 2013
Playing with puppets, a Link adventure and hardware envy
Popular manga-turned-anime (and game) 'Attack on Titan' is now assailing fashion.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Nov 25, 2013
Japan's favorite games go for all formats, while the merchandise pops up everywhere
Calling all 'Dragon Quest VIII' fans
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Oct 21, 2013
The PS Vita TV is finally here, Final Fantasy's Lightning strikes again and Wii remotes get a Super Mario makeover
At last — the PS Vita TV is here
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Sep 24, 2013
Gamers' dilemma at this year's TGS: PS4 or Xbox One?
When each new generation of game hardware begins, gamers are presented with choices: Which console will they buy? Will they be satisfied with one company's machine or will they need to buy rival hardware too?
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Sep 19, 2013
Sony, Microsoft to square off at Tokyo Game Show
In Japan, the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is gaming's main event. This year, heavyweights Sony and Microsoft are set to square off at Chiba's Makuhari Messe convention center with brand new consoles in tow. Who will come out on top?
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Aug 26, 2013
It's "Verdict Day" for "Armored Core," while "Monster Hunter" sticks to 3DS LL
Suit up for more 'Armored Core'
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Jul 22, 2013
Bizarre merchandising, tabletop Nintendo and new releases for Wii U
Gangsters. Hostesses. And lots and lots of street fighting. No, this isn't a night in Shinjuku's Kabukicho red-light district. It's an evening with 'Yakuza,' Sega's crime opus on the Wii U.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Jun 25, 2013
Finally, 'The Last of Us' is here
Finally, 'The Last of Us' is here
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
May 28, 2013
Revamped 'Shin Megami Tensei IV,' a new 'DoDonPachi Saidaioujou' and collectable merchandise
Most collectible statues are a few inches or perhaps 30 cm tall. Typically, they are not life-size. But this is no typical statue.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Apr 23, 2013
The collectables
Game otaku rejoice! A bounty of treasures is available while limited-edition supplies last, from commemorative figurines to superkawaii retro backpacks.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / ON: GAMES
Mar 26, 2013
New wrinkles for classic games
The Nintendo Wii U, which was released late last year, is outfitted with a near communication field (NCF) reader, and the first game to make use of it is the upcoming, downloadable Wii U title, “Pokemon Scramble U.”
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Mar 13, 2013
Indie game developers go global at BitSummit
Despite rumors to the contrary, the Japanese independent-game scene is alive and well. Over the past weekend in Kyoto, nearly 180 game developers packed into an event hall to show off their latest self-made creations at the first BitSummit.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Feb 5, 2013
Expat game developers have an unfair advantage in Japan
There is an option for budding game-developers, however — a less expensive one that allows for more freedom and, if they're lucky, more exposure than they could ever imagine.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Dec 5, 2012
Despite downloadable versions, packaged games in high demand
Late last month, Nintendo issued a press release, regarding its smash hit "Animal Crossing: New Leaf." The game, a simulator in which cute characters do things like collect items and decorate their houses, hit No. 1 on the game charts thanks to its dedicated following with young and seasoned players...
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Nov 7, 2012
Wii U controller lacks punch but GamePad is no gimmick
This is a tale of controllers: the Wii U GamePad and the Wii U Pro Controller.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Oct 3, 2012
Inafune, back to save Japan's gaming industry from death
Call it a twist of fate or delicious irony, but game designer Keiji Inafune, a harbinger of the Japanese gaming industry's death, returned to Tokyo Game Show this year with one of the biggest games (as well as the biggest surprise) of the show.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Sep 26, 2012
Tokyo Game Show was at least two games short of a win
Each year, the crowds at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) get bigger and bigger. This year, there were 223,753 attendees over the four days (two press days and two public days), which is the largest turnout ever. Traditional video games for handheld and home consoles are taking up a smaller and smaller portion...
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Sep 5, 2012
Gunslinging the Japanese way
It's hot. Though this summer, Japanese gamers have been piling into arcades across the country not only to take refuge from the heat, but to also check out one of the most interesting games released this year — and it may surprise you to hear that it's a shooter.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Aug 1, 2012
Get your sick days ready for 'Dragon Quest X'
For many gamers, "Dragon Quest" is shorthand for Japanese role-playing games. The series is iconic. It's loved by players young and old.
LIFE / Digital / TECH_JAPAN
Jul 4, 2012
By skipping Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft is not doing anything to win over Japanese gamers
The United States was easy. Europe was slightly harder. But Japan has always seemed nearly impenetrable for Microsoft's Xbox gaming platform.
Bloodied Trump survives assassination attempt at political rally
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is surrounded and evacuated by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Trump was rushed off stage at the rally after shots rang out.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
Amid same-sex marriage ban, LGBTQ couples opt for 'photo weddings'
A lesbian couple, consisting of a 35-year-old woman (left) and 40-year-old woman, cover their faces with bouquets as they pose for wedding photos in Yokohama on Nov. 1.
China and Russia conduct joint Pacific military patrol
The Russian corvette Gromkiy enters the Chinese port of Zhanjiang as part of a joint China-Russia naval exercise on Saturday.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
After Trump shooting, U.S. presidential race might take a violent turn
United States Secret Service Counter Snipers stand guard on a rooftop during a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Avoca, Pennsylvania, in 2020.
No AC this summer? No problem (for me).
Think air conditioning is a requirement for a Tokyo summer? Think again.
She’s paying ¥1 million to help behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics
Mai Tarumi, who previously volunteered at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has a travel budget of ¥1 million for her trip to volunteer at the Paris Games.
How to tweak your diet when temperatures spike
Most people think of hydration as a strictly liquid-based concept, but eating foods with high water content is an essential part of making it through a Japanese summer unscathed.

Podcast

You can often see generations of families enjoying performances together at Fuji Rock Festival.
Japan’s summer music festivals are feeling the heat in more ways than one

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
By Tomoko Otake

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