As the release date for the hotly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake draws closer (April 10, 2020!) excitement is certainly building, especially in Japan. As a result, Square-Enix is holding a special event at their cafes in Tokyo (Akihabara and Shinjuku) and Osaka as well. With a unique menu, merchandise, and décor (wall to ceiling posters of your favorite characters) inspired by this fan-favorite game, it shouldn’t be missed.

A lot of the big video game companies such as Nintendo and Sega originate from Japan and some of the finest gamers of all time come from Japan. Kansai sees a lot of visitors from all over, and some of those want a place to relax and game for a bit. This is a guide for those traveling to or living in Kansai and want to experience Japanese gaming culture at its finest.

Virtual Reality is a relatively new concept, with many experimental titles still in the works by both large companies and independent developers. VR is the future of gaming, with hand devices and headsets to take you from just watching a screen to being fully immersed in the game’s world.

Other than Nintendo, game developers such as Level 5, Capcom and Konami had set up their booths promoting their games to children. There were also card games and booths selling merchandise exclusive to the event.

Known for Maid Cafes, electronic stores and being an overall otaku (Japanese for nerd) paradise, Akihabara is one of Tokyo's most famous spots. Many people will tell you to check out Yodobashi Camera or the AKB48 Café. However, today we are going to talk about one of Akihabara’s lesser known treasures. Smaller shops that carry used goods.

The Minato Mirai District in Yokohama transforms into a Pokemon County where literally uber cute Pikachu is on outbreak.

Here's my ranking of the top 15 things to do in Akihabara, Tokyo's capital of geek culture.

For gamers, Capcom is probably more like an old grandfather who spoils his grandkids. From Mega Man to Resident Evil, it has always churned out some great games. It seems like Capcom will not satisfy every gamer in Japan only through their games, so they built this incredibly amazing restaurant: Capcom Bar. If you are a Capcom maniac, this is probably your heaven.

Lawson convenience stores have brought their own character Karaage-kun and Dragon Quest's Slime together celebrating 30 years since they were both created bringing to Japan a new fried chicken with an altogether ambitious new flavor.

Den Den Town is the electronics district of Osaka. With many stores selling cameras, computers and video games and consoles, this little area started attracting a clientèle who are also into manga, anime and specialty toys.

Ever since the fledgling days of early console gaming in the 1970s, Japan has been leading the way. 2016 promises to continue this trend as Japan once again leads the line in pioneering video games. So today, for your consideration, I present the top 5 Japanese video games coming to consoles next year.

From the Ancient Japanese mythology and Jômon period to nowadays, the history of the Land of the Rising Sun has been prolific enough as to be subject of study around the globe, but also to become a recurring topic for movies, animation, manga comics and video games.