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Episode 4: AKIBA LIVE

by Danny Bivens and James Charlton - August 24, 2011, 10:02 am EDT
Total comments: 22

Still a man down, the remaining Famicast crew record from right inside Super Potato, Akihabara! 

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James Charlton and Danny Bivens meet up in real life to record a very special Famicast, "live" from inside retro gaming nirvana itself - Super Potato in downtown Akihabara!

New business starts with James' story of how he finally got his 3DS and became a last minute Ambassador, while Danny updates us on Starfox 64 3D and Pitman/Catrap.

News focusses on the first paid demo on the eShop, Dragon Quest X and used 3DS sales in Japan. (of which James had just contributed to!)

Listener mail has the usual mix of random Japanese customs, game culture and schoolgirl underpants - everything you'd expect from a podcast recorded in Japan!

To mix things up a bit, with each segment of the show, the crew changes to a new floor of the store, which changes the music from the various old school games playing in the background!

For a bit of added fun, see if you can guess the games you hear being played in Super Potato and/or the 8 bit tunes added into every show - no prizes, but I bet Radio Trivia fans will have fun!

If you have any questions or comments for the Japan crew, stop by our forum thread or email us directly. We will try to answer all of your questions, with the best questions appearing on the show!

This podcast was edited by Danny Bivens.

Music for this episode of The Famicast is used with permission from 8 Bit Weapon. You can purchase their music and shirts from their website 8bitweapon.com

Additional music for this episode of The Famicast is copyrighted to Nintendo, and is included under fair use protection.

Talkback

CericAugust 24, 2011

On the Vending Machine question, I've always been told and its been indicated that there were vending machines for everything.  Games, Underwear, Beer, etc.  Its sort of funny to hear that is not true.  At least not anymore because, here in the States we are starting to get vending machines that have Games, Underwear, Beer, etc. (Mostly Airports)

The Cosplay question because I saw the most amazing Oundan outfit that was mass produced when I went to look for those games online.

On the kids question it just seems they don't really have much time to get into the different game characters.  Also having kids going into large towns and buying groceries all by themselves, etc.  I couldn't see doing that here in the States at all.

The Big Mac was from an article I read.

The Character Discussion and how they will relate to them was interesting.  Especially puts some of the stories (or lack there of) in games and animes in perspective.

Sorry some of these questions don't really translate well from head to paper.

I haven't seen a rugby game in the States in ages.  I wouldn't mind playing one again.  I think the game translates well.

And because I couldn't resist.
Something Disturbing Involving Beetles

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 24, 2011

@Ceric


Thanks for all the awesome questions as always!


I've heard of the "redbox" rental machines in the US, they sound cool.
Also, that beetle video was disturbingly - AWESOME, brought back some memories!

CericAugust 24, 2011

Best Buy ones you can buy iPods, DSes, New Super Mario Bros, right at the airport.

TJ SpykeAugust 24, 2011

The amount of Redboxes renting games right now is extremely small (I know it will expand over time though) and from what I have heard they don't have a huge selection. I like the idea though since there are times I would like to rent a game but don't want a GameFly subscription and the closest Blockbuster is too far away.

leroypantweatherAugust 25, 2011

Dear Mr James Charlton,


Given your status as an English man living in Japan with a North Amereican Wii, I can not help but wonder what region your 3ds is?

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 25, 2011

A valid question sir! Something I'd been considering since launch...



Well I could have asked someone back in the UK to get one for me, but I can't trust anyone enough to log into the eShop and assure my Ambassador status, so I decided on a JPN one, which as you may have heard Danny.B picked up for me.

CericAugust 25, 2011

Talking about Danny B.

He mentioned in Famicast 3 he might try to stay at a Pod hotel during some of his down time.  Anything come from that?

leroypantweatherAugust 26, 2011

@James Charlton


that's excellent if you would like to trade I sent you a detailed PM if not thats fine toooooooooooo

TJ SpykeAugust 26, 2011

Did the staff at Super Potato give you any problems for recording a podcast there?

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 26, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

Talking about Danny B.

He mentioned in Famicast 3 he might try to stay at a Pod hotel during some of his down time.  Anything come from that?

He is now living in one exclusively as an experiment, full report next episode! ;-)

Quote from: TJ

Did the staff at Super Potato give you any problems for recording a podcast there?

Nope. I don't think they actually noticed!

lol! Just to clear things up, I have yet to visit a pod hotel. It's something I've always wanted to do, so as soon as it happens, I'll be sure to report it. And James, I live in a McDonald's, damn it! For security and privacy reasons, I am unable to disclose which location at this time.


Speaking of the staff at Super Potato that day, there was ONE instance when one of the workers came and straightened up a box on the stairwell. I think it said (in English) "free" on the outside of it, while inside, there was just trash. Bizarre. Anyway, we were creepily recording in the stairwell, so we were out of the way of most customers and the workers.

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 27, 2011

I'm still confused about "the box incident". Were they giving away rubbish or was it once full of goodies?
Why was it so important that it wasn't moved a few centimetres?

One of the great mysteries of life that will never be solved. Like the box that was mentioned in Lost and never explained. (yes, still bitter!)

Killer_Man_JaroTom Malina, Associate Editor (Europe)August 28, 2011

Another fascinating Famicast, guys. I don't know of any other Japan-o-centric videogame podcasts, so I think you could capture a good little niche here.

I have a few questions (I'd like to apologise in advance if you've already answered any of the following in other venues):

Firstly, you mentioned Matt was heading to Canada and was working on Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. That's awesome! If he's allowed to disclose details, I'd like to know what his role is on the game's development and what he does day to day.

Secondly, Super Potato: what's in a name? I'd have sooner fit that to a chain of fresh produce markets than a retro games store. Is it an obscure cultural reference?

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 28, 2011

Quote from: Killer_Man_Jaro

Secondly, Super Potato: what's in a name? I'd have sooner fit that to a chain of fresh produce markets than a retro games store. Is it an obscure cultural reference?

Thanks for the nice comments!

As for the name, as far as I know it's just a random mash up of words which is typical of Japanese naming conventions.
Maybe Super Famicom --> Super Potato? A funny memorable name perhaps? A fictional superhero? (the logo Who knows!

Other weird names:
Bic Camera - that doesn't just sell cameras but all electronic products.
Book Off - weird because Jpse use "off" to mean "-free" or "-less" as in Caffeine-OFF or Calorie-OFF. It's just a book shop that also sells DVDs and games.


I'll let Matt answer that other question when he gets back.

My favorite name for a Japanese retail shop is an off-shoot of Book-Off. It's called (no joke) Hard Off. They typically have (gasp) electronic hardware, games, speakers, etc. At any rate, I always get a giggle out it every time I see it.

TJ SpykeAugust 29, 2011

I always found it funny that people in Japan (usually younger people) love to have stuff like clothes with English writing on them, even if the actually English made no sense.

LithiumAugust 29, 2011

Quote from: TJ

I always found it funny that people in Japan (usually younger people) love to have stuff like clothes with English writing on them, even if the actually English made no sense.

well we're just as guilty of that, there's lots of people who get tatoos of random Japanese or Chinese characters. For all we know the guy could have tatooed "moosecock" instead of "fire" or whatever

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)August 30, 2011

Hehe "Hard off"....so...many.....jokes...must...resist.

TJ/Lithium, you're both right, but I think the Japanese English is worse than the incorrect kanji.

Some horrifying examples I've seen:
"You are too the lonely, come get with me!"
"I have best boobs in world!" (worn by an 8 year old boy)

Much worse than having the kanji for "sheep" instead of "Samurai" or something.

LithiumAugust 30, 2011

Quote from: famicomplicated

"I have best boobs in world!" (worn by an 8 year old boy)

hahahahaha thats awesome

CericAugust 30, 2011

Quote from: famicomplicated

"I have best boobs in world!" (worn by an 8 year old boy)

Be great if he had 2 friends with him while wearing that shirt and it would make them the Boobs in the joke since.

noname2200August 31, 2011

Thanks for answering my questions! I was going to ask if it was awkward podcasting at a store, but that's been answered. Hope the Trifecta gets back together soon, and thanks again for doing all this guys.

Speaking of English shirts, I saw an awesome one the other day here. I was waiting for a friend by the train station near by house when I saw a 20-someting year old guy wearing a shirt that said, "Proud Wife of a Baptist Pastor." Shortly after I told my friend about it, the guy walked by again. I definitely had to giggle at that.

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