
Luigi has always played second fiddle to his brother Mario and it seems all those years of pent-up jealousy and anger have surfaced in Nintendo’s eighth edition of Mario Kart. Scores of English-language sites have already reported on what many are calling “Luigi’s Death Stare,” and all that news coverage has finally made it over to Japan, inspiring a multitude of comments by surprised Japanese gamers.
Here’s one video that’s been posted on several Japanese forums showcasing Luigi’s “take no prisoners” attitude:
Japanese netizens had a lot to say about the new Luigi:
“Finally Luigi has something other than his jumping strength to differentiate himself.”
“He’s so coooool!”
“That stare was more coldhearted than I had imagined!”
“Psychopath little brother?”
“It’s all going according to plan…”
“Usually Luigi is the timid, comical little brother, but seeing him put on such a serious face while crashing into his opponents is really funny.”
“He’s revealed his true nature.”
“I never thought Luigi could put on such a scary face.”
▼ For all those years of being the second player.
▼ Look at that evil smile at the end there!
▼ NO MERCY!!!
Most Japanese netizens enjoyed the new badass Luigi, but it’s still unclear how his new personality will translate into sales of the Wii U console that must be purchased in order to play Mario Kart 8:
“I guess if you have a talented older brother, you’ll turn to the dark side. Luigi has really lost his way. I’m definitely not buying a Wii U”
“Omg, I laughed so hard at Luigi. I’m going to buy a Wii U!”
To see Luigi grinning as he blows Peach to bits and not even flinching as he mercilessly takes out a smiling pink Toadette is a little sad. Gone are the days of happy Nintendo characters brushing off a collision with a high-pitched “oh no!” Because apparently, on the streets of Mario Kart 8, we play for keeps.
Source: Itai News




Luigi’s ‘death stare’ makes it into Japanese Mario Kart 8 commercial
Wii U’s Mario Kart 8 shaping up nicely, makes us grin like idiots
Bros? Kart? Party? Japanese gamers pick their top 5 Mario series
Drunk driving Mario Kart【Experiment】
Please make Star Kart, the Star Wars/Mario Kart crossover, a real game immediately!【Video】
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
Japan’s most popular curry rice restaurant chain, Coco Ichibanya, might be for sale
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Japan Railways announces unlimited-ride train pass for fall travel
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Onsen Egg Bukkake Udon Ice Cream makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about sweets
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Nintendo announces new Lego Luigi set, and Japan gets it first【Photos, video】
Trial begins in the case of Mario Kart v. Mari Car
Nintendo taxis?! Peruvian cabs outfitted with Mario Kart 8 setups for rear passengers to play
Japanese gamers share their most memorable Mario Kart moments
Uno Mario Kart is ready to take the action from the track to the cards with cool crossover rule
Mario AND Luigi team up for new infinite lives trick in Super Mario Bros. 【Video】
Good guy Luigi: Even picks you up at the airport!
Nintendo wins 50-million yen lawsuit against operator of Tokyo “real-life Mario Kart” company
Nintendo’s Top Dog Takes Luigi to America Prior to Release of New 3DS Title
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Is it as cool as it looks in the trailer?【Review】
Nintendo takes “real-life Mario Kart” company to court for the second time and wins yet again
The real story of Nintendo’s Mario
Burn Rubber with Competition-Spec Mario Kart Erasers
New Mario Kart Happy Meal toys are racing up to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Super Mario isn’t a plumber, Nintendo officially says