Are you Japanese, American, Korean or Chinese when it comes to smartphone game transactions?
If there’s one thing the internet loves to do, it’s compare countries to each other via online lists and videos. Whether it’s objective facts being compared, showing how different countries pronounce the word “transformer,” or simply summing up different countries in one phrase, nothing gets the patriotic blood boiling like a good country comparison.
And one of the latest comparisons gaining popularity online is a comic that shows off four different reasons that people from Japan, the U.S., Korea and China spend money on smartphone games.
How accurate is it? Take a look here and decide for yourself: (translation below)
https://twitter.com/croud_minato/status/792858279231705088Japan
I want to collect
Spends money to complete a personal collection by accumulating characters and new records.
“Yes! I finally got the character I wanted. It’s super rare.”U.S.A.
I want to enjoy the game more
Spends money to expand the game via new levels and stages.
“Since I’ve enjoyed the game, I’ll spend money on it. That makes sense, right?”Korea
I want to beat the game
Spends money on items and other things to help complete the game’s goals faster
“I don’t want to go slow through this game. It’s fun!”China
Wants to win in competition with others
Spends money to beat other players, become stronger, and stand out.
“I love battling! My heart is pumping!”
For reference, the comic is based on the 2015 EEDAR report titled Deconstructing Mobile and Tablet Gaming. So there is some data-backed basis for the trends portrayed in the comic.
Personally, I find it to be fairly accurate for myself. As an American, the only reason I’ve ever spent money on a smartphone game was to get more levels and enjoy the game more. I couldn’t imagine spending money to complete a collection, get through it faster, or to beat friends. But I’m sure there are people who spend money for those reasons and think I’m crazy too.
Here’s how Japanese netizens reacted online:
“Yup. Seems accurate.”
“Right on the nose for Japan.”
“I feel like the U.S. one kind of applies for everyone.”
“The China character is so cute….”
“No way! The U.S. character is where it’s at.”
Putting aside who you think is the cutest of the comic’s characters, which of the four do you most identify with? Does it match with your home country? Let us know in the comments so we can find out how many of us have our hearts in one country and our smartphone-spending-habits in another.
Source: Twitter/@croud_minato via Otakomu
Featured image: Twitter/@croud_minato

Japan’s extremely harsh video game reviews may be the reason it gets some new releases last
Why do Japanese gamers spend so much more money on mobile games than anyone else?
Japanese smartphone users rank the 10 mobile phone games they play the most
The reason why Nintendo’s Super Mario smartphone game won’t have in-app purchases is brilliant
Hardcore Pokémon fans in Japan are spending a TON of money on Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
We go looking for a monkey mommy like Punch with Amazon Japan’s ultra low-rated orangutang plushy
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
50-year-old Japanese woman pulls off amazing Love Live! anime idol cosplay【Photos】
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Daiso Japan?
Here’s what Japanese netizens think of the U.S.’s top 20 most-picked karaoke songs
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
The top 10 mobile games that Japanese people spent the most money on in 2018
Japanese console game market shrinks to nearly one-third its size ten years ago
Why doesn’t Japan like first-person shooters? Old characters and World War II, says Sega exec
【TGS 2012】 WeMade Entertainment Impressions: Farmville-Meets-Final Fantasy App “Hero Square,” Mobile MMO “Arc Sphere” and Social Game Clones for All!