Despite having been downloaded more than a million times in North America, GungHo Online Entertainment’s RPG/puzzle blend Puzzle & Dragons, or Pazudora as it’s more commonly known in its native Japan, is still considered something of a niche title in the Western world. The game combines elements of traditional tile-matching puzzle games such as Puyo Puyo and online favourite Bejeweled with the trading and stat-building elements of classic Japanese RPGs, topped off with a sprinkle of Pokémon-esque companion monsters to collect and trade.
The game is currently one of Japan’s most played mobile games and is almost entirely responsible for its makers’ US$763 million of total sales in the first half of 2013 alone, with more than 17 million active players in Japan today. Following on from this success, a 3DS version of the game was recently announced and is due to go on sale on December 12 this year. Reports suggest, however, that the 3DS version will be slightly different in order to protect younger gamers from the microtransaction system that the game has become synonymous with.
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Escape from downtown Tokyo! How far from the city center can you get by rental bike in 8 hours?
What’s so special about Japanese swords? We interview master katana maker Norihiro Miyairi!
Our reporter gives up on 1,000-yen capsule machines, except for these ones… They feel different
Spirited Away bath herbs now available at Ghibli exhibition in Japan
Haunted, abandoned hotel complex on Okinawa is a lesson against messing with Japan’s spirits
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
Japan has a new energy drink designed to pair with one of its favorite instant noodle brands