XBOX360: What the Japanese Think

So, I went to look on the rest of the comments 2chan made about the xbox360. Why don't they like it? kotaku only posted a few but there were a lot more.

Here are some of the comments Japanese gamers made

"Japanese gamers who found games like trusty bell chopin's dream, who's characters are supposed to be something like the Japanese like, looks like it appeals to yaoi fangirls. Wouldn't you buy this?"

トラスティベル ～ショパンの夢～とかいうのを見つけた

日本人が好きそうなキャラデザのRPGで、腐女子とかも食いつきそうだけど
これは売れなかったの？

Another commenter wrote that they bought it, but found the voices cute and disgusting.

"Establishing a brand is very difficult! Nintendo, Sony, and Sega all have a long history of achievements that consist of a superior* quality"

ぽっと出がブランドを確立するのは大変なんだよ。
任天堂、セガ、SONY、長い歴史と実績の上に成り立ってる。

*A quality above

- This is probably the most interesting statement made.Basically, SONY, Sega, and Nintendo are established names. Perhaps XBOX could not gain a foothold because of the types of games released originally, and the fact that it is not a well established name. Maybe Japanese gamers do not feel as if they have enough experience with the console market.

"Most people really don't think anything of the xbox. If the xbox were to come out with a good, previously established series, everyone would buy one. **"

ほとんどの人が別にXboxじゃ無くてもいいって思ってるんだろ
Xboxで当たり前のようにミリオン行けるようなシリーズが出るならみんな買うよ。
Xboxじゃなくてもメジャーなタイトル以外は意味わからん物ばかりなことには変わりないし。

** There was another sentence but I couldn't understand it. x.o; Something about the significance of major companies and nothing changing.

"Rather than the PS3, the games intended for Japanese people are all present on the XBOX360. Why isn't it outselling the PS3 weekly? No, I understand that it just can't sell compared to the wii. But losing to the PS3 is really strange."

日本人向けのゲームですら今のPS3よりは360のほうが粒が揃ってるんだよ。
これでなんで週販でPS3より売れてないんだか。
いやwiiより売れないのはわかる。でもPS3に負けてるのは異常。

Another person responded

"Even with games and music this is the era where good things don't sell. Marketing* sells the most."

ゲームも音楽もそうだけど良い物が売れる時代じゃない。うまく宣伝したほうが勝つ

*This word means marketing, publicity, propapganda, etc ...

I didn't find anything else particularly interesting. No one said it was because it was an American system, or at least I didn't notice them.

Oh, by the way, this is my source.

http://blog.livedoor.jp/dqnplus/archives/1003322.html

That was a pretty interesting read. I've always wondered about this myself. I mean MS is doing everything they can to get games that would appeal to the Japanese gamer on the 360, but yet PS3 still outsells it. ThugKing6669

I think their biggest problem is marketing. They still don't know **** about marketing. With the first xbox, they basically sold it like they would sell it to Americans. Npw they're just using some STUPID commercial with some boy band members or something.

So basically they have their own version of fanboyism like everybody else on the planet. Cool. Now maybe some people on the net that have never been to Japan will stop acting like they are deities stranded on earth forced to live amongst us savages.heretrix

What? Did you even read this?

Of course they're not.

[QUOTE="ThugKing6669"]That was a pretty interesting read. I've always wondered about this myself. I mean MS is doing everything they can to get games that would appeal to the Japanese gamer on the 360, but yet PS3 still outsells it. ceruxx

I think their biggest problem is marketing. They still don't know **** about marketing. With the first xbox, they basically sold it like they would sell it to Americans. Npw they're just using some STUPID commercial with some boy band members or something.

[QUOTE="heretrix"]So basically they have their own version of fanboyism like everybody else on the planet. Cool. Now maybe some people on the net that have never been to Japan will stop acting like they are deities stranded on earth forced to live amongst us savages.ceruxx

What? Did you even read this?

Of course they're not.

The 360 in japan has all these games that appeal to a japanese audiance this is a fact but they dont buy the system? why it cant just be because of loyalty the japanese in todays age aren't very loyal in the least.

It has to be becasue its an american system there could be no other reason hurdles have been surpassed like games for japapnese audiances and established franchises but they just dont buy it.

[QUOTE="ceruxx"]

[QUOTE="heretrix"]So basically they have their own version of fanboyism like everybody else on the planet. Cool. Now maybe some people on the net that have never been to Japan will stop acting like they are deities stranded on earth forced to live amongst us savages.heretrix

What? Did you even read this?

Of course they're not.

I wouldn't call it "fanboyism" to the extent we see on here.

I think its mostly that they failed with the original XBOX, so they don't have a good reputation. Sony, Sega, and Nintendo all have a good reputation which allows them to sell better. Their marketing is poor now and the 360 isn't so amazing that people aren't going to go out and buy an unestablished console.

i honestly dont care what japanese gamers think. heck they barely buy the ps3. they just dont seem too interested in games in general. unless its on a portable or the wii. back in the days Japan was like a gaming mecca. not anymore. tikki25x

So because they don't buy the PS3 they are no longer relevant? lol wtf kind of thinking is that?

"Even with games and music this is the era where good things don't sell. Marketing* sells the most."

Winnar!

"Even with games and music this is the era where good things don't sell. Marketing* sells the most."

Winnar!

Stevo_the_gamer

This is a very true statement. Though, I would have to say much more so for music than games. This is a gaming site and all the best games actaully seem to be most everyone's favorites. If you went to a general music forum, I would bet most people there listen to garbage. Now that i think about it , I bet most people her lsiten to garbage

[QUOTE="heretrix"][QUOTE="ceruxx"]

[QUOTE="heretrix"]So basically they have their own version of fanboyism like everybody else on the planet. Cool. Now maybe some people on the net that have never been to Japan will stop acting like they are deities stranded on earth forced to live amongst us savages.ceruxx

What? Did you even read this?

Of course they're not.

I wouldn't call it "fanboyism" to the extent we see on here.

I think its mostly that they failed with the original XBOX, so they don't have a good reputation. Sony, Sega, and Nintendo all have a good reputation which allows them to sell better. Their marketing is poor now and the 360 isn't so amazing that people aren't going to go out and buy an unestablished console.

That was a pretty interesting read. I've always wondered about this myself. I mean MS is doing everything they can to get games that would appeal to the Japanese gamer on the 360, but yet PS3 still outsells it. ThugKing6669

Everything except making a reliable console and having the X Box name that isn't too good in Japanese.

"Japanese gamers who found games like Trusty Bell Chopin's Dream, whos characters are supposed to be something like the Japanese like, looks like it appeals to yaoi fangirls. Wouldn't you buy this?"

ceruxx

Trusty Bell appealing to "yaoi fangirls"? That is interesting, because homoerotic content is something that would not appeal to most Japanese male gamers.

How long till this thread gets filled with teenagers pretending they know allabout the Japanese, their mystical culture and honourable mighty ninjas that defend against evil american products.

Always happens.

Here's what the Japanese really think of Xbox 360.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dar6vn8gK5HK/610x.jpg

[QUOTE="ceruxx"]

"Japanese gamers who found games like Trusty Bell Chopin's Dream, whos characters are supposed to be something like the Japanese like, looks like it appeals to yaoi fangirls. Wouldn't you buy this?"

mali

Trusty Bell appealing to "yaoi fangirls"? That is interesting, because homoerotic content is something that would not appeal to most Japanese male gamers.

Yeah, that was their point.

just seems to me they arent as hardcore as they used to be. more into casual and social games. i dont even have a ps3, just making a point. and i barely consider the wii a next gen system. psp and ds are cool but i cant imagine only playing a portable.tikki25x

I think a lot of what markets the portables may be nostalgia. Final Fantasy III for the DS was marketed as nostalgia for the DS, and I'm sure thats a major selling poing for all these ports and remakes of old RPGs going to the PSP and DS in Japan.

The only comment I would agree with is the marketing, the rest is just petty. What I get from those comments only tell me that those gamers:

• don't want to try something new
• are confused ("cute and disgusting", wth?)
• just don't like the Xbox
  

But hopefully they don't speak for the majority.

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

the japanese have always been xenophobic, i thought everyone knew this???jack_michael

Perhaps you don't see the irony in spewing xenophobic stereotypes. Keep your baseless prejudices to yourself next time ok?

The only comment I would agree with is the marketing, the rest is just petty. What I get from those comments only tell me that those gamers:

• don't want to try something new
• are confused ("cute and disgusting", wth?)
• just don't like the Xbox
  

But hopefully they don't speak for the majority.

DementedDragon

- They said that sony and nintendo had an established reputation, where xbox's reputation is not established yet.

- That was about Trusty Bell (aka Eternal Sonata), which gave some insight into why the game bombed in Japan. Maybe not just because it was out for Xbox.

- No one said "I just don't like the Xbox."

The only comment I would agree with is the marketing, the rest is just petty. What I get from those comments only tell me that those gamers:

• don't want to try something new
• are confused ("cute and disgusting", wth?)
• just don't like the Xbox
  

But hopefully they don't speak for the majority.

DementedDragon

I agree with won't try somethign new, but i think another reason is they are convinced north american made tech is garbage... yet its manufacturered over there and in other cheap to build industrial countries... ms needs to hire some good advertisers in Japan.

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

Furycliff

And so even when Microsoft may have good games, it can't compare to the establsiehd quality of Sony and Nintendo systems.

However, because microsoft is starting to have games like JRPGs that gamers like, I predict that the next console will probably do better.

[QUOTE="DementedDragon"]

The only comment I would agree with is the marketing, the rest is just petty. What I get from those comments only tell me that those gamers:

• don't want to try something new
• are confused ("cute and disgusting", wth?)
• just don't like the Xbox
  

But hopefully they don't speak for the majority.

ceruxx

- They said that sony and nintendo had an established reputation, where xbox's reputation is not established yet.

- That was about Trusty Bell (aka Eternal Sonata), which gave some insight into why the game bombed in Japan. Maybe not just because it was out for Xbox.

- No one said "I just don't like the Xbox."

Yeah, I know it wasn't mentioned that they didn't like the Xbox, that's just the impression I got from reading some of those comments. How long does it take to establish a reputation over there I wonder?

And I'm a bit surprised at Trusty Bell bombing considering that Bandai-Namco (who has a great reputation in Japan) made the game. I figure it was the western c1assical influence that turned them off; I don't know if i'll ever get why they are the way they are, but I'm sure they would say the same.

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

Furycliff

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

I agree with won't try somethign new, but i think another reason is they are convinced north american made tech is garbage... yet its manufacturered over there and in other cheap to build industrial countries... ms needs to hire some good advertisers in Japan.

Phazevariance

And i'd agree with the 360s probability to malfunction as a reason they won't turn to the Xbox; and I wouldn't blame them. These systems cost money, I'd be highly pissed if something I paid $300-$400 malfunctioned, unprovoked in a short period of time. Though now, the breakdown percentage has decreased with the newer models, I hear.

And yeah, they need better advertisers in Japan.

[QUOTE="Furycliff"]

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

DireOwl

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3 all launched with a much more reliable product than the 360, its not even close really.

[QUOTE="DireOwl"][QUOTE="Furycliff"]

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

Furycliff

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3 all launched with a much more reliable product than the 360, its not even close really.

PS2=DRE(Was common)

Even thought they fixed it, it was still happening to a few people. And I was one of them. But before they "fixed" it, many people encountered this problem.

Every company makes mistakes, don't make Sony seem like saints when it comes to reliability...

It has to be becasue its an american system

WilliamRLBaker

Video game brand racism. I have heard it all.

Naming it the the XBox was bad marketing, litterally since the letter X mean's bad in Japan. So it's basically "BadBox 360".justforlotr2004

I wish they would dump "Xbox" and come up with something more warm and welcoming.

Here's what the Japanese really think of Xbox 360.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dar6vn8gK5HK/610x.jpg

AvIdGaMeR444

I actually lol'd too.

edit: my post count :twisted:

Here are two other ones.

"Because no one has one, friends don't* talk about it."

誰も持ってないから友達と話題にできないし

*literally "can't"

Another person compared the commercials

"Overseas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwoBxjchWUM

Japan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GKEsPzYFWA "

Do do do ...

Note that these are ALL from 2007. I didn't realize that until just now. ^^;

"Most people really don't think anything of the xbox. If the xbox were to come out with a good, previously established series, everyone would buy one. **"

ceruxx

he is right, Xbox hasnt had a good established franchise exclusive to its system that is loved in japan

TILL NOW!! AHAHAHAHAH MWAHAHA

[QUOTE="Furycliff"][QUOTE="DireOwl"][QUOTE="Furycliff"]

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

sargentbotk

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3 all launched with a much more reliable product than the 360, its not even close really.

PS2=DRE(Was common)

Even thought they fixed it, it was still happening to a few people. And I was one of them. But before they "fixed" it, many people encountered this problem.

Every company makes mistakes, don't make Sony seem like saints when it comes to reliability...

When did I say Sony was perfect? Fact is Nintendo and Sony have never released a console with as many problems as the 360, and im glad they are being punished outside of NA for bringing out a product before it was ready.

[QUOTE="DireOwl"][QUOTE="Furycliff"]

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

Furycliff

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3 all launched with a much more reliable product than the 360, its not even close really.

[QUOTE="sargentbotk"][QUOTE="Furycliff"][QUOTE="DireOwl"][QUOTE="Furycliff"]

Unlike americas, the Japanese expect quality when they buy a system, not something that has a high probability of breaking in less than a year.

So while MS rushing their system out in NA got them a head start in that market, worldwide it has done more damage than good.

Furycliff

Sony products aren't exactly known for their reliability.

PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3 all launched with a much more reliable product than the 360, its not even close really.

PS2=DRE(Was common)

Even thought they fixed it, it was still happening to a few people. And I was one of them. But before they "fixed" it, many people encountered this problem.

Every company makes mistakes, don't make Sony seem like saints when it comes to reliability...

When did I say Sony was perfect? Fact is Nintendo and Sony have never released a console with as many problems as the 360, and im glad they are being punished outside of NA for bringing out a product before it was ready.

Perfect? I never said you said they were perfect my friend. You said Sony launched more consoles with more reliability than the 360. The only way you could justify that is with self-experience.

Hell, I can say my 360 has more reliability than the PS2 because it DRE'd 6 months after I got it. And that happened to me. The main problem with the 360 is RROD. PS2's main problem was DRE.

It could go both ways with personal experience my friend.

[QUOTE="justforlotr2004"]Naming it the the XBox was bad marketing, litterally since the letter X mean's bad in Japan. So it's basically "BadBox 360".Dreams-Visions

I wish they would dump "Xbox" and come up with something more warm and welcoming.

Like maybe "HuggyWuggyBox"? :)

Perfect? I never said you said they were perfect my friend. You said Sony launched more consoles with more reliability than the 360. The only way you could justify that is with self-experience.

Hell, I can say my 360 has more reliability than the PS2 because it DRE'd 6 months after I got it. And that happened to me. The main problem with the 360 is RROD. PS2's main problem was DRE.

It could go both ways with personal experience my friend.

sargentbotk

I got 2 Sony dvd players that just stopped working and a home theater system that can only be turned on by remote.

Yeah, Japan sure makes quality products.:|

Actually they do. but stuff breaks right?

[QUOTE="Dreams-Visions"]

[QUOTE="justforlotr2004"]Naming it the the XBox was bad marketing, litterally since the letter X mean's bad in Japan. So it's basically "BadBox 360".AdobeArtist

I wish they would dump "Xbox" and come up with something more warm and welcoming.

Like maybe "HuggyWuggyBox"? :)

The blackbox?