The Japanese gaming scene once again brings an interesting combination of smaller announcements, returns of cult names, and projects that go beyond just games.
This week's Japan Report opens with Persona, as according to a report from Variety, a live-action series based on Atlus's popular RPG series is in development. The project is reportedly being developed for Netflix, with 21 Laps and Story Kitchen mentioned as producers. Christopher Monfette is set to be the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, while Netflix declined to comment on the report. The news comes at a time when Persona is back in focus, with the announced Persona 4 Revival and the previously confirmed sixth main game in the series.
Square Enix marked the 35th anniversary of the Mana series with a special trailer.
The first game in the series, Final Fantasy Adventure, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu, originally released for Game Boy on June 28, 1991. Over the decades, the series has built a recognizable identity through its action RPG approach, fairy-tale atmosphere, and music that has remained a hallmark of the franchise for many. The latest major installment, Visions of Mana, was released in 2024 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Fans of unusual horror will soon receive another version of the cult title Ao Oni.
Game Studio will release the PlayStation 5 version of this horror RPG on July 3, priced at 990 yen. This game has its roots in 2004, and the newer edition is already available for Nintendo Switch and PC. Ao Oni features an escape from a mysterious mansion, the haunting of a blue demon, an official High Speed Mode with speeds ranging from 2x to 15x, and an additional mode Ao Oni: Ai’s Story, where the girl Ai explores the mansion with a changing room layout.
Entergram has announced Sentimental Graffiti Re, a remake of the dating simulation Sentimental Graffiti, which originally released in 1998 for Sega Saturn.
Platforms and release date have not yet been confirmed, but part of the new voice cast has been revealed. Honoku Sawatari will voice Mirai Tachibana, Emiru Nagakuru will voice Tsubaki Makino, Wakanu Ayasaki will voice Koharu Miyazawa, Kaho Morii will voice Moka Hinata, Manami Sugiharu will voice Kokona Natsume, and Chie Matsuoku will voice Kanata Aikawa. Voice actresses for the remaining characters, including Taeko Adachi, Asuka Hoshino, Miyuki Hosaku, Ruriku Yamamoto, Akira Endou, and Yuu Nanase, will be selected through auditions.
Bokosuka Wars II is also returning to PC.
Pygmy Studio has announced that the simulation RPG will arrive on Steam in 2026. The game was previously available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and is a sequel to a series that holds a special place in Japanese genre history. The original Bokosuka Wars was created in 1983 for the X1 computer and is often highlighted as one of the early foundations of simulation RPGs. Bokosuka Wars II puts the player in the role of King Slen, who gathers an army, rescues allies, leads formations, and attempts to defeat the tyrant King Ogres. The PC version includes an army of over 100 units, cooperative play for two players, a progression system, and the ability to switch between classic and original visual styles based on the work of creator Rash.
A new version of the tactical RPG Banchou Tactics: Lion Heart has also been announced.
Corecell Technology and ITSARAAMATA are preparing a game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with a release planned for the third quarter of 2026. The game is set in a world of rivalry among Japanese delinquent schools, following Kusumiya Kyoshira and his allies as they navigate conflicts, friendships, and school showdowns. The combat system combines tactical positioning with action timing, so players must pay attention to strikes, blocks, counters, and special attacks.
On the other hand, Full Stride brings a calmer, yet specific sports direction.
The authentic jockey racing game releases on July 16 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, priced at 4,980 yen. The game puts the player in the role of a jockey, focusing on group positioning, pace, horse stamina, and the right moment to attack in the race's final stretch. In addition to career progression towards G1 races, Full Stride features online multiplayer for up to four players, horse customization, a replay system, and Photo Mode.
Grasshopper Manufacture is finally bringing the first major update for Romeo Is A Dead Man.
The update titled “ROMEO IS CHANGED, MAN” will be available on Steam from June 26, 2026, Japan time, while the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will receive the same content later. The update adds two Hotline Miami collaboration costumes, a Costume Change option, and Photo Mode. After completing the game and saving data, players can go to Romeo's room on the Space-Time Ship and unlock outfits, including Jacket's “Chicken Mask” combination and Biker's “Full-face Helmet” look. Along with the update, a 20 percent discount has been launched on Steam, as well as a new bundle with Hotline Miami games.
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