4. The World Ends With You
The World Ends With Youis a crazy RPG set in a modern version of the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo, a location you’ll most definitely want to visit should you ever venture into Japan proper.
In the game, the player experiences much of the fictionalized version of Shibuya through the Underground (UG). However, while you’re battling for survival in the UG, the Realground (RG) is happening all around you, letting you see the world of Japan.
If you’re into RPGs and you want something that really steps outside of the box, this game is perfect for you. It’s fun, and it really does give an interesting look at what Japan is like, though it’s slightly less realistic than the other games on the list.
3. Shenmue
If you prefer your video games to come with that retro feel,Shenmuemight be the perfect series for dipping your toe into the world of Japanese culture.
Shenmuefollows the story of Ryo Hazuki as he seeks revenge in Yokosuka during the 1980s.
While the gameplay is rudimentary compared to modern games, the narrative holds up pretty well—plus it’s interesting to get a feel for what “open world” games were like back before open-world games blew up.
Like most video games, it takes some liberties with the setting, but it’ll still give you a feel for Japan through the eyes of the game’s creator, Yu Suzuki
Even for as old as the game is, it really does make you feel like you’re living in its world, which is exactly what we’re looking for when it comes to games set in Japan.
Note that whileShenmuetakes place in Japan, the sequelShenmue 2shifts the story to Hong Kong.
2. Yakuza 0
Whereas thePersonaseries follows the life of a Japanese high school student, theYakuzaseries goes in the opposite direction and follows the life of a Japanese gangster: Kazuma Kiryu, a (fictional) Yakuza member who’s caught up in crime, conspiracy, and politics.
Don’t expect a gritty tone, though. Unlike most crime games (e.g.Grand Theft Auto), theYakuzagames are far more lighthearted.
As a result, the series doesn’t paint a completely realistic picture of Japanese culture—but it feels authentic enough that it’ll make you want to go to Japan, if just to see how muchYakuzagets right. Plus, it’s a fun series!
Start withYakuza 0, which came out as a prequel to the main series and ended up being an awesome entry point for new players.
ThenYakuzaandYakuza 2(but make sure you play theKawamiremakes for PS4).Yakuza 3,Yakuza 4, andYakuza 5are available on PS3 whiileYakuza 6is available on PS4.
1. Persona 5
When it comes to getting a taste of Japanese culture, there’s no better series of games than theShin Megami Tensei: Personaseries.
Specifically, you should playPersona 3, Persona 4, andPersona 5, as they hold up pretty well in terms of gameplay, and they offer a more modern look at life in Japan. (If you can only play one, make itPersona 5!)
The series has a bit of a formula that it follows: A group of high school students are given the power to enter an alternate world to fight monsters, all in turn-based RPG fashion.
But in between all of that, you live out the day-to-day life of a Japanese high school student, and it’s this aspect of the series that will have you itching to visit (and the reason why the series has so many fans).
