Japan Connection explores the games, collectibles, characters and pop culture worth knowing.
From Japanese video games and Pokémon to trading cards, iconic characters and collecting culture, we look beyond the surface to explore the ideas, inspirations and stories behind the things we love.
This is not a news site built around every announcement, release or rumor. And it is not a traditional review site.
Instead, Japan Connection focuses on deep dives, curiosities and lasting stories: the folklore behind character designs, the real-world influences behind fictional worlds, the cultural ideas hidden inside games, the history of collectible franchises, and the reasons certain Japanese creations became global phenomena.
What We Cover
Our main areas of focus are:
Gaming
Japanese games, developers, settings, design, folklore, history and cultural influences.
Pokémon
Creature origins, mythology, regions, design, franchise history and the ideas behind the Pokémon world.
TCG & Collecting
Japanese trading cards, collecting culture, artwork, sets, accessories and practical guides for collectors.
Japanese Pop Culture
Characters, toys, mascots, arcades, franchises, design and the wider world of Japanese entertainment.
Our Approach
We aim to create articles that remain useful and interesting long after they are published.
That means we may use a new game, card set or release as a starting point, but the goal is usually to go deeper: to explain where an idea came from, what influenced it, or why it matters.
Japan Connection may also publish selected buying guides and product recommendations where they genuinely fit the interests of our readers.
Some links on the site may be affiliate links. These never change the price you pay. You can read more in our Affiliate Disclosure.
Who Runs Japan Connection
Japan Connection is an independent editorial project created for readers who are interested in Japanese games, Pokémon, collecting and pop culture — and want to know more than what appears on the box.
For questions, corrections, partnerships or suggestions, visit our Contact page.