Why the Japanese hate the 360

Speaking at the Nordic Games convention, Matsuura said the problem was with the AC adapter. Presumably, the Japanese don't like a giant brick lying around in their living room or bedroom as it is an ugly sight to see. Hiding the brick seems not to be the answer, but not buying the machine itself seems to solve the problem for consumers

[ChefDejon]

i remember there being a article of the same person saying that the japenese didnt like the ps3 because it was too big and it go approved easy. its only fair.

[clownfacemcgee]

I'm not a 360 fan, and maybe the power brick is a little bit annoying, but that's not keeping them from buying this console. There's nothing keeping them from buying the PS3 and it will pick up steam i time as games that the Japanese like come out.

What's holding back the 360 is 2 things. One, the games for it are distinctly western style and while I don't claim to know a lot about Japanese culture, I don't think the games for the 360 have much appeal. And two, ethnocentricity. People all around the world are ethnocentric and will have doubts about a foreign console. The 360 is American and did better in America. The PS3 is Japanese and did better in Japan (per capita anyways). Sorry Europeans that you don't make a console, but you can just keep a peein' (worst pun ever).

[Black Republican]

you name is
"thethejuggernaut"

[wildcat]

But most people don't even know it has a power brick. I'm willing to bet that if someone wants a compelling game, they won't let something like a power-brick get in the way. In Japan, the situation is that the 360 doesn't have brand recognition or many games that appeal to their flavor of games.

[power of Green]

I'm sure the other consoles will catch up to the 360 in the RPG/Race/Action genre's.

[gta_cb]

"the Japanese don’t like a giant brick lying around in their living room or bedroom as it is an ugly sight to see."

WOW thats the problem! hey MS just make a smaller power brick and you can sell loads in Japan.... no, i doubt its the power brick. i have hiden mine to make sure it doesnt make my Xbox 360 overheat, i dont mind seeing it.... but yeh would be nice if it was just a lead like the PS2 has (not sure about the PS3 as i dont own 1).

[FeralPhoenix]

yeah, you're right; That's it!, of course I should have known that the 360 wasn't selling in Japan because they don't like "a giant brick lying around in their living room or bedroom as it is an ugly sight to see." Somehow I never see it, unless I go digging up the power cords behind my TV -lol, maybe he meant to say that the 360 itself is the "giant brick". -Wow, and the excuse for the PS3 is that its "simply too big". -Well Sony better release that "Slim PS3" soon....very soon. -lmfao, this guy does not speak for the majority of Japanese....they buy the console that has the "appealing games" and gameplay...the bottom line is the Wii sells because of the price, the new controls and the cute charachters that Japanese gamers and mostly kids love.

vvvv Thanks!

[Observer]

nice TV dude !

[kewlkat007]

I'm jealous, I like your setup..., what kind of TV/stand is that?

Anyhow the first XBOX was a beast and wasn't too pretty, now the 360 which is a lot smaller but you just can't hide that power brick, and we know Japanese is lacking space. Then again the PS3 is a giant compared to the 360. So I'm not sure about that.

I understand the lack of games that suite their taste, but as I can see it, Japanese culture is becoming more open towards western/european games, and are having more gamers subscribe to online services.

Give me a break JAPAN. No need to come up with dull Excuses, not that I care, I have plenty of space for that power brick. Can't believe a "power brick" is why Japan is willingly be held hostage by SONY and NINTENDO.

[gta_cb]

yeh man i think its stupid to blame it on something like the "power brick" lol stupid!

oh and yet again showing off your quality set up i see ;) its quite impressive! i own a 32" HDREADY tv and its mounted to my bedroom wall, but it doesnt look as impressive as yours lol.

[artman]

I have japanese friends here, I've ask them...

first... they dont like the design "cheap looks" (one of them said) honestly it is...

second... the adaptor is really disturbing... dude~ we have tons of cables already. not included ps2, xbox, ps3 and wii.

third... understand the culture of japan, their house is tide, i mean really small... they live in a very small room/flat. check at google for japanese apartment... their apartment maybe as small as your room. (well that's a common in japan)

the other reason is not yet included noise and heat (overheat)
I've lived in a small flat... it is bothering to have extra adaptor... check japanese mobilephones... their adaptor is really small and portable, and mostly they have include the dock for charging. "it's called simple" japanese love anything simple than complicated, even their work is really complicated.

about the PS3 size, I can admit the size is a giant ... but it looks good, I'm not sure about you guys... but for me the design is good and eye catching... but I like the wii better personally... small and cute (that's what japanese mostly have taste on)

please understand the culture first before saying anything... we can appreciate your culture (western and others)

[drtysouf21]

Here is mine.

[kewlkat007]

You hit all the Points bro, bubble for you. No wonder, everybody in japan is swimming in Wii's, and HANDHELDS, because they have room for them.

I PS3 is GIANT but it looks slick, anyhow is there really room for 2-3 Consoles in japanese apartments? While I eventually get all 3 consoles, I feel like its either a Nintendo or a Sony product over there. I don't know if they fit all 3 over there. The only reason japanese would buy a 360 is becasue of the games, and right now the 360 hasn't stolen most of the big guns to warrant a "NOW" purchase, well maybe in the future.

Dang all these setups make me ashamed of my Dinky(but heavy) 27 inch HD CRT. I think in 4-5 months I gonna upgrade the TV and such, but for now I'm not posting any pics..haha

How come we don't have a "Post a Picture of your setup" Page?

[Why o why]

Seems like the future is now. Do you think i could fit a 360 in somewhere????

[HaKeRsCanRotINHEL]

Well my penis is BIGGER then yours!

[FeralPhoenix]

Wow, this non-issue has about 50 comments and I read them all. I wish people wouldn't have brought racism into the subject because thats really not the reason. As I have said before I have actually lived in Japan on and off for more than 4 yrs now (job related)and actually my wife is Japanese(a beautiful *English* teacher...OMG how lucky am I!!) anyway while ipods do sell very well in Japan....its a totally different mentality when it comes to videogames, they don't hate M$, but they do have a long and important place in history when it comes to videogames, which makes them less likely to purchase a foreign company's consoles or games, the mood is "slowly" changing, but it will be a long time before the masses will give ANY foreign company serious attention in the videogame market.

I understand that this could be "percieved" as racism, but its different because it isn't about "hate" its about being loyal/respectful of your history/culture and trying to preserve it as long as possible.....either way M$ has to deliver the GAMES that appeal to Japanese gamers, which is the only thing that will help "slowly" change their minds. "Their house is small", blah, blah, etc. while true (I lived in them) is really silly reason to think the power brick is what's holding M$ back (their not that small -lol), sure some may not like it but it would sell better if the mass Japanese gamers felt more open to foreign companies and there were more Japanese oriented games.

@ kewlkat, its a Z-lined designer 50"HDTV stand.....Hey guys thanks for the compliments; @ drtysouf and why o why those are cool setups as well. I'd love to see more personal "set-up" pics from N4G members. -"Its a good time to be a Gamer".

[Saint Sony]

What a great use of word "HATE"...not. Japanese don't hate 360 or PS3. Wii just happens to make them go "WANT WANT WANT!" for some reason and it is not aesthetics alone. Aesthetics are important what comes to product design, but I think it can be said that true gamers don't give a sh!t if the console with games of his/hers liking is a bit bigger than some in the market.

[Shaka2K6]

the games for it totally suck.IMO.

n4g is being paid by microsoft IMO!
free speach for everybody ok this is 2007.

[Ravenator529]

LOL at you!

[CompGeek]

LOL at you! +1

[THWIP]

YOU'RE A F*CKING MORON!

:)

[Ravenator529]

You won't buy a system because of a power brick? Cmon! give me a break!

The PS3 is IMO the most unsightly machine on the market but if it had the games that I want to play, I would most certainly pick one up.

Sure, presentation matters but to make a decision solely based off of the power brick? I guess the Japanese are more fickle than I!

[Observer]

It's not because the X360 LOOKS that it's performing in a mediocre way in Japan, it's because it's games lineup sucks (as per Japanese tastes).

For every RPG Microsoft gets, PS3 gets 15.

For every Robot/Samurai/Anime-themed game Xbox 360 gets, PS3 gets 100.

For every casual/pick-and-play game Xbox360 gets , Wii gets 150.

[THAMMER1]

This article is boring. Who cares!? If this is true than the Japanese gamers are just being ridicules. I have my power brick mounted on the back of my Entertainment stand. All it took was an old childrens book shelf and some old screws and about 2 min. and BAMM my brick is chilling behind my 360 and my HD Projector.

Game on.

[THE TERMINATOR]

To FeralPheonix
Nice T.V, pitty about the console

[N4GayFanturds]

the Xbox 720 the size of the Zune and change the name to something recognizable as a tiny dik (like Wii) and it'll sell billions over there.

Didn't they do any market research? They should know the Japanese don't like anything that belittles their 'manhood'.

[clownfacemcgee]

I don't care if that's a joke, it's not funny, it's racist, it's stereotypic, and I hope everyone reports you for it.

[The Real Joker]

Racist or not at least he is telling the truth. Have you seen there porn? Lets just say that these guys are supposed to be the well endowed folks to do these movies and well uhh lets just use the old Burger King slogan: "Wheres the Beef!?"

[shikwan]

stereotypical and racial to say that "The Japanese don't like western products"...? If I, or anyone tell you that Japanese tend to like small devices, than I suppose that's racial as well? Would you not say this article is racial or at least stereotypical?

I think you took offense to a light-hearted joke.

[Sphinx]

was Wendy's slogan, not BK's... but I forgive you :)
Oh yeah, and there is a difference between stereotypes and statistics... and statistically, the small "member" joke above is true.

[mcintosh233]

haha that made me lol and make an ass of myself
take it you're bigbaws then?

[DirtyRat]

What a stupid article as if the friggin power supply is going to stop someone buying it!

M$ is not a brand at all in Japan, Japanese dont much like western brands as it is, so it is always an uphill struggle to sell there, also considering Japanese gamers dont like the games we play generally either.

[N4GayFanturds]

It's the same with American cars--especially SUVs.

[Black Republican]

simple reason
it is all about trust and loyalty
xbox is a new brand - not to mention a western brand too

it would be sooo hard for any new console to try and go up againts consoles that have beeb around for how long???
nintendo and sony - are trusted brands - how many consoles have ppl all over the world got to try from nintendo
and how successfull was the ps1 and ps2

it would be hard for any new console to embraced by everyone everywhere, and I think xbox is doing ok for its second console out.

[mcintosh233]

people forget that sony are new too only 2 previous consoles.

it only takes one good product to be a household name as the ps1 proved

[PS360WII]

Well the Wii has an external power adapter so.... the power brick is not the problem. I think it's probably due to the idea that no Japanese player liked any games that Western devs did during the 90's and they still think the same way. They want good games and their memory is that western games are bunk. It'll be a very slow process to point out the fact that Western devs are making pretty compelling games now, but little by little they are warming up to the idea that some games from the West are good.

[ITR]

I'm not so sure about that. The 360 has sort of a cult following in Japan right now. I'm a halfy and I would say I do not like big consoles anymore. My friends PS3 is as big as my old 90's VHS machine and the power brick on the 360 looks like it could be used for a weapon, if need be.

I have limited space...so I wouldn't want something too big.

[alsef07]

thy are too busy playing pokemon and dragon bal z, japanese people just have different taste in games, thats why they love the ds, i just think its weird, but thats my personal point of view

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

And they don’t like American products coming into Japan (see trade disputes during the Clinton administration) In fact they try and stop these products from coming in by charging its costumer additional fees. Not to mention Japanese companies lobby and fight really hard to keep American business out, they are a capitalist society that still harbors imperialistic views in there companies (one company to rule them all)

[silent ninja]

i've long given up hope of japanese buying 360 if they want one they know where to get it if they don't there are other altenatives. its also pointless to discuss why they dislke this or not

but MS is also to blame, one would think they learnet from they mistakes but guess not

[the_bebop]

People should look at this interesting post in the forums section on the website of were this article was posted on.

"Ok, so here is a sad story... and my opinions... this is more blog-ish like, but w/e.

I went into a gamestore the other day, because believe it or not I haven't yet played Gears of War. I know, I know, I should be shot right? Well considering mine is oh, 3000 miles away, and I have only ever met ONE PERSON in Japan who owns one, and never even met someone who knows Halo, it's resonalble that　Ｉ have not gotten the chance to play Gears yet. So, I figure theres got to be a demo around here somewhere. I've been checking all around game stores for at least 2 months looking for one. All the demos except for Lost Planet are lame, so not only do they not have Gears wherever I go, they don't have anything good to make up for it. So anyway I go to a gamestore I haven't checked yet, and they have a massive 360 demo both. Surround sound, Samson HDTV, 2 controllers and a clean, brand new 360...

and it was turned off.

Yes, turned off. The screen　black and the green light that　Ｉ had looked forward to meeting shed none of it's beautiful glow. I quickly investigated. I approached a store clerk (a very attractive one by the way, but then again, asians are just hot, exspecially the Japanese) and iquired as to why I couldn't game it up on my white box of joy. The answer was, since the PS3 demo booth arrived, corprate said that the combination of the two ate up too much power. They only turn the 360 on in the morning, and turn it off at around noon. That's only two hours. Two hours!

She said they even have a new rule to turn the lights off in the break room when not using it. They did it before periodically she said, but now they must turn the lights off. I was suprised, shocked, and still perplexed. Why would this game store even bother having a 360 unit in there. I asked if she could turn it on so I could play, and the answer was no. No way. Them's the rules, apparently. Honestly, the 360 has no chance in Japan people. Most people haven't even bothered touching the controller, let alone playing one.

Japanese gamers are a different species to Europeans, Australians, and North American. They don't rent their games here. Every store that has tried that here got nowhere, they don't want to rent games. They say they don't rent because its to bothersome to return a game that you want to keep playing, and since they prefer RPG's mostly, it's more wise to buy it rather than "borrow it for money" as they say.

They look at games and Judge them if differnet ways than us as well. Not to say all of us judge on graphics, but wahts the first thing we usually notice? How it looks.　Ｉｆ　it catches our eye, we then look at it deeper. Japanese gamers are the complete opposite. They will see a game and not even think about or mention the graphics at first (unless its absolutely jaw dropping of course), instead they inquire as to the story. Almost everytime a Japanese kid sees me playing a game they don't know, the immediately ask, "What's the story like? What's the main character like?" The they go on asking how long it is usually, or if the save system is good. Whereas we ("we" being non-Japanese gamers) will base it on looks at first usually, then see how the combat system, for instance, plays out, or how the controls are. I value story as much as the next buy, and while it's annoying, we all know games can get by with little or no story *ehem-Gears-ermf*. Gears has done well in Japan, yes, but you would be suprised at whose buying these 360's with Gears of War- Foreigners! In Tokyo you will see foreigners everywhere, it looks more like the US than Japan. A lot of these guys come to Japan because they are Otaku's (geeks) and wnat to hook up with Japanese school girls. Sterotypical, but, on a large scale it is very true. These guys love games, manga, and everything that goes along with that. They love Japanese games, but they pay closer attention to the Western game market than Japanese do. Of course many Japanese hardcore kids play Gears, but the foreigners are contributiing a lot to that picture.

What Microsoft needs is more Japanese people selling the Xbox 360 to Japanese people. Japanese don't want "Do! Do! Do!". Thats a very misinformed marketing phrase thought up buy misinformed American business men who thought that since Japanese love english stuff along those lines, they would take to something simples like this. No. Not true. They don't have to understand the phrase. If fact, it's better if they don't understand it. It should be funky, and something deep about life. "You have power, take!" Just something dumb like that. Put words like power, fantasy, dreams and things along those lines and if they can just pick out the few words they know, they will be like, "すげ！,"which means awesome. But American marketing can't do that, they need to localize themselves more to get anywhere.

Not only do they need more games, but more importantly they need more positive exposure in a Japanese fashion.

イアン　シャウッド"

http://forum.xboxic.com/sho...

[LoydX-mas]

It says they also don't like the size of the PS3!
It only makes sense though:
130 million people in a country the size of California

If I lived there I would want all my stuff to be small too!

[artman]

Japanese is not as racist as you jason, they love western product, they buy LV like peanuts. They watch holywood movies like we do, they also listen western music.
And don't think that I hate americans, my bestfriend here is amercians. many americans live near my house. and many japanese, korean, chinese also lived around my house.

Are you buying 360s because it's american product? I don't buy things because of my country or any other country. I buy product because it's a good product.
if you don't like it, you don't buy it... that's it. there is nothing to do with nationality or races.

don't forget that ipod sell more in japan than US. why? there is only one reason... apple create a good product.

I bought 360 because it's interesting. if not why should I bother? I will buy wii because it's different, I bought PS3 because it has bluray. I get a PC because it just for work, get a macbookpro because it has a good software for my job.

I don't buy ipod, because i don't know where I can enjoy it.
you see, is not because I don't like the product... the culture in my country, we go anywhere by car. we don't have culture for public transportation. we don't have time to spent time with our ipod. at home I can listen MP3 anywhere.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

You don't know me or anyone else on here so don't ever call me racist again.

Here are some links for you do some (research)
http://findarticles.com/p/a...
http://www.iht.com/articles...
http://www.voanews.com/engl...
http://www.nytimes.com/2005...
http://news-service.stanfor...

I said nothing that was untrue or racist, its not my fault that your an A$$hole trying to downplay truth. The Japanese "don't" like American products and the Japanese companies "do" make it hard for products to get in (refer to links above) And I never said a f**king thing about movies or music (that is culture by the way not electronic products) Here is a quarter, now go to the library and buy some f**king history books or turn your newspaper to the business section and not the comics section.

edit to PS360WII "also on one of your articals it points out that the US was practicing unfair buisnesses when trying to stiff arm Japan." I used that link so not to be to one sided or to biased about the issue. But as far as truth is concerned Japan is a little shady when it comes to importing to there country. I'm not saying America is better but at least we play a fair game as far as internatonial buisness is concerned, our companies just treat there own kind like sh!t. Japans whole economy is based around export not import. So when it comes to outsiders selling in there country they put up restrictions to try and stop or slow foreign products and then pass the extra cost to the costumer. Fact people who work in overseas shipping all know this because we are charged extra for it.

[PS360WII]

interesting articles Jason. The one on the meat is a bit off beat for saying Japan doesn't buy American, because that was in respect of the Mad Cow Disease that was kind of wide spread from here. As far as all the manufacturing stuff US could easily compete if we did what they do and make US as heavy manufactures. Everyone is complaining about there aren't enough jobs around well pick up a welder and a hammer and make some things. With bulk you get cheaper prices, which is what Japan and China are doing. Everyone works and they make everyday items in bulk, a lot of bulk. All those articles are from US people just complaining that Japan is doing better business than us and we want them to stop... while stamping our feet.

edit: also on one of your articals it points out that the US was practicing unfair buisnesses when trying to stiff arm Japan. So really there are always 2 stories to tell when dealing with buisnesses and importing/exporting. We as US citizens would love to believe we are always in the right, but well I don't need to finish.

[Why o why]

but like PS360WII said it goes both ways in terms of making it harder for foreigners. Plus the reason a lot of people know japanese and east asin brands is because of their reliability. From cars to consoles you cannot deny that their stuff is made to a higher quality. especially electrical goods. The racist word is being shouted too quickly nowadays. cumon we are not all the same. celebrate that.

[PS360WII]

I see I see. Thanks for putting all those links in also. I like the fact that you did put that one in so not to be biases. Good form ^^
I do see that Japan is top heavy into exporting and really can't get in line with imports, but as far as 360 goes aren't retailers cutting the cost of them already? I think the main point Japan isn't Jumping In, so to say, is because there aren't that many games that garner their want. With a choice selection of maybe a handfull... Just like in terms of PS3 there just isn't enough software to go with the purchase.

[rowdy 1]

are played out

[midgard229]

wii is a flat gamecube, its easy to play and pick up, and its small, they can shove it in their book shelf if they wanted,

the japanese people who said they dont like big consoles must not be gamers if size is what matters and not games.

seriously, i think the 360 is fine, although why is the adapter so huge when the ps3 doesnt even have an adapter, and the ps3 doesn't overheat, i have NO IDEA lol

ps3 is huge, its heavy to move with one hand like i do often lol, but its nice, shiny, and looks like a cool printer lol. the 360....the color is ugly, i want the black color.

but yeah, 360 doesnt have enuff j-rpgs, so thats why also. *shrugs who cares.

i luv all games except easy pick up and play games like nintendo's games cuz IMO they get boring really fast and have no point to them, and aren't fun to play IMO. so western rpgs, shooters, jrpgs, fighting games, action games etc... ps3, 360 for me

[DADO]

Japanese do not like the 360 because of the high failure rate. Japanese are known for quality and the 360 is not a high quality console.

[Boink]

that was just stupid.

I have a number of Japanese products that have crapped out.

also the ps2 sold well, and the first batch had a massive defect in the dvd drive.

nice try though...

[drtysouf21]

Here is mine

[Dr Pepper]

That is one big TV.
I'd be afraid to put my stuff underneath that, it would smash them if it fell!
nice set up though

[blackmagic]

when the 65nm processor is being used, power requirements will go down so the power supply should shrink some. Maybe this will help.

[Boink]

I can guarantee you the brick has little to nothing to do with it.

it is always about games, if people see enough games they want on a console, they will buy it, period.

MS and SONY need to get many more games in japan before people will see the need to buy their consoles.

america and Europe are getting games of interest to them, and there are selling fairly well in those places.

[Counter_ACT]

LOL. What a load of crap. I think if people didnt like it because of some stupid power adaptor the sales would be a little higher because less people would care. Its the games they dont care about.

[Dogswithguns]

it's the powerbrick.....It doesnt have the type of games, that's it!

[HaKeRsCanRotINHEL]

more like the Napoleon Complex, if you ask me!

[dale1]

japanese market is totally different to ours if you check out there games. shooters dont rock there boat, golf on the other hand virtual enviroments puzzle games do,ninetendo do a lot of simple graphical type games that make shed loads of money they know this market inside out and have done over years.sony doesn,t do as well but are getting there with the release of hunter freedom 2 on psp shifting almost 200000 units in a week.
sony also has little big planet golf5 gran turismo and others for them
there games always seem to be some what cartoon like with the exception of a few interesting reading is vg chartz where you will see the large numbers some of these games shift
xbox games like halo 2, gears of war etc don,t even get a mention

[BitbyDeath]

It's really a mixture of things, yes the power brick is part of the problem, the japanese like having smaller consoles ie "the Wii", but it's also the games and the fact that an Xbox 360 is prone to dying at least once a day.

[mcintosh233]

they're hands are 2 small for the controller haha
nah seriously have a random question for anyone who cares to answer do japs use windows or do they have somethin else

[23478ueyur_938223]

I hate the way the Wii looks, not because it's small, I just dislike the design. But I wouldn't choose whether I 'hate' it or not in general over that alone.

[pshizle]

i dont mind it!!!

[pshizle]

microsoft=bad marketing

the games done appeal

its american

and no dont blam it on the power brick

[LoveHateTragedy]

What it really comes down to is everything from bad marketing/press to poor game selection, as well as previous experiences with the Xbox consoles. The first one suffered from a lot of bad publicity due to faulty hardware, so that obviously affected the popularity of both Xbox and Xbox 360.

[progx]

seriously, they buy the dumbest sh*t. Check out the pic and you'll understand.

[SDS Overfiend]

Hiroshima! I might lose a bubble for this but it is my honest opinion.

[Lacarious]

who cares what they think/do/whatever?

[ASSASSYN 36o]

A power brick is a problem thats all they got. WEAK.

[level 360]

Quite true. It's not very innovative to have a brick - which was never given any thought in the design process next to the console.