The FamiKatsu | December 3, 2023

Did you know that December is an interesting time in Japan. There are two words in Japanese for every month, with the standard being １月 (First Month, etc.) and a second word. For December, it is 師走 (Shiwasu) which translates into “Teachers are Busy.” I believe Danny Bivens can agree to this, and everyone else in Japan and all over the world are busier as well with the End of Year festivities and workloads.

As-of the initial draft of the script, a sneaky newcomer entered the list, and the last ranked article got bumped out, however I already wrote the part! So, this week we will be seeing the Top 11! Riveting stuff! (Sorry about the delay in the article!)

This week on The FamiKatsu, the week of November 26th to December 2nd, here are what Famitsu readers read the most, in a 10-to-1 list order!

Disclaimer: Unless stated otherwise, all Famitsu article-related pictures are property of Famitsu. Also, as this is an overview, unfortunately full translations of articles will not be provided. Furthermore, if there are any erroneous translations in this article, feel free to submit a comment outlining said error. I will be happy to find out where I fell short!

#11 - Square Enix Year-End Ultimate Sale

News - Home Console Game - PS5 - PS4 - Switch - Press Release

Now that the end of the year has come, and following the reported sales of Square Enix over the last financial quarter (FamiKatsu, Famitsu), Square Enix has started its Christmas Sales (on their digital catalog.) Starting November 27 and running until December 20, these are available on the Nintendo eShop and the PlayStation Store. Not sure what the savings are for online stores outside of Japan, but Famitsu quickly outlines the main savings you can find on the Japanese storefronts. Be sure to check out the full article over here.

#10 - New Pokémon and Ichiban Kuji Collab ~HIDAMARI LIFE~

Entertainment

A new collaboration between the Pokémon Company and Ichiban KUJI has resulted in a new line of ~HIDAMARI LIFE~, or rather ~SUNNY LIVING LIFE~ (once again, please pardon any disliked translation errs). What is ichiban KUJI you ask? It is a lottery that participating Japanese convenient stores have. The merit about the lottery is that there is no losing ticket, just the size of the prize depends on the guaranteed-winning ticket. Ticket prices are 700 yen (Approx. USD$4.75) and was available as-of November 24, 2023. Famitsu’s article goes over all available options on offer through this new collaboration, ranging from the pictured hammock-lounging plushies, to other goods such as bags, cutlery and even hand towels. Check out Famitsu’s article here for a full look at the goods on offer.

#9 Splatoon 3’s New Chill Season Event

News - Home Console Game - Switch

This article was one that recently jumped into the top 10 list here on FamiKatsu, bumping both the Pokémon Kuji collab, and Square Enix’s Ultimate Sale down one spot each. So what’s the fuss? Well, sneakily coming after Splatoon’s Halloween event a month prior, of course Splatoon was going to have a winter event. Borrowing the same name from Splatoon 2, Chill Season will feature new gear, costumes , and a new snowy layer over the area. Check out the original article on Famitsu over here.

#8 - JoJo Part 3 Stardust Crusaders New Items On Sale

Entertainment

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3’ Stardust Crusaders and apparel maker Avail have released new items for the anime and manga title. Available from December 2 from both retail and online stores of Avail, the new goods available range from wearable goods, such as underwear, upper wear and lower wear, and also a range of bags. Check out Famitsu’s short coverage over here with their article.

#7 - ONE PIECE Card Game New Booster Pack

Special / Project Article

Released on November 25 in Japan, the new booster series of the ONE PIECE card game, titled “The Two Supreme Rulers” (Japanese title 双璧の覇者, official English title unknown), just like the previous coverage of Pokémon TCG boosters in past FamiKatsu coverage, Famitsu once again dives into the the rare cards, with foils and special cards on full display. Check out their article over here to enjoy the card art!

#6 - McDonalds Japan and Fate/Grand Order Festive Collaboration

Entertainment

Previously in 5th Place, but after refreshing the list, fell into 6th position, another collaboration occupies the weekly rankings. This time? It is between McDonalds Japan and… Fate/Grand Order! An unlikely collaboration, however here we are! With very little to work off, Famitsu notices that this preview picture posted on McDonald's Japan social media account shows the silhouette of Artoria Pendragon (Festive Theme: Santa Oruta). More information was released on November 29, however that isn’t discussed in this article. Check out the full article on Famitsu over here.

#5 - Welcome Additions to Amazon Prime Video in Japan

Entertainment

December is the month of festivities, and Amazon Prime Video Japan agrees, by bringing The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the Harry Potter movie series to the platform! However, that is not all! Other titles, such as. Fantastic Beasts (well, it is a Harry Potter franchise…) and a slew of Japanese titles, like “Black Night Parade” and others. Check out the full list on Famitsu’s article over here and the Famicast article here.

#4 - Detective Conan 30th Year Anniversary

Entertainment

Detective Conan is celebrating its 30-year serialization with an exhibition. Starting from January 12 next year, the exhibition is taking place in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City, and following throughout Japan thereafter. Presale tickets go on sale from December 8, from 7:00 p.m. onwards. To find out more information on the exhibition layout and details on what will be exhibited, check out the original article on Famitsu over here.

#3 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Hisuian Samurott Raid Information

Special / Project Article - Home Console Game - Switch

Since the inception of the FamiKatsu, a bare-few weeks ago, we have already seen two Pokémon Scarlet and Violet raids, involving a Hisuian Typhlosion and another Strongest Eevee. This time sees a raid against a Hisuian Samurott. Once again, Famitsu provides a guide that details the optimal Pokémon lineup, optimal attack-types and how to approach the raid from both Solo Play and Multiplayer. Check out the full Famitsu guide over here on their site.

#2 - Overview of the Mystery Gifts this Season

Special / Project Article - Home Console Game - Switch

Tis’ the season to be greedy. This season has Santa Famitsu showering the Famitsu-reader children a collection of all Mystery Gift codes that have propagated as-of late. Most likely limited to the Japanese region, be sure to pop over to Famitsu’s article over here to make sure you capitalize on the free Mystery Gifts that are on offer this season!

#1 - New Pokémon Trading Card Game December Booster Release

Special / Project Article

Following in the hot-tails of the ONE PIECE Card Game that also populates this list, and prior coverage of the Pokémon TCG. Released on December 1, the new high-class booster pack series, “Shiny Treasure ex”, contains 10 cards per pack and costs ¥550 (approx. USD$3.75). Famitsu goes over the Art Rares (AR) and Special Art Rares (SAR), and others, in their dive into the new booster series. Check out the full article over here to also see the spread of the new cards.


With the dominance of the Black Friday sales now gone, the Christmas sales are going to start slowly trickle in! Why do Famitsu readers enjoy their gaming-related goods? 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s FamiKatsu and hope you look forward to next week’s article as well!