8 Japanese Mobile Games You Won't Put Down - Circles Tech

1. HungryMaster

A sequel to the equally weird ElectroMaster, HungryMaster has a concise plot -- turn your enemies into food and collect them so you and your village don't starve. The mechanics are as easy as swiping across the screen, making it simple to pick up and difficult to put down.

In terms of translation, HungryMaster comes off as less professional and more "All your base are belong to us," but with a game this fun, it's easily forgiven.

Available for iOS.

2. Mysterious Creatures

"Find the hidden object" apps are normal for the English-speaking market, but this Japanese version will have you digging in a heap of whitebait. Mysterious Creatures asks players to find deep sea fish and crustaceans hiding amongst other tiny fish. There is no ultimate end goal -- players continue to collect these hidden ocean critters until they decide to stop.

Available for iOS and Android.

3. Cats All Over (or Cat Wake Up)

You know what makes puzzles instantly better? Adorable cats. Or at least that's what Cats All Over (or Cat Wake Up, since the app name and the name displayed on the home screen differ) believes. The goal is to make sure all the cats are awake or asleep at the appropriate times, or they will become sick. This is a deceptively simple game that makes you race against the clock.

Available for iOS.

4. The Legendary Blacksmith

Swords are one of the most romanticized weapons in many cultures, so many games feature them in combat. This app, however, doesn't want you to swing a sword -- it wants you to make one. The Legendary Blacksmith lets players create different types of Japanese swords, explaining the different types in a mixture of game and history lesson.

Available for iOS.

5. Rage of Bahamut

Monster card games have always been big in Japan, a love that spread throughout the world with Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh. It's no surprise that this pastime would adapt to the digital era, and Rage of Bahamut is one of the most popular. Users can collect cards, battle and expand their pack.

While a digital card game may seem odd, just remember it doesn't require you to spend hundreds of dollars on card packs, like in the old days.

Available for iOS and Android.

6. Ma. Yu. Mo. Ri.

One of the most popular games on this list, Ma. Yu. Mo. Ri. follows an archer as he crosses a field, collecting flowers and fighting monsters throughout his journey. This relaxing, storybook-esque game uses soothing music and a minimalist design to amaze and inspire.

While the claymation portions can sometimes feel a little out of place, this creative game is truly a work of art and a breath of fresh air in the mobile gaming market.

Available for iOS and Android.

7. MewMew Tower

Stacking cats may not sound like a challenge, but MewMew Tower takes it to a whole new level. Place cats, big and small, on top of each other to make the tallest tower possible. Your phone can also help the cats stay balanced by tilting it left and right. Just don't let your furry friends fall -- it would be a real catastrophe (pun absolutely intended).

Available for iOS and Android.

8. Battle Cats

Japan apparently shares the Internet's love for felines, because they appear in many games made for mobile devices. So. it's no shock to see that after waking them up and building a tower with them, an app has cats fight various monsters. The game is bizarre in its humor, even in small details like the villain descriptions, adding to its addictive nature.

Be forewarned, the current update has the game only in Japanese, though the English version should be back soon.

Available for Android.



Westerners probably know Japan best for its anime, Pocky and strange TV shows — and its ever-growing cellphone culture.

App and mobile game developers flourish in Japan, creating amazing and beautiful games for an audience of millions. Many companies have released these games in English, giving non-Japanese smartphone users a chance to try them.

Not all games translate well to English-speaking audiences, and some concepts can seem strange or peculiar to those not familiar with Japanese culture or gaming. For even the most adventurous gamer, some of these apps can seem like a risk not worth taking, especially the paid ones.

Whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, here are eight bizarre but still wholly enjoyable Japanese mobile game you can play.

Have you found other hidden Japanese gems for iOS or Android? Leave suggestions for more awesome apps in the comments below.