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: The backbone of Japanese media, exported globally and influencing everything from fashion to tourism. Some popular Japanese games include: However, the unique genius of Japanese TV isn't the drama; it is the variety show . In the US, variety shows died in the 1970s. In Japan, they evolved into a horror-science hybrid. Shows like Gaki no Tsukai or Wednesday Downtown require a suspension of disbelief that borders on the avant-garde. They place idols in rooms full of snakes, force comedians to solve escape rooms without blinking, or produce the surreal "Silent Library." : The market is highly concentrated, with three services controlling half of the revenue: Japan is the homeland of Nintendo, Sony, and Capcom. The "Let's Play" genre of video content is massive. However, Japanese copyright law regarding game streaming is notoriously strict. For years, Japanese companies restricted story-based game streams past a certain chapter. Recently, companies like Nintendo have liberalized their guidelines, allowing creators to monetize gameplay, which has spurred a new wave of Japanese-speaking gaming YouTubers. |