Video games are a normal part of life now, with several decades, hundreds of consoles, and thousands upon thousands of games to choose from. But did you know there are multiple video games featuring some of your favourite Japanese musicians? And we’re not talking about the usual rhythm games like Guitar Hero or DDR. Here are 10 times that musicians jumped into the video game realm unexpectedly.
Bujingai – Gackt
There is a meme in the J-rock fan community of how Gackt is everywhere, often referring to Gackt appearing in unusual places as “Gackt jumpscares”. But truly he is everywhere, even starring in 2003’s ‘Bujingai’. The game is a hack and slash where you play as Lau Wong (Gackt) to save the world from demons. Not only is the game actually good, it also received releases outside of Japan meaning western fans can enjoy the demon slicing romp. Also, for optimum Gackt-ification, you can even unlock a Gackt costume so you can dice up enemies as the man himself. This isn’t the first time where Gackt has been cast in a supernatural lead role though. His film ‘Moon Child’ released just several months prior to ‘Bujingai’ (and the film also co-stars Gackt’s bestie HYDE).
And just as a head’s up in case you get surprised by Gackt jumpscares- this won’t be the only time you’ll be seeing him on this list…
Gekitotsu Toma L’Arc: TomaRunner VS L’Arc-En-Ciel
Now, what would you expect a game starring J rock royalty L’Arc-en-Ciel to be like? Maybe a rhythm game, maybe a music management sim, maybe even a dress up game? How about a racing game? A running through an obstacle course kind of racing game? No? Well 2000’s PS1 game ‘Gekitotsu Toma L’Arc: TomaRunner vs L’Arc-en-Ciel’ was just that. Released exclusively in Japan, the game is a sequel to kart racer ‘Gekisou Tomarunner’, this time featuring Laruku, sans karts. Play as Hyde, Tetsu, Ken, and Yukihiro, and race through various courses, and if you do well enough, unlock ‘Driver’s High’, ‘Niji’, ‘Route 666’, ‘Trick’, and ‘Stay Away’ for the chibi band members to perform. We can’t say we’d recommend it as a game, but it’s a great item for fans to add to their collection.
Final Fantasy X-2 – Koda Kumi
Whilst this isn’t an artist starring in their own game, Koda Kumi did lend her songs ‘Real Emotion’ and ‘1000 Words’ for the Japanese release of ‘Final Fantasy X-2’. Not only that, but she also provided the motion capture for the dance in the opening scene, a first for a musical artist. The opening features our old friends Yuna and Rikku, along with new friend Paine at a concert, with Yuna performing the track. There is a twist to this of course, but despite the game being *checks calendar* over TWENTY years old (god, has it really been that long?), we won’t spoil it for you.
Minimoni Shakatto Tambourine! Da Pyon! – Minimoni
Morning Musume offshoot Minimoni were a big deal in the early 2000s, with anime, TV spots, and multiple games under their belts. One of the games starring the idols was ‘Minimoni Shakatto Tambourine! Da Pyon!’, a rhythm game developed by Sega. Originally an arcade title, the series received its PS1 spin-off featuring only Minimoni and Morning Musume songs. Released exclusively in Japan back in 2002, the game also came with a tambourine controller for you to play with (remember when games came with exciting peripherals? Ahh what a time). The game had over 17 songs to jam out on your tambourine to, including ‘Mini Strawberry Pie’, ‘Jankenpyon!’, and ‘Ren’ai Revolution’.
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII – Gackt
We’re trying not to fill this list with too much Gackt, but here he is once more, with a Genesis cameo in the secret ending of the FFVII sequel starring Vincent Valentine. You know, it really is impossible to avoid this guy. This time Gackt wrote and performed the game’s two theme songs- ‘Longing’ and ‘Redemption’. Not only this, but he also became Genesis for the music video and promotional images. Released in 2006, the certified bangers stay in constant rotation here at EBW, even all these years later.
Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth – RHYMESTER
Those familiar with the Ryu ga Gotoku/Yakuza series will know the games are host to a multitude of celeb cameos, and the most recent installation is no different. Hip-hop group RHYMESTER’s Utamaru appears in ‘Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth’ playing the part of one of Seonhee’s officers, also named Utamaru. And true to Yakuza fashion, his cameo has some comedic relief, with the character being just a little bit of a pushover in the presence of Seonhee.
BIOHAZARD (Resident Evil) – L’Arc-en-Ciel
In 2016, to commemorate their 25th anniversary, L’Arc-en-Ciel teamed up with Capcom and Sony Interactive Entertainment to create a groundbreaking VR music video for their single ‘Don’t be Afraid’. This collaboration, which also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Resident Evil game series, resulted in the world’s first fully 360° digitalized music video. Debuted at the Tokyo Game Show, the video featured CGI versions of the band members in Resident Evil-themed costumes and utilized photogrammetry techniques for a lifelike experience. Available on PlayStation VR, the video blended the worlds of J-rock and survival horror, allowing fans the pleasure of getting chowed down on by a zombified HYDE.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Gackt
Ah, here he is again. Gackt this time turns up as Genesis Rhapsodos in the PSP FFVII prequel ‘Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII’. Not only lending his likeness for the title, this time he also voiced the character for the Japanese version. This came after years of speculation about various FF characters being modelled after Gackt, with Tetsuya Nomura denying many of the claims (come on, Squall really does look just like him!). Only time will tell if we’ll be seeing Gackt again in the FF universe, with the remake of the Compilation of FFVII project still underway.
Incredible Crisis – Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
1999 was a great time to be alive- Pokemon had begun airing on UK television, ska was alive and well, and the PS1 was overrun with amazing titles. One oft overlooked title is Incredible Crisis. Developed by Polygon Magic, and released for the PS1 in 1999, the game is a bizarre minigame filled fever dream. The story follows a family trying to get home early for grandma’s birthday, each encountering increasingly silly obstacles. What you might not expect is that the soundtrack is by the 10 member ska band Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. Just the game’s theme alone is often stuck in our heads, and it’s difficult to avoid skanking along while playing the game, increasing the difficulty somewhat. The ska soundtrack really fits the silly and lighthearted vibe of the game, and is a must play for fans of ska and weird games alike.
Parappa the Rapper – Gackt
Okay, sorry in advance, but he’s back. Whilst not in the actual game, Gackt did (for some unknown reason) appear in a commercial for the Dwango phone service, which (also for some unknown reason) featured Parappa the Rapper. We haven’t got a lot to say about this, you just “gotta believe!”.
And there you have it- our top 10 times Japanese musicians invaded video games. We’re sure we’ve missed some though. So, if you know of any other Japanese musicians that appeared in video games, leave a comment down below!
