#Japan #Board Game #Chiba #Subtropical Japan #Oink Games

Dive into the World of 'Subtropical Japan'

Oink Games, known for its innovative board games, is set to release its newest creation, 'Subtropical Japan', in Autumn 2025. This highly anticipated game will debut at the SPIEL Essen trade fair from October 23 to 26, offering a sneak peek for enthusiasts. Following this, it will grace the Game Market 2025 in Japan on November 22 and 23, and will be available at PAX Unplugged in North America from November 21 to 23.

The Gameplay

'Subtropical Japan' immerses players in a dynamic seasonal environment where fruit trading becomes a race against time. As fruit vendors, players will strive to collect and sell a selection of fruits that are in season. The catch? The seasonal shifts are unpredictable, and players must adapt their strategies on the fly. The ultimate goal is to score the highest by selling fruits at peak prices during their respective seasons.

Each time players gather fruit chips, they will also reveal a 'Season Chip'. The introduction of this chip indicates that the seasons might change at any moment, forcing players to make quick decisions: Will they sell their fruits promptly to secure points, or will they take a gamble, holding onto unripe fruits in hopes of a better selling opportunity? With a limit on how many fruits a player can hold, delay could mean disaster.

The game revolves around simple actions: either acquire fruit or sell it. However, this simplicity belies the complexity of decisions players must make, ensuring engaging gameplay. With surprises around every corner—like sudden seasonal changes—'Subtropical Japan' promises excitement.

An Overview of the Seasons

In this quirky seasonal landscape, bizarre patterns emerge: spring drags on endlessly, summer comes and goes in a flash, and winter has vanished altogether. Players must navigate through this chaos, with prices fluctuating depending on the season. The key challenge lies in timing—frequent, smaller sales may seem safer, but they risk missing out on significant profit opportunities. Players will find themselves wrestling with the relationship between risk and reward as they maneuver through shifting prices.

The fruits available for trading are Kiwi, Mango, and Pomegranate. Kiwis fetch a high price in spring, Mangos in summer, and Pomegranates during autumn, while selling them in other seasons results in lower profits. Timing the purchase and sale of these fruits becomes crucial as players weigh their options carefully.

Game Components

The components of 'Subtropical Japan' reflect its vibrant theme: notable colors and design enhance the experience. The game is constructed from a total of 48 fruit chips, 12 season chips, one bag, one season board, five chip stands, ten penalty chips, one season marker, and a detailed instruction manual. Designed for players aged 7 and up, each session lasts approximately 20 minutes and accommodates 2 to 5 players.

• - Game Title: Subtropical Japan
• - Price: 2,700 yen + tax (special price of 2,500 yen at Game Market)
• - Recommended Age: 7 years and older
• - Playtime: About 20 minutes
• - Number of Players: 2-5

Meet the Creators

This engaging game was designed by Goro Sasaki, with stunning artwork by Jun Sasaki and Rie Takahashi, bringing the fruits and seasons to life visually. You can find more details in the introduction page or explore the press kit for additional insights.

Game Market 2025 Overview

• - Event Name: Game Market 2025 Autumn
• - Dates: November 22 (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM) and November 23 (11:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• - Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
• - URL: Game Market Access

About Oink Games

Founded on May 26, 2010, Oink Games has been a pioneer in the board game scene, captivating players worldwide with innovative designs. The company is located in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, and is helmed by CEO Jun Sasaki. Discover more about Oink Games on their official website. For inquiries, please contact Inagaki at [email protected].

Keep an eye out for 'Subtropical Japan' and prepare for a fruit-filled adventure where strategy and timing are everything!