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 Brian Ashcraft

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Brian Ashcraft
Brian Ashcraft is a senior contributing editor at Kotaku and has been writing about video games for The Japan Times since 2007. He is also the author of two books, "Arcade Mania!" and "Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential." A graduate of Cornell University, Ashcraft has called Osaka home for over a decade.
For Brian Ashcraft's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
May 5, 2019
The future is bright for gamers
The fictional and real future of gaming: Jupiter & Mars' postapocalytic underwater world, Microsoft's digital-only Xbox One and Guilty Gear's ongoing popularity.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Mar 31, 2019
Tough, fun and retro gaming
FromSoftware introduces its toughest game yet; Nintendo Labo goes 3D and Yoshi gets crafty
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Mar 10, 2019
Fighting for some successful revivals
Become over 40 manga characters with 'Jump Force'; 'Dead or Alive' is very much alive and kicking; and 'Nier: Automata' is even better than it was before.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Feb 3, 2019
The first of 2019's resurrections
'Super Mario' introduces Peachette; 'Biohazard'/'Resident Evil' rises again in an even scarier form; and 'Catherine' gets fleshed out.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Jan 6, 2019
Favorites just got even better
For the love of 'Kingdom Hearts'
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Dec 23, 2018
The last of 2018's new releases
Chill out with 'Fortnite: Deep Freeze,' join pop-star actor Takuya Kimura in 'Judge Eyes' and gorge yourself on 'God Eater 3'
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Nov 25, 2018
Just waiting for the comeback
'The Last Remnant' finally makes to PlayStation after an 11-year wait; 'Disaster Report 4' returns since 3/11; and 'Pokemon: Lets Go!' is set to bring 'Pokemon Go' fans into home-gaming.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Oct 28, 2018
Gaming's ongoing fighting spirit
There are different ways to battle — swords, guns and just being smart.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Sep 23, 2018
In-game and manual updates
As 'Mega Man' celebrates his 30th birthday, Nintendo gets more hands-on and 'The World Ends With You' gets a Switch update
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Aug 26, 2018
Are you ready for September?
The upcoming month brings with it the 'Marvel's Spider-Man' PS4 game and console release, an all-women SNK game and the expo for all gamers — Tokyo Game Show.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Jul 22, 2018
Great games for all platforms
Nintendo embraces 'Minecraft,' SNK offers a tiny big-game experience and 'Okami' comes to Switch
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Jun 17, 2018
Nintendo's new game changers
Nintendo's summer releases include a new look for 'Pokemon' characters, an unusual sushi battle game and a tennis game that has already stood the test of time.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
May 27, 2018
Exploring our human senses
'Lumines' is back with a haptic rumble, 'Detroit: Become Human' will have you questioning android life and 'PixelJunk Monsters 2' goes 3D.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Apr 22, 2018
Classic ways to boost new games
Nintendo goes analog, 'Dark Souls' remains relentless and 'Gods of War' finds new mythology
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Mar 25, 2018
Follow-ups that outdo originals
Fukuoka-based game-maker Level-5 has released 'Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom,' which looks just as beautiful as the original 2011 PS3 fantasy game.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Feb 25, 2018
An onslaught of new arrivals
'Metal Gear' is a survivor
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Jan 21, 2018
Beloved games get bigger and better
'Dissidia' breeding'
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Dec 24, 2017
Gaming is on a winning streak
The gods are back
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Nov 26, 2017
Getting your money's worth in the game world
The power of the Xbox One X
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Oct 22, 2017
Fun with zombies, kaiju and Mario in your living room
Hungry for a new PSVR experience?

Longform

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces