The PlayStation 5 (PS5) continues to be one of the most sought after gaming consoles worldwide, and nowhere is its popularity more evident than in Japan.

As a country with a rich history of gaming, Japan’s gaming community is often at the forefront of console trends and game releases.

One of the ways to gauge the excitement and anticipation for upcoming titles is by looking at preorder charts, which reflect what games Japanese players are most eager to get their hands on. 

This article takes a deep dive into the preorder game charts for PS5 in Japan, exploring the top titles, the gaming culture that shapes these trends, and what makes Japan a unique market for PlayStation games.

Whether you’re a fan of JRPGs, action packed adventures, or cutting edge visual experiences, there’s a lot to unpack when examining the preorder landscape for the PS5 in Japan.

The Importance of Preorders in Japan

Before delving into specific games, it’s essential to understand the significance of preorders in the Japanese gaming market.

Preordering games in Japan is not just about ensuring that you secure a copy on release day; it’s about participating in a longstanding tradition that elevates the excitement of an upcoming game.

Japanese retailers often offer exclusive bonuses to players who preorder, including special ingame content, physical merchandise, or collector’s items. 

Additionally, preorders help gauge consumer interest in a game, influencing marketing efforts, promotional events, and even postlaunch support.

With the fierce competition in Japan’s gaming industry, preorder charts provide developers and publishers with crucial data about their game’s potential success.

Top Titles in the PS5 Preorder Game Charts in Japan

As of the latest updates, a variety of genres dominate the preorder charts for the PS5 in Japan.

Some of these games tap into the deep rooted love for Japanese roleplaying games (JRPGs), while others cater to fans of action, adventure, or simulation.

Let’s look at some of the most anticipated titles that have captured the attention of Japanese gamers.

 1. Final Fantasy XVI

It comes as no surprise that Final Fantasy XVI leads the preorder charts in Japan. As one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history, Final Fantasy has a deep connection with Japanese culture.

The latest installment promises a return to the series' roots, blending classic JRPG mechanics with modern visuals and gameplay elements. 

Final Fantasy XVI is set in a medieval fantasy world, with a narrative that revolves around powerful nations vying for control over elemental beings called Eikons.

With stunning graphics made possible by the PS5’s hardware and a darker, more mature storyline, this game has been one of the most highly anticipated releases in Japan.

The Japanese gaming community is particularly excited about the game’s return to a more traditional setting, reminiscent of earlier Final Fantasy titles like Final Fantasy IX.

 2. Resident Evil Village (Biohazard Village)

Another title dominating the preorder charts is Resident Evil Village, known in Japan as Biohazard Village.

The Resident Evil franchise has a massive following in Japan, and the upcoming installment continues the story of Ethan Winters, first introduced in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

This time, Ethan finds himself in a mysterious European village, facing off against grotesque monsters, witches, and a towering vampirelike antagonist named Lady Dimitrescu.

The horror genre has always been popular in Japan, and Resident Evil Village taps into the country’s love for atmospheric, suspenseful games.

The game’s use of the PS5’s advanced hardware for immersive sound, realistic visuals, and adaptive triggers adds to the anticipation. The combination of familiar survival horror elements with new, terrifying threats makes this title a must have for Japanese gamers.

 3. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West, a sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn, has also captured the attention of Japanese PS5 owners.

While the game is developed by the Dutch studio Guerrilla Games, it has found a significant fan base in Japan due to its stunning openworld design and compelling protagonist, Aloy.

The game follows Aloy as she explores new lands, uncovering ancient secrets, battling robotic creatures, and attempting to stop an ecological catastrophe.

Japan’s gaming culture often values games with rich, immersive worlds and character driven stories, both of which Horizon Forbidden West delivers.

The game’s focus on exploration, strategy, and narrative depth has made it a hot topic in Japanese gaming circles, and the preorder numbers reflect the excitement for Aloy’s return.

4. Gran Turismo 7

Racing games have always had a special place in the hearts of Japanese gamers, and Gran Turismo 7 is no exception. Developed by Polyphony Digital, a Japanese studio, the Gran Turismo series is known for its realistic simulation of car physics, breathtaking visuals, and attention to detail.

Gran Turismo 7 is the latest entry in the long running series, and it promises to take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware to deliver an unparalleled racing experience.

With features like ray tracing, 4K resolution, and the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, Gran Turismo 7 aims to be the definitive racing simulator.

In Japan, where car culture is strong, especially among enthusiasts of high performance vehicles, Gran Turismo 7 has a large and loyal following. Its place on the preorder charts is a testament to the game’s legacy and the anticipation for its nextgen iteration.

 5. Demon’s Souls (Remake)

The Demon’s Souls remake for the PS5 has also been a major hit on the preorder charts. Originally released in 2009, the game is considered the precursor to the nowfamous Souls series by FromSoftware.

The PS5 remake, developed by Bluepoint Games, has brought the beloved title back to life with completely overhauled graphics and gameplay, while maintaining the brutal difficulty and intricate level design that the series is known for.

Japanese gamers have a strong connection to the Souls series, and the opportunity to revisit Demon’s Souls in a new, enhanced form has generated a great deal of excitement. The game’s combination of challenging gameplay, atmospheric design, and online multiplayer elements appeals to Japan’s love for mastery and skill based challenges.

6. Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise is another highly anticipated RPG that has been making waves in Japan. The Tales series is a staple in Japanese gaming culture, known for its action packed battle system, colorful characters, and engaging stories.

Tales of Arise aims to reinvigorate the franchise with new gameplay mechanics, a more mature narrative, and improved graphics thanks to the power of the PS5.

Set in a world where two neighboring planets are in constant conflict, the game follows two protagonists from opposing sides who must work together to change the fate of their world.

The game’s combination of fast paced combat, exploration, and a strong emotional narrative has secured its place among the top preorders for the PS5 in Japan.

The Role of Exclusive Bonuses in Japan’s Preorder Culture

One key factor that drives preorder activity in Japan is the availability of exclusive bonuses. Japanese retailers frequently offer special preorder incentives, which can range from ingame items, such as alternate costumes or weapons, to physical collectibles, like posters, figurines, or art books.

For example, preordering Final Fantasy XVI from select retailers might grant players access to a limited edition steelbook case or an exclusive ingame weapon.

These bonuses often serve as status symbols within the gaming community, showing that the player was dedicated enough to secure the game before its release.

These incentives not only boost preorder sales but also create a sense of urgency among fans.

The fear of missing out on these limited time offers drives many gamers to preorder early, ensuring they get the full experience once the game is released.

Why the PS5 Is So Popular in Japan

Despite stiff competition from other consoles like the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 5 has carved out a substantial niche in Japan. Several factors contribute to the PS5's popularity, which is reflected in the high preorder numbers for various games.

1. Powerful Hardware:

The PS5's advanced technology, including its custom SSD, ray tracing capabilities, and DualSense controller, offers an experience that pushes the boundaries of what gamers expect.

Japanese players, who are known for their appreciation of high quality graphics and immersive gameplay, are drawn to the PS5's ability to deliver stunning visual experiences.

2. Wide Range of Game Genres:

The PS5's diverse library of games appeals to a broad spectrum of gamers in Japan. Whether it's JRPGs, action adventure titles, horror games, or racing simulations, the PS5 offers something for everyone. This diversity helps attract both hardcore gamers and more casual players, making the console a must have for many.

3. Cultural Relevance:

Several of the most anticipated games for the PS5 in Japan, such as Final Fantasy XVI and Gran Turismo 7, have deep roots in Japanese culture. These games are not only loved for their gameplay but also for their cultural significance, which further fuels the demand for preorders.

4. Community and Online Play:

Japan's gaming community places a high value on multiplayer and online play. Games like Demon’s Souls and Resident Evil Village offer multiplayer elements that allow players to interact, compete, or cooperate with others.

The PS5’s robust online capabilities enhance these experiences, making it a favored console for Japanese gamers who want to engage with their peers.

Conclusion

The preorder game charts for the PS5 in Japan provide a fascinating glimpse into the gaming preferences and trends of one of the world’s most vibrant gaming