Conference for Japanese game enthusiasts makes WNY debut at UB

“Replaying Japan,” the international Japanese game studies conference, will make its Western New York debut Aug. 19 at UB.

The prestigious event brings together researchers and creators from across the globe to delve deep into the world of Japanese gaming.

“This year’s conference is particularly special, as it marks the convergence of two conferences on Japanese video games happening for the first time in Western New York,” says Mimi Okabe, assistant teaching professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Asian Studies Program.

“Replaying Japan” will take place Aug. 19-21 in the Center for the Arts, followed by a companion event, the Video Game Preservation Conference, Aug. 21-22 at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

“With collaborators and/or co-sponsors from local and international institutions and organizations, this year’s conference will bring together a wide range of researchers and creators from around the globe to present their work on topics related to the theme of preservation, innovation and new directions in Japanese game studies in a post-COVID world,” Okabe says. “We invite researchers, students and anyone interested in gaming to attend the conference.”

The objective of the conference is to create a platform for scholars, industry professionals and fans to come together and share their knowledge, insights and passion for Japanese and Asian game culture. Established in 2012 by the Ritsumeikan Centre for Game Studies at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, one of the central aims of this conference is to promote insights from game researchers in Japan to a global audience.

“The purpose of the conference is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the impact of games on society, culture and AI technology through engaging discussions, presentations, demo presentations and even an exhibition match between the Esports teams from the University at Buffalo and the Rochester Institute of Technology,” Okabe says.

The first two days of “Replaying Japan” begin with keynote addresses by Jon-Paul Dyson, director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games and senior vice president for exhibits and interpretive resources at the Strong Museum, and world-renowned game developer Yoko Taro. Taro’s address will focus on the theme of AI and creativity.

“His work ‘NieR Automata’ (2017), which has achieved a global circulation of over 7 million copies and received numerous accolades, is renowned for its focus on AI-themed storytelling, making him a perfect fit for the conference’s theme,” Okabe explains.

Taro’s presentation, titled “World Building in an AI-Integrated Society from the Perspective of Japanese Game Creators,” will explore various aspects of his creative process in relation to such topics as how AI became a central theme in game experiences long before technology became as ubiquitous in daily life as it is today.

Over the years, “Replaying Japan” has hosted influential figures who have played a significant role in the Japanese game industry, including Masayuki Uemura, Tomohiro Nishikado (“Space Invaders”), Toru Iwata (“Pac-Man”), Masanobu Endo (“Xevious”), Hironobu Sakaguchi (the “Final Fantasy” franchise), Thomas J. Kalinske (former SEGA America) and Hirokazu Hamamura (Famitsu Group).

Participants in the conference will have the opportunity to delve into such topics as game design, player communities, narrative in games and the preservation of gaming history. By fostering transcultural collaboration and exchange of ideas, the conference also aims to inspire new research avenues, innovative projects and meaningful connections within the vibrant world of Japanese game studies.

Whether a seasoned researcher, a passionate gamer or someone simply curious about the world of Japanese gaming, Okabe says conference offers something for everyone.

“The conference provides an educational platform for those curious about Japanese game studies. There are several events (an exhibition match and tours organized by UB’s Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) that guests can participate in. Yoko Taro will also have an autograph session for fans of his works,” Okabe says.

“Ultimately, the conference serves as a catalyst for meaningful connections, collaborative projects and the continued celebration of the study of the Japanese games on an international scale.

“I hope that people who attend the conference will broaden their knowledge of Japanese game studies and gain new appreciation for the medium of video games in general.”