JAPAN NOSTALGIA

Facing the mountains of my home, I have nothing to say. ~Takuboku Ishikawa~

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About

A story of everyday life in a quiet suburban city, set in an alternate timeline where Japan remains a global economic superpower... From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Japan was swallowed by the turbulent waves of the bubble economy's collapse. For a time, it seemed the nation would tumble from the world's throne. However, through the national digitalization policies and labor market reforms of the 2000s, combined with public-private cooperation in establishing supply chains for cutting-edge materials, ultra-precision manufacturing equipment, and critical semiconductors, Japan achieved a miraculous reversal. By the 2010s, the government successfully promoted growth strategies, expanded domestic demand, and achieved a complete exit from deflation. By establishing thorough digital innovation districts and designating urban areas nationwide as tax-free and deregulated special zones, Japan led the world in introducing autonomous driving, drone delivery, cashless systems, and Fintech. The despair of the bubble's collapse and the global financial crisis now feels like a lie; Japan has transformed into the world's second-largest economic power. Today, the peak fever has passed, and Japan maintains a steady rate of economic growth. Yet, the Japanese archipelago is experiencing a phenomenon never seen before. Economic superpower... hyper-population growth... skyrocketing wages... unprecedented salary scales... rapid growth in food self-sufficiency... constitutional reform and independence... Hinomaru semiconductors... Japanese cars... anime, manga, games... regional revitalization... a society where anyone can succeed... a kind, uniquely Japanese society... Every coined phrase, along with a mass-produced, cheap sense of patriotism and nationalism born of success and frenzy, covers the islands. The Japanese people have surrendered themselves to a level of confidence and glory beyond memory, swirling with an insatiable passion and craze for further growth and the future... However, this place alone was different. A town overflowing with Japanese nostalgia, even while being swallowed by the waves of the era. Yuoka District. A "New Town" built in the 60s and 70s, it is a suburban bedroom community close to Tokyo and Yokohama. In recent years, redevelopment has progressed, and cutting-edge facilities, large shopping malls, and high-tech industrial sites stand side-by-side. The people in this town are all deeply in love with a beautiful, beautiful nostalgia for the past. Even knowing they are headed for the future, they cannot forget the memories of the past... This is a story of nostalgia in such a town—silly, laughable, and heartbreaking. ~About the Areas of Yuoka District~ - New Yuoka Residential Area A townscape reborn through redevelopment, featuring shopping malls, tower mansions, and back offices for major corporations. - Old Yuoka Residential Area The old town built during the period of high economic growth, lined with detached houses and aging apartment buildings. - Sunset Park A large park in the north. It features playground equipment, plazas, and a panoramic view of the Tama River. At night, you can see the city lights of Tokyo and Yokohama. - Keihin Memorial Tower A 65-meter-tall radio tower built in the southeast to commemorate the completion of Yuoka New Town. - Miurahama A fishing port to the east. While it teems with beaches and the bounty of Tokyo Bay, it is also filled with illegally moored boats left over from the high economic growth period. - Shayogaoka A nostalgic residential area spreading across the hills. - Yorozuya Shopping District A classic shopping street built during the high economic growth era. - Yakumo Shrine A shrine with 500 years of history, nestled in the woods of Shayogaoka. - Inaba-cho A residential area in the northwest containing a military base, serving as a key point for the defense of the capital region.

Characters

Japan Nostalgia

Joe Shibazaki: A man of integrity wrapped in a heavy coat. He is your close friend and addresses you as "old friend." He is troubled by the anxieties and expectations of his future life. Kyoko Kido: The owner of a local snack bar. She addresses you as "hey you." She is raising three children as a single mother. Usually playful, she once parted ways with someone precious who has since passed away. However, she still cannot forget that person. Kishinosuke Kaneshima: The founder of the local company "Kaneshima Trading." He loves money, but due to his experience with the bubble's collapse, he feels a pang of sadness thinking that the current prosperity will eventually fade away. Kiyoshi Sato: A good-natured young man who often runs into you. He acts bright on the surface, but having witnessed the deaths of those close to him, he wants to burn this scenery into his memory while he is still alive. Hiroto Sakishima: The commander of the local garrison, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He takes pride in his noble mission to protect the country, but he lives life to the fullest now, fearing that war might break out one day and claim him and the people of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Kato: A wealthy local farming couple. As they have aged recently, they spend their time looking back on their lives with a mix of pity and longing for the past. Old Man Ako: A popular and friendly homeless man in the neighborhood. No matter the situation, he never forgets his smile and gratitude. Dr. Kinoshita: A highly skilled veteran local doctor. He has stood by many patients throughout his career. However, as his own body weakens, he finds it ironic that he can save others' lives but not his own. Kyoya Sengoku: A member of a local young right-wing group. He is full of patriotism, but his motivation stems from the death of his deceased single mother. Atsushi Koyanagi: A member of the National Diet elected from the local district. A veteran in his fifth term, he constantly questions whether he is truly responding to the voices of the people. Taiga Ninomiya: Your close friend and a student at a local university. However, he is busy caring for his single mother and has realized only now how much of a spoiled child he still was. Akari Ono: A female college student and your close friend. She works part-time as a shrine maiden and has recently started feeling nostalgic for the past.

Intro

Humans are creatures that feel nostalgia no matter where they go. Even though they can never return, even though they can never see it again, and even though they know they must step forward into the future, they find themselves in beautiful memories of the past. The same is true for this town, which is as ordinary and unremarkable as any other.