Stranger than heaven
Last night, I went out to dinner with my dear friend Richter, who just got back from the Tokyo Game Show in Japan. And, of course, being the incredibly kind person he is, he couldn't resist bringing me a little love from my favorite place in the world.
Let's start with Professor Layton, one of my all-time favorite games, and my partner's absolute favorite series. She hasn't missed a single one!
Next up, Stranger Than Heaven. If you're a Yakuza fan, chances are you're already looking forward to this one. I absolutely can't wait! SEGA has been putting out some really interesting games lately, and regardless of all the pointless controversy, I've picked up every Yakuza remake on Nintendo Switch 2, and they're fantastic.
And how could we not talk about MOTHER? One of the last times I was in Japan, I visited the Hobonichi store and practically bought everything I could get my hands on!
Finally, I've saved the most precious gift Gabriele brought me for last.
A little something from the incredibly kind Horii-sensei.
He absolutely didn't have to do this, but he went out of his way to do it anyway, once again showing what a genuinely wonderful human being he is.
And so, here I am, holding a copy of Shin Gakushū Manga Jinbutsukan: Dragon Quest no Umi no Oya Horii Yuji, complete with a personal dedication. And what makes it even more special is that Horii-sensei actually took this very copy from the bookshelf in his own office to give to me.
It's an incredibly thoughtful and touching gesture, and one I'll treasure forever.
I also owe a huge thank-you to Gabri, because without him quietly working his magic behind the scenes, none of this would have happened.
And to Gabri, I want to dedicate one little wish of my own: I truly hope that one day, he'll get to compose the music for a Dragon Quest game.
Because sometimes, even the wildest dreams really do come true.
