{"id":54409,"date":"2025-11-30T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/?p=54409"},"modified":"2025-11-28T17:48:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:48:21","slug":"from-feeding-an-insatiable-pet-dragon-girl-to-scouring-dungeons-for-cooking-ingredients-5-japanese-indie-games-about-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/news\/from-feeding-an-insatiable-pet-dragon-girl-to-scouring-dungeons-for-cooking-ingredients-5-japanese-indie-games-about-food\/","title":{"rendered":"From feeding an insatiable pet dragon girl to scouring dungeons for cooking ingredients: 5 Japanese indie games about food\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to our weekend segment, where we showcase some trending, some upcoming, but always interesting Japanese indie games that share a specific theme.\u00a0This week\u2019s theme is food and cooking, because we all know that even the most disciplined monk can go feral when there\u2019s nothing in their belly. From sushi to dungeon scavenging, there\u2019s a good chance there\u2019s something on this list that will whet your appetite.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: From depressed game dev simulator to cozy store management with crunchy ASMR\u00a0sounds:\u00a0Japanese indie games about jobs\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sushi Claw Machine <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever had trouble catching conveyor belt sushi or claw machine toys, then Sushi Claw Machine lets you release your pent-up frustration for points. Instead of carefully aligning the in-game claw as you normally would a real-life claw machine, all you have to do is topple the sushi over to the perfectly sanitary table below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different types of sushi have varying prices, which can be seen on the menu at the back of the stage. Your final score is determined by the total amount of sushi you toppled.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sushi Claw Machine has two modes: Gluttony Challenge and Speed Challenge.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gluttony Challenge has you toppling as much sushi as possible within a time limit. Special events can occur depending on the number and type of sushi you drop. The Salmon Run event, for example, causes several plates of nigiri to spawn, adding an extra layer of randomness and strategy to the otherwise relaxing mode.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Speed Challenge, on the other hand, has you toppling all the sushi in the level as fast as possible. Unlike Gluttony Challenge, the sushi in this mode defy the laws of physics. Some sushi pieces float while others fly through the air at breakneck speeds. If you\u2019re in the mood for some literal fast food, then Speed Challenge might be your thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sushi Claw Machine\u2019s modes are easy to pick up and play, making the title a great way to unwind after a hard day\u2019s work (that is, unless your job involves working at a sushi restaurant). Developed and published solely by Mihaya<\/a>, the game is set to release for PC (Steam<\/a>). A playable demo<\/a> is available on unityroom.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mottainai Ghost <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We just can\u2019t seem to get away from horror indie games<\/a>, as Mottainai Ghost tells the tale about a young woman looking to earn a living by renting vacation homes. Soon after buying a secondhand apartment building, the tenants disappear, leaving you to deal with their remaining grudges and\u2026 leftover food? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Centered around the Japanese term \u201cmottainai,\u201d which expresses regret over things going to waste, Mottainai Ghost has you exploring the apartment buildings of the missing tenants. As you discover their backstories, you will also be forced to eat their leftovers, lest the titular Mottainai Ghost (which looks like a Pac-Man with teeth) gobble you up.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As you consume leftover cookies, burgers, chicken and the like, your stomach level increases. This allows you to wolf down even bigger portions, which is the key to escaping the apartment building you so righteously own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its horror theme, developers woof Inc. and sewohayami state that Mottainai Ghost isn\u2019t meant to be violent or grotesque. In fact, they bill it as an introduction to the horror genre, as children can safely enjoy it without too much of a scare. The game is available for PC (Windows and macOS) via Steam<\/a>, as well as Nintendo Switch<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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