Have you ever played Touch Detective/Mystery Detective released in 2006(2007 in EU)?

 

Do you remember the main character Mackenzie(Rina Ozawa in Japanese version) had a cute pet Funghi?

 

In Japan this Funghi is more and more popular than the main characters these days.

 

Based on the Funghi( "Nameko" in Japanese) a spin off game was released in 2011.  This game was fairly simple that you just collect Funghi every day by swiping the smart phone screen. This game has been one of the most popular app games among women 20-30 in Japan. Besides this, the game has gained more popularity outside of Japan.

 

Released in July this year the Encyclopedia of Funghi (128 pages, 998 JPY) has been a big hit. As of early Nov 150,000 copies are sold. This book has various types of Nameko on the game. I like the one looking like the Tutankhamun!

 

You walk in streets in Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya for one hour, you will see at least one or two young people putting some of Funghi character key holder or stuffed figure onto their bags.

 

You may see the cute little Funghi hanging on a bag in your street sometime soon!

 

Many cute Nameko toys are available from the toy sites(click below pic to go to the shopping site)!

 

<UPDATED 2024 April>

A game company Beeworks, which released the app game of this Funghi, updates the game on 11th April, 2024 to commemorate its 10th anniversary. 

 

Do you want to interview this company about the Funghi game? Talk to us!