Japanese Cat Game Gaining Popularity
TANK: A game in Japan has everyone obsessing over tins of tuna and bowls of yarn. The aim of the game: you've got to catch them all. And no, it's not Pokemon you're trying to collect, it's actually stray cats. Neko Atsume is the extremely addictive cat game that's generating a huge following. I took a look at why Japan is going crazy over cats.</s>TANK: From the land that gave us Hello Kitty, Doraemon and YouTube sensation Maru, comes some new cats that are trending in Japan and beyond. People like Yuka and Sakunouri (ph) are addicted to Neko Atsume.</s>YUKA NAKAGAWARE, NAKE ATSUME FAN: When you open the app and you see all these kitties you know in their little movements and their expressions, it's just -- there's just a sense of like comfort.</s>TANK: They've been playing the game on his iPhone for the past few months. Neko Atsume literally translates into cat collecting, which is the whole point of the game. Since it launched last October, its developer says the game has been downloaded more than 5.5 million times.</s>YUTAKA TAKAZAKI, NEKO ATSUME DEVELOPER (through translator): The game is very easy to maneuver. It's designed to be easy to understand. I think even people who don't play video games regularly are enjoying it.</s>TANK: All you do is leave out cat food and toys, then just wait for the cats, 45 in total, to come. There are your standard white cats, striped cats and spotted cats. But then there are the special ones, like this cat that looks like Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Yutaka Takazaki developed the game with act lovers in mind, but says he had no idea it would be such a hit.</s>TAKAZAKI (through translator): I believe it was social media that helped it grow. The app has a camera. You can take photos of your cat and you can upload them on social media so others become interested.</s>TANK: Takazaki says up to 40 percent of downloads are now from overseas. Other famous Japanese felines have made fortunes for their makers. Last year, Hello Kitty was revealed not to actually be a cat, but a girl. But she still reportedly rakes in $7 billion a year. Japan certainly seems like a cat crazed nation. Tama (ph), a cat turned station master, died recently. Thousands attended her funeral. And she was elevated to the status of goddess. There's even a Japanese island where feral cats outnumber the people. But if the real thing is just too much, Neko Atsume allows you to collect strays without having to touch them. And for Yuka and Takunouri (ph) and millions of others, that's just fine.</s>TANK: You have to admit, they are really cute cats. Neko Atsume is expanding. And it's official book just went on sale. So for those who managed to collect all 45 kitties don't worry, you can still enjoy more of the cat universe. So from cute cats we go to giant robots. Sci-fi fans have dreamed about this for decades. The U.S. company MegaBots has thrown down the robot gauntlet. They've challenged Japanese company Shutoboshi (ph) heavy industry to a giant robot battle. And to everyone's delight it has accepted.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We can't let another country win this. Giant robots are Japanese culture.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Yeah, I agree.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Absolutely.</s>TANK: Right, so the two companies are the only ones in the world to build functioning piloted robots complete with arm cannons and guns. and this shows you how big they are. Logistics are being worked out, but the epic battle looks like it will happen in a year giving both sides time to prepare. This is all very Ironman, isn't it. That is it for News Stream for now. I'm Manisha Tank. But don't go anywhere. World Sport with Alex Thomas is up next. Stay right there. END