Tsutaya (rental stores) and Book-Off (second-hand shops) remain cultural landmarks. The Japanese preference for physical media (CDs, Blu-rays) is baffling to Western observers. This is driven by Omake (bonus items). Buying a physical CD often includes a ticket lottery for a meet-and-greet. Digital has no Omake . Thus, the industry is propped up by a tangible, collectible economy.
Japan’s contribution to the video game industry is unparalleled. Giants like Nintendo, Sony, and Sega defined the medium. and Sega defined the medium.