Showa American Story Release Date Delayed to 2026: Why NEKCOM’s Wild 80s Japanese Culture RPG Deserves the Hype

Gamers, have you caught wind of the utterly chaotic game that has suddenly dominated social media and video streams? The title alone, Showa American Story, might leave you scratching your head, wondering, “What in the world is this?”

This title has garnered massive attention due to its information-overload, one-of-a-kind premise: a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested America set in “Showa 66,” saturated with Japanese pop culture influence. Every trailer offers an overwhelming display of detail and an astonishing depth of love for 1980s Japanese culture.

This article dives deep into Showa American Story, the highly anticipated Chinese-developed spectacle that has captivated gamers worldwide. We’ll cover everything from its core concept and the burning question of its release date to the “otherworldly level” of Japanese reverence held by its development team. Read on, and you’ll undoubtedly find yourself obsessed with this chaotic Action RPG.

What is Showa American Story? NEKCOM GAMES’ Vision of “Showa 66”

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

Showa American Story is an Action RPG whose outrageous premise has made waves globally. It’s not just an RPG; it is a fervent love letter to 80s pop culture and is distinctly characterized by a strong B-movie aesthetic.

Who is the developer?

The game is being developed by NEKCOM GAMES (NEKCOM Inc.). This is an indie studio based not in Japan or America, but in Wuhan, China. NEKCOM GAMES was founded in 2011. The fact that a Chinese studio is producing a game with such deeply rooted Japanese pop culture themes is one of the key sources of the intense excitement surrounding this title.

The Setting: Japanese-Dominated America in “Showa 66”

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

The story is set on the American continent in the fictional Japanese calendar year “Showa 66” (corresponding to 1991 AD).

In this alternate timeline, Japan never experienced its economic bubble burst. Instead, it used its immense financial power to purchase most of the American landmass. This resulted in a massive influx of Japanese immigrants, leading to the rapid spread and establishment of Japanese culture across the continent. America, once called the world’s peak, has become a Japanese economic and cultural territory.

This rapid fusion of two vastly different cultures led to contradictions and conflicts but was gradually accepted by the population over time. For Japanese users, the use of “Showa 66” (the official Showa era ended in ’64) immediately signals a parallel world.

This chaotic setup is visible throughout the trailers. The world features sites like Neo Yokohama (formerly Hollywood), Shibata’s Las Vegas, Koinobori (carp streamers), and mysterious cityscapes where Japanese elements are intertwined with the American setting.

Platforms

Showa American Story will be available on PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), and PC (Steam). There is currently no information regarding a Nintendo Switch release. The game is already available to wishlist on Steam.

Chouko’s Revenge: A Post-Apocalyptic Road Trip Across Route 50

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

Beyond the fun setting, the game captivates with an engaging, epic story and satisfying, high-speed action.

The Protagonist: Chouko, the Stuntwoman Reborn

The protagonist is Chouko (Choco), a 19-year-old stuntwoman. She travels with her younger sister to Neo Yokohama (formerly Hollywood) to audition for a new action movie.

Immediately upon arriving at the airport, she is attacked and murdered by a group of figures dressed in black. Chouko’s body is buried in the suburban wilderness, and her sister goes missing.

After a period of time, on a day when an unknown catastrophe descends upon the world, Chouko suddenly comes back to life and crawls out of the ground. Not only has she been resurrected, but she has also been granted terrifying, mysterious powers. The world she awakens to has transformed into a post-apocalyptic new world overrun by zombies and monsters, where survivors fight over scarce resources.

The Quest for Truth and Vengeance on Route 50

Countless questions plague the newly resurrected Chouko: “Who killed me?” “Why did I come back to life?” “Where is my sister?” “What happened to the world?”

She repairs a motorcycle and a massive camper van found in the ruins and sets off on a cross-country journey across America’s Route 50 to find her sister, uncover the truth, and exact her revenge. Along this expansive journey, she confronts a massive secret society aiming to establish a new world order.

The narrative promises deep thematic elements. One particularly evocative line spoken by a character suggests, “Zombies are those trapped in the past who cannot break free. They are the true nostalgics,” hinting that this is more than just a typical zombie game.

Chaotic Gameplay and RPG Elements

Showa American Story is an Action RPG promising extremely violent, high-speed combat. Players must stylishly master movement, attacks, dodges, and counterattacks to tear through hordes of enemies, allowing them to “splashing around in a sea of gore (literally, enjoying a tomato seawater bath)”.

• Diverse Weaponry: Players can utilize a combination of close-range and long-range weapons, in addition to outrageously bizarre weapons.
• The Camper HQ: The massive camper van serves as a mobile base. Players can customize it using weapons, costumes, and items found during the journey. It also functions as the hub for leveling up Chouko and acquiring skills. The concept of upgrading a massive RV base highly appeals to gamers’ curiosity.
• Nostalgic Minigames: Beyond the main and sub-scenarios, the game features a wealth of minigames that evoke unexpected nostalgia. Fans of 80s and 90s culture will have their childhood memories stirred.

Japan is Stunned: NEKCOM GAMES’ Unprecedented Level of “Japan Love”

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

One of the biggest reasons Showa American Story has become a global phenomenon is the developer NEKCOM GAMES’ extraordinary depth of knowledge and respect for Japanese pop culture.

The trailers are packed with details of Japanese customs, culture, and even niche internet memes from the 80s. Many Japanese users have expressed surprise and enthusiasm.

The Frighteningly Accurate “Neta” (References)

The development team appears to understand Japanese 80s culture on an “intimate level,” judging by the in-game details. The trailers feature a host of specific Japanese cultural references, many of which are highly niche:

Showa 66

(Source: Steam)

The deliberate use of a non-existent year number (Showa ended at 64) immediately signals this is a parallel world.

The Magic Mirror Van

(Source: Steam)

The inclusion of a van equipped with a one-way mirror, typically used for adult filming. The sheer detail—that it looks like a normal mirror from the outside but allows people inside to see out—astonished Japanese users. The setting of this van in the middle of a busy area like a Japanese-styled Shibuya further proves their deep understanding of Japan’s subculture.

The Infamous Pool (Rei no Pool)

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

The pool, famous within Japanese internet culture/memes, also makes an appearance.

B-Movie Chaos

(Source: Steam)

The game features bizarre combinations, such as a Love Hotel combined with a Casino.

Chaotic Food

(Source: Steam)

Strange Japanese-inspired foods are visible, including Wasabi Cola and a meal set featuring Onigiri (rice balls) and french fries.

Parody Elements

(Source: Steam)

Parodies of Japanese humor and pop culture icons like “Cat’s Eye” and Atom-like characters are confirmed.

Traditional Culture

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

Sacred Japanese elements like Torii gates, Lanterns, and Shimenawa ropes (ritual ropes) are rendered with careful attention to detail.

Japanese users widely regard the implementation of these elements and the incorporation of B-movie humor as “parody done with love,” passionately hailing the developers’ “otherworldly direction of Japanese respect”.

The Contrast with Other AAA Titles

In the Japanese gaming community, Showa American Story gained even more traction because a concurrent major controversy saw another highly anticipated AAA game, set in Japan, widely criticized for poor historical accuracy and superficial cultural portrayal. This led many to hold up Showa American Story as an example, showcasing NEKCOM’s profound respect for Japanese culture.

While some initial concerns were raised that the game might be mocking the US or Japan, the cheap, deliberate parody elements are largely understood as an expression of genuine affection. The overall mood surrounding the game is overwhelmingly “welcoming”.

International Excitement: A “Soulful” Response to DEI and PC Culture

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

Showa American Story is gathering passionate support not only in Japan but also within the international gaming community. Its appeal lies in its B-movie humor and the evident “soul” it possesses, setting it apart from current industry trends.

International Users Talk “Soul” and “Memes”

Overseas users have commented with excitement, calling the game “crazy and amazing” and claiming, “Everything I ever wanted is here”. One user described the title as a “hybrid world of Stellar Blade, zombies, and Japan/America,” while another estimated the game is “90% memes”.

Regarding the gameplay vibe, reactions suggest comparisons to the fast-paced, post-apocalyptic combat of titles like “Dead Rising” and “Left 4 Dead 2,” with elements reminiscent of “Silent Hill“ and the intense action of “Fist of the North Star“.

Character Design that Ignores PC Trends

A particular point of focus in the international community is the character design. The female characters are visually appealing and seem to intentionally disregard the often-discussed adherence to Political Correctness (PC) or DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the modern gaming industry.

One overseas streamer specifically noted that the Chinese studio “doesn’t care about American PC culture”. This game has been highly praised as a “game with soul,” contrasting sharply with comments made by figures like Elon Musk, who famously criticized that “DEI kills art”.

The willingness of an independent Chinese developer to chaotically fuse Japanese and American pop culture with a unique perspective, pursuing humor without fear of taboos, resonates strongly with gamers worldwide.

Latest Update: Showa American Story Release Date Delayed to 2026

For all the eagerly awaiting fans, it has been announced that the release schedule for Showa American Story has been changed.

Delay from 2025 to 2026 Confirmed

The game was initially planned for a 2025 release. However, the developer, NEKCOM GAMES, announced a revised release window, pushing the date back to 2026.

While release delays usually disappoint fans, the response to Showa American Story‘s postponement was complex.

• Welcome News: Many fans took the delay positively. NEKCOM explained that they are entering the final stages of adjustment and want to “polish every detail” to deliver a game without regrets. Comments welcomed the decision, stating, “We’ll wait as long as it takes for quality assurance” and “The delay is a wise move”.
• Anxieties: Conversely, there are also concerns and anxieties, such as “Another delay?” and “Can they truly wrap up this massive, information-dense project?”.

Given the game’s incredibly rich and grand worldview, fans desperately want a perfect final product, yet this complexity simultaneously fuels anxiety about the project’s progression.

Switch and Pricing Information

As previously noted, the supported platforms are PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), and PC (Steam). No official announcement has been made regarding a Nintendo Switch release. Furthermore, specific retail pricing for the game has not yet been disclosed, though some fans are eager to purchase a limited edition.

NEKCOM GAMES has promised to utilize the delay period as “more valuable time” for development. Fans are patiently looking forward to the 2026 launch, believing in a high-quality release.

A New Milestone? The Cultural Fusion of Showa American Story

(Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

(Image: Source: Showa American Story Official Website)

Showa American Story is transcending the boundaries of a simple game and evolving into a cultural phenomenon.

Its greatest appeal lies in the fact that an independent Chinese development team—not Japanese or American—has boldly fused the golden eras of Japanese and American pop culture (the 80s) with a unique vision and profound affection.

Their respect extends beyond mere superficial depictions, delving into the deep undercurrents of Japanese subculture, humor, and internet memes. These detailed portrayals have earned passionate support from Japanese users, who call it “parody done with love” and praise the developers for “really understanding Japanese culture”. This level of commitment is the critical differentiator from other AAA titles that faced backlash for superficial cultural portrayals.

Furthermore, the game’s B-movie chaotic worldview and refusal to be constrained by current trends are hailed by international users as an embodiment of “freedom of expression,” standing in sharp contrast to the PC/DEI landscape in today’s industry.

Despite the development delay, fans remain supportive, encouraging the developers to prioritize quality.

Showa American Story takes a setting filled with irony and satire—a powerful Japan culturally dominating America—and elevates it into an exuberantly humorous, post-apocalyptic Action RPG.

If this Chinese-developed RPG, packed with an extraordinary love for Japan, successfully launches in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a new milestone for global gamers who cherish Japanese and American pop culture.

If you own a PS4, PS5, or PC (Steam), be sure to add this spectacular post-apocalyptic journey to your wishlist.

＞Official website for “Showa American Story” is here

＞Steam official page for “Showa American Story” is here

＞NEKCOM GAMES official website is here