Who Watches the Yokai Watch?

Disclaimer: Those who are unfamiliar with Watchmen will probably not enjoy reading this.

"Rorshach's journal, October 12, 1985. Cat carcass in alley this morning. Tire tread across burst stomach. ... One day, the filth of all the sex and murder will foam up around their waists, and the whores and politicians will look up and shout, "Save us;" and I will whisper, "No.""

I feel as if my link to the common anime fan is slipping further away with each passing year. Sometimes I wonder what the point of it all is. Granted; I do enjoy my work, but I often constantly have to prove that I have an opinion of my own that goes against the grain of what others think.

Case in point: around last year, a series began airing based on a video game that has become inexplicably popular. That series is Yokai Watch.

From left: Keita, Fumiko, Kanchi, and Kuma.

The series, based on a video game by Level-5 (Professor Layton, Ni No Kuni) concerns yokai (mythical Japanese beasts) causing misfortune, and it falls to a young man named Keita (the game will also let you play as a female character known as Fumiko) to seek them out with the titular Yokai Watch.

The basic Yokai Watch cosplay tie-in. Source: HobbyLink

The basic model can shine a light; while a more advanced DX model with more bells and whistles (both literally and figuratively) is also available in all three primary colors. Either way; the device has become so hard to find it's created scarcities comparable to Cabbage Patch Kids in the 80s or Power Rangers in the 90s.

In case you can't tell; this series clearly has a big arm for one thing: merchandising.

Yes folks; there is a clear amount of synergy in mind that helped the series become successful in multiple forms in Japan.

Apart from the games (which have dominated many bestseller lists for the 3DS platform) and the watch; there are usual amounts of licensed toys and other wares on display for all to partake in. Despite the obvious worry over concepts such as yokai; the series has made them out to be strangely approachable, if not a bit mischievous. These are just a small array of the action figures made from the various yokai in the series' universe.

Center: Jinbanyan. Clockwise from top left: Komasan, Bakuroba, Nogappa, and Whisper.

Two of these yokai, Jinbanyan and Whisper; have essentially become the de facto mascots of the franchise.

You most likely know where this is headed. I may have tried not to use the p-word when talking about Monsuno (which I may consider doing again later this year); but I'm afraid I don't really have a choice here.

Yes folks, while many challengers to the dynasty that is Pokémon have come and gone over the years; this is the first one that many are claiming is actually a threat to the beloved series.

While the XY iteration of the franchise is still a popular addition to the long-running series; Yokai Watch is notably horning in on territory that has taken on many comers.

The push is even transitioning to real life; as select McDonald's locations in Japan have been converted into the fictional MogMog Burger restaurant from the series.

I'll just play this in case you're imagining Joel Schumacher's neon-lit fever dreams.

Beyond all this, however; is the fact that all this has convinced Level-5 to bring the franchise stateside within the coming year.

Yet, while their intentions are noble; there is no real indication that the series can achieve the same level of success that it has in its home country.

First, the concept in itself is undoubtedly rooted in Japanese folklore; which might not be as easy a sell in the US as a 10-year-old kid and his electric mouse cohort catching colorful creatures and having them take part in showy battles. For crossing over with potential 18-35-year-old buyers such as myself: I must note this year is going to be quite competitive for games. The anticipated titles include games such as Star Wars Battlefront, Batman Arkham Knight, Kingdom Hearts III; Mortal Kombat X; and Zelda U, among others.

As for the anime; what's acceptable for children in Japan tends to be a bit looser than it is here. Death Note? Kids' show in Japan. Gurren Lagann? Kids' show in Japan. Attack on Titan? Deadman Wonderland? Future Diary? All kids shows in Japan, all given TVMA ratings and prominent spots on the new Toonami here.

They would have to make extensive edits for content; while possible given the structure of several 7-11 minute vignettes, goes beyond the cosmetic edits made for Doraemon here. The president of Level-5 even cited that series as an influence, as the character is synonymous there with Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny here.

However; it's quite the tall order to insinuate that Jinbanyan and Whisper have the same synergy as Pikachu and Charizard, as well as their other 717 kin.

Second; there's the fact that Pokémon has consistently proven to be very resilient as a franchise. I have even insinuated that the idea of stopping the franchise now would be foolhardy. Over the past 18 years; the franchise has earned its place inside Nintendo's wheelhouse. Pikachu has essentially become every bit as iconic as Mario, Link; and Samus. Be it an old copy of Yellow or the latest in OR/AS; a well-worn VHS of the original series or a heavily-played download of the XY series, people will still be playing and watching Pokémon in another 18 years. The same can't be said for Yokai Watch at this time.

Lastly; there is the fact that the series has been met with varying degrees of interest despite confirmation of a western release. While there is some enthusiasm towards the prospect; I among many skeptics that doubt its viability here. It would be very easy for me to tear the episodes apart; deconstructing their flaws and offering counterpoints to Level-5's selling points, but until there is something concrete; I feel no need to give it further attention. To recap a series with no set release date or presence in this land would be about as useful as a plastic bone to a starving dog.

Instead,  I propose those who have read this to not give the series any further attention. Whether it succeeds or fails; I hope these words reach you in a manner that convinces you not to seek out anything about Yokai Watch until we need to.