Here's a link to my post with my observations about the update on Phantom River Stone.

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/03/thoughts-on-kickstarter-update-65-dev.html

I was able to translate a few words off the projector screen at the Dialogue Meeting.
http://i.imgur.com/kEyqzaL.jpg

These represent minor spoilers, so I'll hide them inside a spoiler tag. :)
http://i.imgur.com/DXyqqWf.jpg

The top part looks like topics that Ryo may discuss with Shenhua. At the bottom is an intriguing mention of some kind of gift-based system.

The mysterious mirrors that lie at the heart of the Shenmue mystery were crafted from a substance with an equally mysterious-sounding name: "Phantom River stone".

Now, although its name is Phantom River stone in the English Shenmue games, in fact this differs slightly from the Japanese name in the games.

http://i.imgur.com/0ho4VKS.jpg

This post looks at what it is called in the Japanese version of Shenmue.

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/03/the-naming-of-phantom-river-stone.html

I'm really hoping that, in Shenmue 3, they won't be using Japanese character variants in Chinese writing, as they did in Shenmue 2.
I'm talking about stuff like this: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwimdjz00c/WAcu6yPBdBI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/x5Anr2Z2z50vr-QFExhgKIN5cVrqDAUMwCPcB/s320/BuyingMap.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1V25Gtav_k/VPi_DSdfTPI/AAAAAAAAFKo/PKgfT-lDrEI/s1600/05.jpg

Notice, in the fist pic, the 図 instead of 圖， and, in the second pic, on the red sign on the right, the 広 instead of 廣.

Now, when I played Shenmue 2, all those years ago, on the Dreamcast, I didn't notice any of that. But a lot has happened in the meantime and, one of the things that happened, is that I've learned Chinese, learned about China, lived and studied there and travelled all over the country. And while this means that now, I'll be able to appreciate lots of new details in Shenmue 2 (waiting for the HD remaster to replay it, hopefully, not in vain) and in Shenmue 3, it also means that Japanese character variants in China stick out like a sore thumb. That's what happened when I came across these screenshots. And there are probably more examples. I'm pretty sure I've also seen a 仏 instead of 佛 (Buddha) in some screenshot too.

Frankly, I think they really dropped the ball on this one and find it very odd that, considering the fact that they even used real-world weather data for Yokosuka in 86, 87 (which, while a cool story, adds nothing to the experience, to be honest), they went ahead and used Japanese character variants for writing in China.

Also, since, as far as we know, Shenmue 3 will be set entirely in mainland China, they should use the simplified writing system which is used over there (thanks, commies!). For instance, the above-mentioned 図, which in Hong Kong (where they use traditional characters) should be 圖, in Guilin should be 图. The 広, which in Hong Kong should be 廣, in Guilin should be 广 (keeping in mind, however, that traditional characters are often still used in mainland China in certain situations, as in temple signs, paintings and all sorts of art, and, as a general rule, anything that should feel traditional).

I mean, c' mon, I'd say that using the proper writing system in the game's setting is far from a small detail, so I hope they won't disappoint in that regard with Shenmue 3.
Interesting point that I hadn't been aware of. By the way, does the "Man Mo" found on various signs around the streets approximate the Cantonese pronunciation?

I'm really hoping that, in Shenmue 3, they won't be using Japanese character variants in Chinese writing, as they did in Shenmue 2.
I'm talking about stuff like this: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwimdjz00c/WAcu6yPBdBI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/x5Anr2Z2z50vr-QFExhgKIN5cVrqDAUMwCPcB/s320/BuyingMap.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1V25Gtav_k/VPi_DSdfTPI/AAAAAAAAFKo/PKgfT-lDrEI/s1600/05.jpg

Notice, in the fist pic, the 図 instead of 圖， and, in the second pic, on the red sign on the right, the 広 instead of 廣.

Now, when I played Shenmue 2, all those years ago, on the Dreamcast, I didn't notice any of that. But a lot has happened in the meantime and, one of the things that happened, is that I've learned Chinese, learned about China, lived and studied there and travelled all over the country. And while this means that now, I'll be able to appreciate lots of new details in Shenmue 2 (waiting for the HD remaster to replay it, hopefully, not in vain) and in Shenmue 3, it also means that Japanese character variants in China stick out like a sore thumb. That's what happened when I came across these screenshots. And there are probably more examples. I'm pretty sure I've also seen a 仏 instead of 佛 (Buddha) in some screenshot too.

Frankly, I think they really dropped the ball on this one and find it very odd that, considering the fact that they even used real-world weather data for Yokosuka in 86, 87 (which, while a cool story, adds nothing to the experience, to be honest), they went ahead and used Japanese character variants for writing in China.

Also, since, as far as we know, Shenmue 3 will be set entirely in mainland China, they should use the simplified writing system which is used over there (thanks, commies!). For instance, the above-mentioned 図, which in Hong Kong (where they use traditional characters) should be 圖, in Guilin should be 图. The 広, which in Hong Kong should be 廣, in Guilin should be 广 (keeping in mind, however, that traditional characters are often still used in mainland China in certain situations, as in temple signs, paintings and all sorts of art, and, as a general rule, anything that should feel traditional).

I mean, c' mon, I'd say that using the proper writing system in the game's setting is far from a small detail, so I hope they won't disappoint in that regard with Shenmue 3.
Interesting point that I hadn't been aware of. By the way, does the "Man Mo" found on various signs around the streets approximate the Cantonese pronunciation?
Thanks! Love all of your translation analysis you regularly put out, by the way.
You're welcome, and glad to hear that!


Well, I've never really learned Cantonese, but rather Mandarin, but I'm pretty sure I've seen, in some Cantonese context before, 文武 (which, in Mandarin, would be "Wen Wu)" written as "Man Mo" (and maybe also as "Man Mou"?), so it seems about right to me.
I see, so at least here for the English they chose not to use the Japanese pronunciation ("Bunbu").


Having said that, this reminds me of something that now I remember having mentioned in another thread, back when Shenmue 3's locations were made known...

Baisha (白沙; lit. White Sand ) and Bailu (白鹿; lit. White Deer ) are both the Mandarin reading of those characters (as seen in that stretch goal artwork), but Choubu (鳥舞; lit. Bird Dance ) is definitely not Mandarin and I'm pretty sure it's a Japanese reading. In Mandarin, it would read "Niaowu".
I find it very odd that they are naming two of the towns according to its Mandarin reading and then one of them according to its Japanese reading, as all three of them are in China. This inconsistency is somewhat troubling and it does make me worried that in Shenmue 3, once again, we may get Japanese character variants in China...
However, since I don't know Japanese, I don't actually know what Ys Net has been calling those towns in Japanese. I'm only going by what we get in the translated press releases and interviews. So maybe they've actually been using the Japanese reading for all three of them, but, for some reason, whoever translated it into English, decided to only keep the Japanese reading in Choubu and use the Mandarin reading for Baisha and Bailu?
Switch?
Actually it's a mix of readings on the Japanese side as well: the names for Baisha (as you say, the Mandarin reading of 白沙) and Choubu (Japanese reading of 鳥舞) are the same as used in English, while Bailu village is called Hakkason (白鹿村) i.e. a Japanese reading. I guess they would want to keep the same pronunciation as used in Shenmue II for that one though.

another sega japan's pool:

https://t.co/LTEJGGIL6X
http://i.imgur.com/IRLdk0K_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=high

http://i.imgur.com/5tOqxPa.png

Thanks for the link! I've put up a guide to filling the questionnaire here (closes Mar 26):

English Guide to the Sega Japan "Twitter" Questionnaire
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/03/guide-to-sega-japans-twitter.html

In February, SEGA legend Yuji Naka was a special guest on an informal talk show streamed live online by the Japanese site DenFamiNicoGamer.

http://i.imgur.com/Io4LbL0.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/g5pt52Im.jpg

Some of the inside stories he shared about his early days at SEGA are about Yu Suzuki, who was working there at the time. In particular, one previously-unheard episode ended up with the two not speaking for a couple of years!

I've translated these to English in this blog post:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/03/anecdotes-about-yu-suzuki-from-yuji.html

We have been getting a lot of great feedback from our latest teaser, and a lot of positive comments in regards to our Kickstarter idea. In case you haven't seen it here is the episode that aired a few weeks ago ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0c6GguHCyo ). Its the support from the community that keeps us going so for that would like to thank each and every one of you for following us on this crazy journey.

You might notice that there is 1 less bearded man on this episode as Randall was not able to join us (the local hotdog vendor saw him getting into a suspicious black car)

Adam joins Ireland's biggest Shenmue fan Peter Campbell via Skype as the recant their stories from Japan, specifically the Shenmue Pilgrimage. If you are a Shenmue fan and you find yourself in Japan you owe it to yourself give it a try.

Follow on Facebook!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB1EAsLa51A

Thanks for posting up this exciting update, Jibby!

Being able to purchase the Phoenix mirror at the Tomato Mart will be incredibly useful if Ryo ever loses it to the Chi You Men.

I've written a post about the bamboo fountain in the corner of the garden at the Hazuki residence. It's just another part of Shenmue that doesn't have any role to play in the main story, but it adds so much to the atmosphere.

http://i.imgur.com/a9e2gkE.jpg

The ornamental pond in the corner of the garden at the Hazuki residence is an oasis of tranquility. Flowering water lilies bob gently on the surface, rising and falling as Japanese carp glide lazily by underneath. Birds twitter in the trees and the water trickles continuously into a bamboo water fountain.

Every so often, the bamboo spout of the fountain pivots over, spilling its collected water into the pond, and makes a distinctive "clonk" as it returns to its original position. The sound can be heard from other parts of the garden as Ryo walks around.

Let's look at how the fountain works, what its name is in Japanese and finally some in-game footage of the fountain in motion.
Full post here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/03/the-bamboo-fountain-in-hazukis-garden.html

I've posted up a translation of an interview with Yu Suzuki that was published in January by Famitsu.com to commemorate the release of a new games collection by Sega that has ties to some of his old arcade hits.

In it, Suzuki gives his feelings towards Champion Boxing, and also talks briefly about Shenmue III, revealing how the Dreamcast console is playing its part in the development.

http://i.imgur.com/ttbgtfHl.jpg

Link to the interview:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/04/yu-suzuki-interview-for-release-of-sega.html

I had planned to join for a bit at least, but the 5 am start time (JST) defeated me. I will take on the challenge again next week!

In Shenmue II, when Ryo arrives at the tiny riverside village of Langhuishan, you may remember an optional conversation that he has with one of the three village boys on the wharf. Ryo explains he is on a quest to defeat evil ogres who are dressed in "tiger skin pants".

http://i.imgur.com/AEZWgpH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Lb0hCiE.jpg

This conversation may be a bit puzzling to anyone (like the village boy) unfamiliar with Japanese folklore, so I've made a post that talks about some of this cultural background.

Thank you to Kiyuu for the topic idea, from an old post she made many years ago in these forums!

Read the article here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/04/ryo-and-tiger-skin-pants-shenmue-ii.html

June 2017 update: RESULTS

The poll results are out now with Shenmue II ranking 6th and Shenmue ranking 2nd! Read the write-up here with bonus messages of thanks from the voice talent for Nozomi & Ryo from the Japanese dub, as well as Yu Suzuki.

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/results-of-famitsu-poll-action.html


Original post:

Help give the Shenmue series some extra publicity in this new poll being run by Famitsu in Japan for best Action-Adventure game.

http://i.imgur.com/xCSxZv5l.jpg

It's very straight-forward and will only take a minute - just a matter of giving up to 3 game titles.

[Poll link now expired]

I don't think it was readily apparent from the English subtitles, but in the interview Yu was talking about the same plot structure that he talked about at the GDC talk in 2014:
http://i.imgur.com/5JO3Ptw.jpg

I've just put up a post on my blog about it here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/05/comments-on-kickstarter-update-66-yu.html

Now... I wonder what was on that board?
Me too... I literally couldn't get anything off it. Can anyone produce an "enhanced" image? O:)

Interim results released today on the Famitsu site - Shenmue features in the top 20 most-voted-for titles in the poll as of the current date (poll closes 8th May).

Note, the titles in this list are not ranked.

JUST IN CASE anyone may be genuinely confused...

Dobuita in Shenmue was based closely its real-life Yokosuka counterpart, although the real location is known as "Dobuita Street" (Dobuita Doori in Japanese) rather than just Dobuita. As in the game, it is located next to a US Navy base and runs around 500m in length.

So does the name "Dobuita" itself have any particular meaning?

I decided to research into how the street got this name, and it turns out the answer ties back to the early history of the area.

http://i.imgur.com/7c1rrF4h.jpg

Blog post link:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/05/the-meaning-of-dobuita-placename-origins.html

The latest post on the Phantom River Stone blog looks at the custom of removing footwear inside the house in Japan (and other Asian countries) and how this is depicted in the first two Shenmue games...

http://i.imgur.com/8P3vJcZl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WQ4pFF3l.jpg

...as well as some interesting cases where Ryo chooses to leave his shoes on.

http://i.imgur.com/fRir7xcl.jpg

Read the full article here:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/05/shoes-on-shoes-off-culture.html

celsowm wrote: Shenmue I & II on famitsu pool:

The Dojo thread for the poll has also now been updated:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=50800

What a great result, thank you to everyone who voted!

Here are the results for convenience, but be sure to check out the blog post to read the messages of thanks from the Japanese voice talent for Nozomi and Ryo, as well as Yu Suzuki.

http://i.imgur.com/TKETuNR.png
http://i.imgur.com/nq6AYI6.png

Blog post:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/results-of-famitsu-poll-action.html

I've put up a blog post about the announcement on Phantom River Stone:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/shenmue-3-rescheduled-for-2018.html

I made a slightly fuller translation of Yu's comment from the video. The official captions are fine so far as meaning but I felt they lost a little bit of the nuance.
http://i.imgur.com/DWFOG0g.png

I've posted a new article to the blog about Japanese street addresses, looking at some examples of how Shenmue recreates a lot of real-life Japanese detail in its street signs and maps.

http://i.imgur.com/yItn2pim.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iOAahlFm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iocVk18l.jpg

Read the full article here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/the-streets-of-shenmue-street-addresses.html

Hey Switch, have you ever looked at this picture that's hanging on the wall at Nagai Industries?
I wonder what it says, if it's even related to that place.

http://i.imgur.com/zpcbAhy.jpg
It's the kanji for "kiwami" 極 which means extremity / extreme.

You might have seen it somewhere else recently:
http://i.imgur.com/m2rqN0gm.png

https://youtu.be/NJXqMPzVvr8?t=171

Can someone translate what the subtitles of shenhua say?
http://i.imgur.com/CX8caIY.jpg
Something like: ""What? Hmmm... Occasionally, there are even times when the mountains along the Li River bring misfortune..."

You can read some discussion about it in this thread:
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50217

From the speech pattern in the Japanese, the consensus was that these words are actually being spoken by an old man (presumably offscreen) rather than Shenhua herself. Or they may just have been test captions.

Interesting connection that they used this for a Yakuza game of all things since Nagai Industries is Yakuza itself.
Is this some kind of codex thing or has some other special meaning for "them"?
I had to research this to find the answer, but it appears to be referring to the word gokudō 極道 (extreme path) which is a word that has its origins in Buddhism but has gradually come to be used as another word for the Yakuza.

Updated 2017/06/21:

The interview with Eric Kelso is now out! Thanks to everyone on the Dojo & elsewhere who contributed great questions.

http://i.imgur.com/XpnYl3jm.jpg

Link to Full Interview:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/eric-kelso-answers-community-questions.html

Bonus: an audio compilation of a selection of the questions from the interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXw3iEc4PzQ

Great to see all the questions that have been submitted so far (here & elsewhere)!

The submission period is open until Wednesday, so there is still time if you want to add a question.

Thank you for the question submissions. Submissions are now closed, and the interview will be posted up in the near future.

Update: the interview has been completed and covered a good number of the questions gathered from everyone's submissions earlier, which I'm really happy about. The transcript is being worked on and should be posted up on the blog within the next few days.

Eric even kindly recorded this short promo as Ren. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyceBKUQ_o0

Cheers guys! (Haha, I like the スイッちゃん)

But wait, there's more - here's the Fuku-san edition.

I notice a new account, vaiybora, has posted single-line comments on various threads which don't add anything to the discussion. I suspect the aim is to spread the web link in their signature.

Yes, the interview with Eric Kelso is now out! Eric really has passion for the Shenmue series, and is so generous with his time for the community. Thanks to everyone on the Dojo & elsewhere who contributed great questions.

http://i.imgur.com/XpnYl3jm.jpg

Link to Full Interview:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/06/eric-kelso-answers-community-questions.html

Also please enjoy this audio compilation of a selection of the questions from the interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXw3iEc4PzQ

http://i.imgur.com/XpnYl3jl.jpg

An interview with voice actor Eric Kelso has been published on the Phantom River Stone blog. Eric is the voice behind the characters of Ren, Guizhang and Fuku-san (among others) in Shenmue.

Questions asked during the interview were gathered from the fan community, including from everyone here on the Dojo.

Links: Interview with Eric Kelso (Blog Post) | Interview Audio Clips (YouTube Video) | Dojo Discussion Topic

One final promo clip that I was keeping up my sleeve - a short message from Guizhang.

Greetings Everyone.

First things first,

We would like to express our gratitude for the many comments we received on our previous report. From constructive criticism to kind words of encouragement, we were touched by every single one of your comments. Yu Suzuki and the entire Shenmue III Team are more determined than ever to bring to the Shenmue III that will live up to your expectations.

gamescom 2017 plans!

We will be attending Germany's mid-August gaming event gamescom 2017! While we are still working out the details with our partners, we plan to show our newest movie clips, share the latest updates and even make some new announcements.

Title logo change

Yes, Shenmue III has updated its title logo. Taking your comments into consideration, Yu Suzuki and the team gave the title logo another hard look and decided to update the logo with this design.

http://i.imgur.com/fdu3a4f.png 　

Characters in development

We have been hard at work developing the inhabitants who will set the stage of adventure in Shenmue III. Here's a sneak peek of what to expect!
　
http://i.imgur.com/zTUR20E.png
A strong-willed girl, she seems...
　
http://i.imgur.com/SR3y6ID.png
Be on the lookout for shirt button projectiles!
　
http://i.imgur.com/MRuzLd9.png
My, what lovely facial hair you have...


Thank you as always for your continued support. We look forward to showing you more soon!

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3/posts/1907628

Ah, the logo! A small thing but they really are listening.

I've put up a post on Phantom River Stone about the new update.
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/07/comments-on-kickstarter-update-69.html

As mentioned earlier in the thread, the character of the girl appears to be dressed in the traditional costume of a miko (shrine maiden) at shrines in Japan, down to the decoration in her hair.
http://i.imgur.com/qogfrm7.png

To commemorate the 1500th edition of their weekly magazine, Famitsu is running a new Poll for Best Game, across all platforms, years and genres.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVzG13n1fPw/WWNQ8vL_jZI/AAAAAAAACks/TtuYKdA_zCQpVQjqcNEzZhiKPZRIawPNwCLcBGAs/s1600/l_595f2f7225954.jpg

You can vote for up to 3 game titles, so get casting! Deadline is July 18th.

A short guide to the poll, which is in Japanese, is available on the Phantom River Stone blog here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/07/vote-shenmue-as-best-all-time-game.html

Direct link to the poll (use of automated translation recommended):
https://ebssl.jp/fm2/election/gameall/index.php

Interim Results

Famitsu has announced interim results for the poll, and Shenmue Chapter One ~ Yokosuka is currently sitting within the top 19 (rank unspecified). The number of overseas votes was remarked upon, with confirmation these votes count also.

There is still a week to go if you have not yet voted!

The chef at the Dou Jiang Diner where Ryo got into a fight, I think. I remember Peter showed this during his Shenmue II stream play-through.

To coincide with the release of Shenmue in Japan, and during the following few years, a number of Shenmue-themed telephone cards were produced. While the cards can be used as normal phone cards for making calls, for the Shenmue fan they make a great collectible item.

This blog post briefly covers their history in Japan, and looks at the variety of Shenmue-themed designs that were produced.

http://i.imgur.com/ZcwGA76m.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D7MhGCSh.jpg

Read the article here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/07/shenmue-telephone-cards-shenmue.html

I've made a post on Phantom River Stone which hopefully captures the essential points from the last 3 updates about it, and reduces any confusion.



http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/0 ... at-we.html

Dojo member yuc02 has contributed a fascinating article for the Phantom River Stone blog about Tai Chi moves Ryo comes across or is taught in Shenmue II, and how these reflect actual real-life moves.

One of the main themes in Shenmue is martial arts, and while Yu Suzuki re-used various styles found in the Virtua Fighter series, he also decided to add several others into the mix.

Interestingly, one such style showcased is Tai Chi, or Taijiquan (太极拳), which one may not normally associate with practical combat. It’s an ancient style developed under the concept of fusion of yin and yang into the supreme (tai) level (ji) fist (quan), and can actually be used to fight in real life.
Read his article here:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/07/tai-chi-in-shenmue-2.html

http://i.imgur.com/xgznIBAl.jpg

This is an index of all articles published on the Phantom River Stone blog through to the archival of these old Shenmue Dojo forums at the end of July 2018 - visit the new forums for more. Enjoy!

⋅  "Like" the blog page on Facebook
⋅  Follow Phantom River Stone on Twitter
⋅  Support us on Patreon!

July 2018
https://i.imgur.com/qmvJAFls.png Examining the Warehouse Battle Scene
https://i.imgur.com/HvNXjkTs.png Shenmue Documentary Kickstarter Launched!
https://i.imgur.com/ST0gf44s.png SEGA's "Return to Dobuita Street" Video
https://i.imgur.com/HXdyjPDs.jpg The Changing Face of the Abe Store: Beta vs Release
https://i.imgur.com/v8Vo33Ys.png Yu Suzuki Selected as CEDEC 2018 Special Award Winner
https://i.imgur.com/3RAo10As.png Clouds, Smoke & Street Lights
https://i.imgur.com/2uwsgIBs.jpg Cédric Biscay Visits Yu Suzuki in Tokyo
https://i.imgur.com/zvrJWmns.png The "AI Battling" Stretch Goal
https://i.imgur.com/i6EfyBNs.png Leaving the Cave?
https://i.imgur.com/adAdkcms.png Shenmue I & II Release Date + Latest Details
https://i.imgur.com/HUnFwMls.png Shenmue I & II Rated by the ESRB

June 2018
https://i.imgur.com/tVWtsbUs.png Choubu Inn Floor Plans | Translation & Commentary
https://i.imgur.com/63Y0wXYs.png Shenmue III Backer Survey Information: Distilled
https://i.imgur.com/jhKqaoIs.png [Part 2/2] "15 Secrets of Shenmue" 1999 interview
https://i.imgur.com/hf9LT9ls.png Shenmue Premiere Blue Tri-fold Pamphlet (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/Ekr0DKBs.png The Announcement of Shenmue I & II | On-the-Ground Report
https://i.imgur.com/GgtFs84s.png iPhone/iPad: Guide to Downloading Kotodaman Outside Japan | Guest Post
https://i.imgur.com/82UpULos.png Android: Guide to Downloading Kotodaman Outside Japan
https://i.imgur.com/9ve85S3s.png Toshihiro Nagoshi on Yu Suzuki | Sega Fes Livestream
https://i.imgur.com/4wUEADks.png Shenmue I & II Announcement Video (with English Subtitles)
https://i.imgur.com/a5U1fzQs.png Shenmue Premiere Poster (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/LGoft7Ss.png Mystery Posters on Dobuita Street | Shenmue I
https://i.imgur.com/4cVGuQGs.png Phantom River Stone Gets Soupy
https://i.imgur.com/1Et43ZCs.png Trailer: Learn Japanese through Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/27yZvIms.png "Sukajan" Jackets on Dobuita Street | Tax-free for Shenmue Fans
https://i.imgur.com/DEGoso0s.png Tour of Dobuita Street in Under One Minute | Hyperlapse Video
https://i.imgur.com/RI4OxWgs.png Kickstarter Update #81: Shenmue III Release Window Moved to 2019

May 2018
https://i.imgur.com/vOHZFKNs.png Examining the New Shenmue 3 Images in the THQ Nordic Presentation
https://i.imgur.com/ZFEsAJHs.png Commentary: Shenhua's new voice actress | Kickstarter Update #82
https://i.imgur.com/thlOz0Zs.png Image of a Day's Worth of Shenmue 3 Script
https://i.imgur.com/MbkRSSn.jpg A Visit to the Forbidden City - Guest post by James Brown
https://i.imgur.com/v4bnOvf.jpg [Part 1/2] "15 Secrets of Shenmue" 1999 interview with Yu Suzuki | Translation
https://i.imgur.com/0M6Z0jr.jpg "Soft Launch" of Backer Survey Emails | Kickstarter Update #83
https://i.imgur.com/h9GitnZ.jpg Brief New Shenmue I & II footage from E3 2018
https://i.imgur.com/U74AhJF.jpg Patron's Choice Blog Topic for June
https://i.imgur.com/CJQPILx.jpg Japanese Lesson #1 (Video) | Learn Japanese Through Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/PuThaqps.png Shenmue Premiere Bag (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise

April 2018
https://i.imgur.com/5eoHZRXs.png Masaya Matsukaze Prepares to Reprise Role as Ryo Hazuki
https://i.imgur.com/LcAlMCys.png It's Really Happening! Shenmue I & II Coming to Modern Platforms in 2018
https://i.imgur.com/ADUfMyJs.png "HUGE announcement" to be made at SEGA FES
https://i.imgur.com/yRTsL4Js.png SEGA Fes 2018 English Schedule & Information | 14-15 April 2018
https://i.imgur.com/1ssI0r0s.png Shenmue 1 Start of Game Flowchart | Early Design Document Translation
https://i.imgur.com/vmDZhRJs.png New Series: Learning Japanese through Shenmue

March 2018
https://i.imgur.com/pdnBWxps.png Diorama of the You Arcade: Interview with its Creator
https://i.imgur.com/q3bD58ts.png A Survey of Red TVs in Shenmue | Guest Post
https://i.imgur.com/588g6HMs.png Erhu Concert by Ryuji Iuchi & Hiroko Suzuki
https://i.imgur.com/yn8zHKws.jpg Yu Suzuki's MAGIC Conference in English | Transcript & Video
https://i.imgur.com/7A1o0N0s.png Announcement: Phantom River Stone is on Patreon!
https://i.imgur.com/0QqWbD2s.png Be Credited in SEGA's Upcoming Mobile Game "Kotodaman"
https://i.imgur.com/SvqsR1Bs.png Promotional VMU Sticker Sheet | Shenmue Merchandise

February 2018
https://i.imgur.com/Gk9iXVKs.png 4 New Screenshots from MAGIC 2018 | Kickstarter Update #80
https://i.imgur.com/TgP8NRvs.png Recap: Yu Suzuki at MAGIC 2018
https://i.imgur.com/twbdze0s.png Shenmue 3 at MAGIC 2018: Schedule Summary
https://i.imgur.com/yCPgH6Ds.png Draw Result: Shenmue Guide Map Giveaway on Twitter
https://i.imgur.com/G2o1nKrs.png Interview with Shenmue 2 Designer: Norikazu Hirai | Translation
https://i.imgur.com/NJGp6oTs.png Ryo Hazuki Cameo Confirmed for SEGA's New Mobile Game
https://i.imgur.com/9HyQOFrs.png "Shenmue Gaiden: A Christmas Story" | Fanmade Visual Novel
https://i.imgur.com/1NvTUAhs.png The Old Red TV | Chinese Restaurants in Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/TOJMIces.png Help Ryo Hazuki Appear in SEGA's Mobile Game "Kotodaman"
https://i.imgur.com/vvijoSOs.png Hong Kong Diner | Translated Shenmue II Design Document
https://i.imgur.com/ArKJxqHs.png Shenmue Guide Map Giveaway on Twitter | Closes Feb 19th (JST)

January 2018
https://i.imgur.com/UBAG0W7s.jpg IGN Japan Interview with Cédric Biscay
https://i.imgur.com/1504Aa4s.png A Visit to Yokosuka After Snow | Photo Gallery
https://i.imgur.com/7a7KCu5s.png 1999 Shenmue Promo Leaflet
https://i.imgur.com/qqQQj8Fs.png Showcasing the Shenmue Guide Map | Video
https://i.imgur.com/H7e5LFcs.png Kickstarter Update #79: Shenmue III Conference at MAGIC 2018
https://i.imgur.com/y2EUvmSs.jpg Examining the 3 New Shenmue III Screenshots | MAGIC Press Conference
https://i.imgur.com/uM47HAOs.png Sakuragaoka Park in Real Life
https://i.imgur.com/fxiveVDs.png Sightings Near Dobuita That Made a Shenmue Fan Look Twice

December 2017
https://i.imgur.com/eNFjhFKs.png Ancient Game of “Go” Spotted in Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/fQXsmxvs.png Yu Suzuki's Keyword for 2018: "Immersion" [Famitsu.com]
https://i.imgur.com/PkAqYQqs.png Yu Suzuki's End-Of-Year Comments to 4Gamer | Romance in Shenmue 3
https://i.imgur.com/u0nOoFrs.png Commentary on Kickstarter Update #78: "Then, Now and Tomorrow"
https://i.imgur.com/JnCfGThs.png Merry Christmas 2017 from PhantomRiverStone.com
https://i.imgur.com/eIXGJ8as.png Shenmue Master's Interview with Yu Suzuki | Gamescom 2017
https://i.imgur.com/wdnW4jXs.png Interview with Yokosuka City | The Story Behind the Shenmue Guide Map
https://i.imgur.com/hQaluzYs.png "Sacred Spot" Guide Map: Official English Version
https://i.imgur.com/QyP51EUs.png "Sacred Spot" Guide Map Translation: Road to Amihama
https://i.imgur.com/Io37TkRs.png Announcing: the Phantom River Stone Translation Service
https://i.imgur.com/60qWKZPs.png "Temple Maiden" Model & Lakshya Digital | Kickstarter Update #77
https://i.imgur.com/ZV4q6g0s.png Where is Amihama in Real Life? (Part 2/2) | Route Information Signs
https://i.imgur.com/HlPfB35s.png Cédric Plays Shenmue III: "So Cool"
https://i.imgur.com/JZgKOkos.png Download the Shenmue "Sacred Spot" Guide Map (Japanese)
https://i.imgur.com/G5lH1yTs.png Shenmue "Sacred Spot" Guide Map Announced

November 2017
https://i.imgur.com/ygVIZtps.png Where is Amihama in Real Life? (Part 1/2)
https://i.imgur.com/ysq0Gh4s.png Ryo spotted joy-riding through Dobuita
https://i.imgur.com/OJMDP9ds.png The Road to Amihama | Shenmue Realism
https://i.imgur.com/VY5IsLls.png The Bus to Amihama | Shenmue Realism
https://i.imgur.com/VY5IsLls.png Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 3: Translating the Last 3%
https://i.imgur.com/lOlXGgis.png Cédric Biscay in Tokyo | Photo

October 2017
https://i.imgur.com/38BKFq9s.png 2 New Additions to the Shenmue Community | Shenmue Blog & Shenmue Lounge
https://i.imgur.com/AAehVDUs.jpg Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 2: The Kogami Release
https://i.imgur.com/Op4FOivs.jpg Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 1: The Sm1th Release
https://i.imgur.com/cWaz3RTs.png Earning Money to Meet Ren | Shenmue 2 Flowchart #2 Translation
https://i.imgur.com/7p8o9xps.png Shenmue 2 Concept Sketch: "Wharf Near Langhuishan"

September 2017
https://i.imgur.com/i8wj36es.jpg Kickstarter Update #75: Face Animations & Subtitles Translation
https://i.imgur.com/CMU2qLws.png Gamescom 2017 Photo Report (from the Dojo's yuc02)

https://i.imgur.com/XKlIxUas.png SEGA Dreamcast: Collected Works Kickstarter | Shenmue Special Edition
https://i.imgur.com/BeFsywns.png YS Net Studio Visit by Koch Media with Blurry Dev Screenshot | Photos
https://i.imgur.com/M33Q5uls.png Zhu Yuan Da or Yuanda Zhu? | Character Names in Shenmue I vs II
https://i.imgur.com/j3jVQLis.png Shenmue 500K Interview with Yu Suzuki | Gamescom
https://i.imgur.com/hdhJToOs.png Recap: Shenmue III Japanese Media Interviews | Gamescom 2017
https://i.imgur.com/Sz3bFQgs.png Ryo's Arrival in Hong Kong | Shenmue II Design Document Translation
https://i.imgur.com/LO1mOJas.png "Easter Egg" Characters Discovered in Shenmue III Teaser
https://i.imgur.com/28lU7Yds.png The Shenmue Art Book - Characters Section | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/Ita4TZSs.png The Shenmue Art Book: Overview of Contents
https://i.imgur.com/zD1Llf3s.png Yu Suzuki Interviewed by Shenmue Dojo
https://i.imgur.com/w8Q5HR0s.png Masaya Matsukaze Visits Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/XIsHZ6xs.png Famitsu Poll Results: Best All-Time Game

August 2017
http://i.imgur.com/fcyZoMBs.png Kickstarter Update #74: New Ryo Pics
http://i.imgur.com/oFyAxZLs.jpg Seven Interesting Details from the Shenmue III Teaser | Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/cH288IFs.png Video Interview with Cédric Biscay by Team Yu | Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/dm8i0iAs.jpg Translation: 4Gamer Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/w2ySYzqs.jpg Translation: Dengeki Online Interview with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/sCek1CHs.jpg Translation: GAME Watch Interview with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/1xOO0HZs.jpg Translation: Game*Spark Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/ZLKRROxs.jpg Translation: Famitsu Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/2DCAeE7s.jpg New Shenmue III Logo Designed by Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/s9TIzQBs.jpg Shenmue III Title Screen Image
http://i.imgur.com/061htQes.jpg New Shenmue III Character + Promo Screenshots
http://i.imgur.com/pYBUkOys.jpg Ryo & Shenhua Images on Famitsu.com
http://i.imgur.com/L8BGuiFs.jpg Yu Suzuki's Journey to Gamescom | Photo Selection
http://i.imgur.com/0Y53uBRs.png Shenmue III Video "The First Teaser"
http://i.imgur.com/520Cwq3s.jpg Close-up on the New Shenmue III Art
http://i.imgur.com/yvJB9n4s.jpg Global Publishing Partner Announced for Shenmue III
http://i.imgur.com/34RWUTAs.png Yu Suzuki's Meet & Greet Schedule at Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/0eQ6QJ8s.jpg List of Ryo's Goals | Shenmue Passport Disc
http://i.imgur.com/HRwqCJes.jpg Shenmue Passport Unlocked! | Hack to Skip Dial-up Check
http://i.imgur.com/1o3nvyxs.jpg Two Dazzling Shenmue-Inspired Projects: a Rock Opera & a Fan Manga

July 2017
http://i.imgur.com/0vzaHjts.jpg Tai Chi in Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/nJsRGKLs.jpg Shenmue III at Gamescom 2017: What We Know So Far
http://i.imgur.com/1nOV5eUs.jpg Shenmue Telephone Cards | Shenmue Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/C5kWWnTs.jpg Vote Shenmue as Best All-Time Game! | Famitsu 1500th Edition Poll
http://i.imgur.com/HFeP8dAs.jpg How to Get to Dobuita Street | Dobuita Guide Series Part 1
http://i.imgur.com/dHynmPcs.png Comments on Kickstarter Update #69: August Event, Revised Logo & New Characters

June 2017
http://i.imgur.com/yfS73Nvs.png Guizhang Promo Clip Voiced by Eric Kelso
http://i.imgur.com/dsQvfQds.jpg Interview with Eric Kelso: Voice Actor for Ren, Guizhang & Fuku-san
http://i.imgur.com/FA4ta1Ms.png Eric Kelso Interview Coming Soon | Fuku-san Promo Clip
http://i.imgur.com/eSpxmHVs.png Eric Kelso Interview Coming Soon | Ren Promo Clip
http://i.imgur.com/JXYQatNs.jpg Submit Questions for our Interview with Eric Kelso [now closed]
http://i.imgur.com/EVFzD5Is.jpg Sealed What's Shenmue | Ebay Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/X1kVazYs.jpg Kickstarter Update #68: Shenmue III Rescheduled for 2018
http://i.imgur.com/eapK7Ois.jpg The Streets of Shenmue: Street Addresses | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/mt4BSD3s.png Results of Famitsu Poll: Action-Adventure Game Top 20 [June 2017]

May 2017
http://i.imgur.com/E8zNFPDs.jpg Comments on Kickstarter Update #67 | New Character Model & Absence from E3
http://i.imgur.com/bcak7Kts.jpg Sealed US Shenmue | Ebay Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/ucIOJUFs.jpg Shoes On... Shoes Off | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/dBWF9V8s.jpg Gio Corsi Visiting Yu in Tokyo [May 17, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/MqAatxNs.jpg The Meaning & Origin of "Dobuita" | Placenames
http://i.imgur.com/uz6KQl8s.jpg Comments on Kickstarter Update #66 [Yu-san on Story Building]

April 2017
http://i.imgur.com/6hRqzg4s.png Guide to Famitsu Poll: Best Action-Adventure Game [closes 8th May, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/guRxybQs.jpg Retro Games Exhibition: Sega Taikan Games | Photo Report
http://i.imgur.com/RACi6dEs.jpg Ryo and the Tiger-skin Pants | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/IrqlCqzs.jpg Fuku-san's Incredible Money Counting Skills | Video
http://i.imgur.com/4ouU0kos.jpg Yu Suzuki Interview for the Release of "SEGA 3D Fukkoku Archives 3" | Famitsu]

March 2017
http://i.imgur.com/xrUGYHUs.jpg The Bamboo Fountain in the Hazuki's Garden | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/nQIB30Xs.jpg Anecdotes About Yu Suzuki From Yuji Naka | DenFamiNicoGamer [14 Feb, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/ACl0FlYs.jpg Shenmue Documentary Update Video | Chasing Shenmue: EP03
http://i.imgur.com/3F2klfBs.jpg Guide to SEGA Japan's Twitter Questionnaire [Closes March 26, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/wcPwXEss.jpg The Naming of Phantom River Stone | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/2mmK343s.jpg Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #65 [Dev Room Progress Report Vol. 2]
http://i.imgur.com/mG6K4mUs.jpg Interview with Cédric Biscay at MAGIC 2017 | Famitsu.com [Mar 9, 2017]

February 2017
http://i.imgur.com/6KiiKFrs.jpg New Song "Winter Sunset" by Shenmue Composer Ryuji Iuchi
http://i.imgur.com/Cgp2vgCs.jpg "You should have come yesterday" | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/wVMLlZJs.jpg Rotary Phones & Milk Delivery | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/8Mgc1xHs.jpg How to View the Passenger Plane and Fighter Jet Cutscenes | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/0yWEWCIs.png Iwao Hazuki's China Visit | Diagram of Relationships & Timeline
http://i.imgur.com/6VEc2Yes.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 3 | DenFamiNicoGamer

January 2017
http://i.imgur.com/VZ9PVsAs.jpg "Gachinko Fishing" & "Washing Place" | Shenmue Document Translations
http://i.imgur.com/EU27OuMs.jpg Ryo & Ren Comedy Video with English Captions (2001)
http://i.imgur.com/PqSdIWus.jpg Yu Suzuki at the AM2 Summer Festival (2001) | Article Translation
http://i.imgur.com/vIGPSMms.jpg Tile-breaking Job | Early Shenmue Document Translation
http://i.imgur.com/PZWjXavs.png Shenmue Comic: Training in Guilin
http://i.imgur.com/0RUQb9Hs.jpg Kowloon Cut-scene Music: 65 Tracks | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/YvN2RZjs.jpg Shenmue 3 Reward Dinner in San Francisco with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/CFADrwrs.jpg Shenmue III Reward Upgrades Coming in Summer
http://i.imgur.com/8j6i3Szs.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 2 | DenFamiNicoGamer [26 Dec, 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/BVgZW6Xs.jpg "Shenmue Gaiden: Christmas Event" | New Fanmade Visual Novel
http://i.imgur.com/b1azRTNs.gif New Year's Illustration & Cultural Notes

December 2016
http://i.imgur.com/wWc7IWgs.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 1 | DenFamiNicoGamer [26 Dec, 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/3dMiVTBs.jpg Yu Suzuki's New Year Resolution [Famitsu.com, Dec 29]
http://i.imgur.com/xr5QFaGs.jpg Yu Suzuki Comments on the Past & Coming Year [4Gamer.net, 28 Dec 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/gnO9bNOs.jpg Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #64 [Season’s Greetings!]
http://i.imgur.com/ubglJ2ls.jpg Winter Heating in Japan | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/qOwmG9Bs.png Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #63 [Campaign and Progress Update]
http://i.imgur.com/nYb2Vjes.jpg Shenmue III "Pre-Orders" for PC Start Tomorrow (Dec 15, 2016)
http://i.imgur.com/exgJDORs.png "Let's Get Sweaty" | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/ag4zj5us.png Yu Suzuki Currently In California
http://i.imgur.com/5zWHSeWs.png Shenmue Campaign Timeline
http://i.imgur.com/IjeW1pXs.png Shenmue's Absence From PSX 2016
http://i.imgur.com/gk1HKhvs.png Yu Suzuki Interview Video (Subtitled) - Retro Games Expo 2016
http://i.imgur.com/bAbAulBs.png Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #62 [Yu Suzuki on the Music of Shenmue]

November 2016
http://i.imgur.com/9BM8AYWs.png Is Lan Di the Leader of the Chi You Men?
http://i.imgur.com/BlCr0Kns.jpg Lan Di Statue Photos (Exclusive Edition)
http://i.imgur.com/rgviLMts.jpg Shenmue Dojo Broadcast Special - 3 December, 2016
http://i.imgur.com/xJNJWIWs.png SEGA Online Poll Results & Video Recap
http://i.imgur.com/qhAiA9As.png Guide to the SEGA Japan Online Poll. [Now Closed]
http://i.imgur.com/Xn2vFoes.jpg Cédric Biscay hints at Shenmue III material for the PSX event
http://i.imgur.com/Jin2uvWs.png "It can't be... you... ?"
http://i.imgur.com/pnN7iUxs.png Top 200 Dreamcast Games Poll Results [DCJY 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/6f2w06Us.jpg Yu Suzuki Comments on Shenmue 3 - Nov 2 Famitsu interview

October 2016
http://i.imgur.com/4E8j5b9s.jpg Kickstarter Update #61: Halloween Greetings
http://i.imgur.com/Ujnkac3s.png Two Fan-made Shenmue Videos Not to Miss
http://i.imgur.com/AduBuT3s.png Map of Langhuishan - Shenmue 2 Unused Asset
http://i.imgur.com/hmdWTwcs.jpg Shenmue Realism: Yamanose Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/NrX84UHs.jpg "Especially Since You Bought Merchandise."
http://i.imgur.com/2FQiu2gs.png Ryo performing Victory Pose from Virtua Fighter
http://i.imgur.com/jGoYDoFs.jpg Shenmue 3 Dev Team Expanding! Leaflet Translation

September 2016
http://i.imgur.com/LpTFsAKs.jpg Kickstarter Update #60: Dinner in Japan Report
http://i.imgur.com/BIZyrmEs.png QTE Sound Collection
http://i.imgur.com/m4okNn6s.jpg Yu Suzuki Interview Translation (Retro Games Expo / 2016)
http://i.imgur.com/IfyMKHys.jpg The Cryptic Notes in Fukuhara-san's Room
http://i.imgur.com/M4EPqtHs.jpg New "Shenmue AM2" Podcast Series
http://i.imgur.com/EsuuvpWs.jpg Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Dinner Party in Japan
http://i.imgur.com/Rypgz9es.jpg Recent sightings of Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/h3pJ2bKs.jpg Yu Suzuki Arcade Games at Retro Games Exhibition in Saitama, Japan
http://i.imgur.com/raoDtKjs.jpg Cédric Biscay: No "big update" on Shenmue III for the near future
http://i.imgur.com/HFrPyUas.jpg Dorimaga Awards Part 2: Best Script (Dorimaga / March 2000)
http://i.imgur.com/1gOEjcOs.jpg Sega TGS 2016 Merchandise: the Ryo Marshmallow
http://i.imgur.com/0ktXJTps.jpg TGS 2016 & Shenmue Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/mBOebs6s.jpg Shenmue Realism: Washing Machines
http://i.imgur.com/8w8RmTxs.jpg Shenmue Wins Best Dreamcast Title (Dorimaga article / March 2000)
http://i.imgur.com/DYH3Z2Ss.jpg "This..." Unnatural Utterances at the Tomato Convenience Store
http://i.imgur.com/vVIonJts.jpg Slacker Backer: update on the PC version reward

August 2016
http://i.imgur.com/iVesGfVs.jpg Kickstarter Update #59: observations
http://i.imgur.com/G5LuJZhs.jpg Kickstarter Update #59 - From the Dev Room
http://i.imgur.com/KNza7MLs.jpg A New Shenmue Blog is Launched

I have no words. Just sensational work and fantastic passion from one of the most revered Shenmue fans I've had the privelidge of meeting.
Many thanks to you Peter for your incredible support over the year, and for helping to spread the word about new articles on your Twitch streams. I've found the enthusiasm of Shenmue fans to be quite amazing, and it's what provided the inspiration and motivation to make the blog. It's an absolute pleasure to spend time on this project.