o you have a personal favorite design?

Fukuoka-based Gametech started today on-line distribution of their new brand Wasabi for overseas. The name sounds like the well-known Japanese flavor but its inspiration is wabisabi. We asked Gametech’s Gouta Kosugi a few questions.

: How did the idea of Wasabi come?

KG: “Beautifully colored Japanese style digital gadgets” was the main concept. The favorable reception of our former similar product line exceeded the expectations. We felt the high level of interest in Japanese elegance so decided to try getting more people into it and created the brand Wasabi.

: What considerations did you have when choosing from the vast volume of motifs and the many artists?

KG: Products with classic Japanese motifs like “Tsuru to Kumo” and “Kamawanu” are primarily for males. The flowery themes such as “Pokkuri” and “Ryusui ni Sakura” are mainly targeted at females. We thought of Ukiyoe themes like “Akafuji” and “Kabuki<Sharaku>” as the best representatives of Japanese traditional art for foreigners. We selected for production the most popular motifs chosen by the visitors who had answered the questionnaire at the Tokyo Game Show.

: Wasabi accessories for the hot-seller Wii are under development, right?

KG: That’s right. We are also planning to release DS Lite and DSi models.

: Do you have a personal favorite design?

KG: I like “Ryusui ni Sakura” and “Akafuji” the best.

Wasabi was popular among foreign visitants at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show. The company intends to distribute Wasabi at retail overseas too.