Minecraft Tops Japan's Favorite Games in Nationwide Survey

Sagar Mankar
Jul 31
3 min read

Pixelated Minecraft character in teal armor rides a horse holding a sword. Background: iron golems, villagers, trees, and a castle under blue sky. — Minecraft (Image Credit: Mojang/Microsoft)

A nationwide survey aired on Japan’s TV Tokyo has revealed the country’s top 100 favorite video games, and surprisingly, the number one spot didn’t go to a Japanese title.

According to the results, Minecraft, Mojang’s iconic sandbox game, claimed the top ranking, beating out legendary franchises like Super Mario and Dragon Quest.

As reported by Automaton, the ranking was revealed during a special July 27 episode of Ariyoshiiieeeee! – Oh yeah! Wanna play games at your place now?, a gaming-focused variety show hosted by popular comedian Hiroiki Ariyoshi. Known for its lighthearted format where celebrities and hosts play games together, the show took a more analytical approach this time, diving into the preferences of Japanese gamers across age groups.

The survey polled 3,000 participants evenly (600 each) spread across five age demographics—from teens (10s) to those in their 50s. Each person listed their top five favorite games, and based on a scoring system, the responses were tallied to produce a comprehensive top 100 list.

Although Japanese games made up the bulk of the list, it was Minecraft that resonated most, especially among teenagers.

The show highlighted how the game’s creative freedom, open-ended design, and social aspects made it a favorite for younger players. One teen participant described it as a perfect way to “escape from reality,” while a host noted that Minecraft is “not just a game, but a platform”—a sentiment that seems to reflect modern gaming trends among Gen Z.

Among teens, other popular games included Fortnite (2nd), Splatoon 3 (3rd), Animal Crossing: New Horizons (4th), and Splatoon 2 (5th).

Gamers in their 20s leaned toward Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, while those in their 30s showed strong nostalgia for Pokémon Red and Green and Final Fantasy X.

As the age range increased, so did the love for older, genre-defining titles. Players in their 40s and 50s favored Super Mario Bros. and Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation, highlighting the lasting impact of these classics on Japanese gaming culture.